Steelers' Top 2024 NFL Draft Targets

The Pittsburgh Steelers barrel toward the 2024 NFL draft with only a few obvious needs but plenty of spots they can hope to improve.

Pittsburgh already took care of the biggest potential issue by adding quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields during the early offseason. Improved quarterback play might be enough to push Pittsburgh beyond the opening round of the postseason, but it might not be enough to create a legitimate title contender.

Head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan have seven total selections with which to work this year. However, their biggest chance to land an impact player will come in Round 1—and the Steelers should very much be interested in adding a prospect who can contribute immediately.

Here, we'll examine three realistic targets for pick No. 20 who should heavily interest the Steelers ahead of the 2024 NFL draft.

The Steelers parted with center Mason Cole this offseason, and they need to find a replacement to properly support Wilson and/or Fields in 2024. Fortunately, the 2024 class is deep with offensive line talent, and Pittsburgh will have a chance to land a top-tier OL prospect at No. 20.

That's what happened in the latest Bleacher Report Scouting Department mock draft, which paired Pittsburgh with Duke standout Graham Barton. Brandon Thorn of the B/R Scouting Department cited Barton's versatility as the reason for the pick:

"With Barton it adds a true five-position skill set. Barton likely slides inside at center since the Steelers haven't been able to find a high-end center since the retirement of Maurkice Pouncey."

It's a sensible choice since the Steelers will A.) need to protect their new quarterbacks and B.) must improve a rushing attack that ranked 21st in yards per carry last season. Barton is a high-upside prospect who could help do both in Year 1 while steadily improving throughout his rookie contract.

Barton is also a low-risk prospect because, at worst, he'd provide depth at multiple positions along the line as a rookie.

The big question for Pittsburgh might be whether taking an interior lineman in the first round provides enough value. In a class loaded with quality interior prospects, it might make more sense to target a tackle.

While the Steelers have starters in Dan Moore Jr. and 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones, they should be looking for a better long-term duo. Moore was merely serviceable in 2023 and was responsible for three penalties and eight sacks allowed, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Steelers have two options for replacing Moore long-term. They could target a pure left tackle in the draft or move Jones over from the right side. Georgia's Amarius Mims could give Pittsburgh some options.

Mims' starting experience came at right tackle, but he has the size (6'8", 240 lbs) and physical upside needed to develop into a quality blindside blocker, eventually. It could take time for Mims to reach his full potential as a pass-blocker, but the Steelers have Moore under contract through 2024.

As a rookie, Mims would provide depth at tackle and could potentially be used as a run-down specialist until he's ready to start. His movement skills are impressive for a player his size, and as a rotational tackle or extra offensive lineman, he'd be a scary sight for opposing run defenses.

In recent years, Pittsburgh has waited until Day 2 to target wide receivers. That could be the plan again in 2024, especially given the overall depth at the position. However, the Steelers need receiver help after trading Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers.

It could make sense to make a move on LSU wideout Brian Thomas Jr., who is the fourth-ranked receiver on the B/R Scouting Department's big board.

The top three receiver prospects—Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr., LSU's Malik Nabers and Washington's Rome Odunze—could all go within the first 10 selections. Thomas has No. 1 receiver potential, though, and if he starts to slide, Pittsburgh might have to consider moving up.

A big reason for this is that Thomas could become a target for the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 18—which is where he landed in the B/R mock. Tee Higgins is set to play on the franchise tag, and adding another LSU product to an offense that features Ja'Marr Chase and Joe Burrow would make plenty of sense for Cincinnati.

Thomas is a legitimate playmaker who would help get the most out of Wilson and/or Fields in 2024. Jumping Cincinnati to grab him would ensure that he doesn't spend the next half-decade tormenting the Steelers secondary.