The Pittsburgh Steelers

I would like to start this off by saying I am a Steelers fan. I am going to be as objective as I can be to this. Overall the 2023 season was a dud and the only glimpse we had of hope was Mason Rudolph going on a linsanity run and getting the whole city believing we could hang with the Bills without TJ Watt. Sadly the season ended with yet another playoff loss and a continued seven years without a playoff win. Lets now dive into their first 4 picks, grade the draft and discuss the future.

At pick 20, Troy Fautanu (OT) fell to the Steelers and they grabbed their next OT. Having over 2,000 snaps and only allowing 3 sacks in that span, Troy showed that he is a Mauler and ready to help this bleeding Steelers line at the tackle position. This was a no-brainer pick considering Dan Moore Jr is a liability and they have to bolster the line for incoming QB Russel Wilson and new OC Arthur Smith.

Number 51 came as no surprise again as the Steelers grabbed Zach Frazier Center from West Virginia. Cutting Mason Cole made it clear that the Steelers were going out and getting their next great Center through free-agency or the draft. They got an instant starter in Frazier who saw 2,400 snaps in college. Frazier showed toughness each game and will bring that nasty attitude that Steelers want in a Center.

After trading away Dionte Johnson it was very obvious there was a need for a WR2 to be next to George Pickens and that’s what they did at number 84 and grabbed Roman Wilson (WR). Wilson comes from a tough championship winning program in Michigan and will bring that “Hines Ward” Style of football with him. He is not afraid to block and has great speed to separate and very strong hands for those contested catches. Roman will find himself in the lineup very early and looks like he will stand up to the test.

Coming in at number 98 the best LB in college football Payton Wilson (LB) was selected. Wilson has the high risk, high reward factor to him with injury history. Payton is a heat seeking missile though and gives the Steelers breathing room with Cole Holocomb recovering from a very serious injury. Wilson will see his time eventually but with his past, they will want to ensure durability with limited rotation at first.

I know I am going to sound biased but this was one of the if not the best draft class on paper I have seen the Steelers have. They filled all holes and provided needed depth in others. The Khan artist and crew knocked this one out of the park and earned an A+ in this draft. The future for the Steelers has to start at a playoff win but the super bowl is on their mind.