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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Curt Popejoy

Steelers reload both sides of the ball in new 7-round mock draft update

In just three weeks, the NFL regular season will come to a merciful end and if the Pittsburgh Steelers don’t back into the playoffs, they can turn their full attention to getting the team on track. Whether Mike Tomlin stays or not, we look for a huge overhaul of the roster, and that starts with the 2024 NFL draft.

This new mock fills key roster spots on both sides of the ball as well as brings in a quarterback who can push Kenny Pickett to either step up or step aside.

First round - CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa

IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 30: Defensive back Cooper DeJean #3 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs a punt return down the sideline during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans at Kinnick Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)

The Steelers have one starting cornerback in Joey Porter Jr. but adding Cooper DeJean would give Pittsburgh a pair of No. 1 cornerbacks which they haven’t had in a long time.

Second round - QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan

Dec 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) drops to pass during the second half of the Big Ten Championship game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Seeing J.J. McCarthy on the board in the second round makes him too good to pass up. McCarthy has all the tools to be a top starter in the NFL and would be a perfect player to push Kenny Pickett or replace him.

Third round - C Zach Frazier, West Virginia

Sep 17, 2022; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers offensive lineman Zach Frazier (54) during the first quarter against the Towson Tigers at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers find a replacement for Mason Cole in the third round with Zach Frazier. He’s powerful and physical with great leadership traits.

Fourth round - LB Junior Colson, Michigan

December 31, 2022, 2022; Glendale, Ariz; USA; TCU quarterback Max Duggan (15) dives for a first down against Michigan linebacker Junior Colson (25) during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Breen-Arizona RepublicNcaa Fiesta Bowl Game

Pittsburgh needs a big, physical run-stuffing inside linebacker and Colson fits the bill perfectly.

Fourth round - S Jaden Hicks, Washington

Nov 5, 2022; Stanford, California, USA; Washington State Cougars defensive back Jaden Hicks (25) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Stanford Cardinal during the second quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Jaden Hicks has prototypical NFL size and athleticism and is strong in coverage as a deep safety.

Sixth round - WR Ainias Smith, Texas A&M

Nov 11, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Ainias Smith (0) stands on the field during the second half against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers need to bring in some gamers at wide receiver who just want to work hard and make plays. Ainias Smith is a do-it-all receiver who can even line up at running back and return kicks along with being a dynamic pass catcher.

Seventh round - LB Jontrey Hunter, Georgia State

Georgia State Panthers outside linebacker Jontrey Hunter (1) celebrates a stop at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021. Auburn Tigers defeated Georgia State Panthers 34-24.

We come back around to inside linebacker in the seventh with a real sleeper in Jontrey Hunter. He’s a sideline-to-sideline guy who could excel with NFL coaching. Hunter played inside and outside at Georgia State but projects on the inside in the NFL

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