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
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
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
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
Pittsburgh needs a big, physical run-stuffing inside linebacker and Colson fits the bill perfectly.
Fourth round - S Jaden Hicks, Washington
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
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
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
