The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of roster changes to make in the 2024 offseason. The team is not anywhere close to the least talented group in the NFL, but several holes have been exposed in 2023 while injuries haven't helped their cause. Regardless of how the year ends for the organization, they need to get back to building throughout the NFL Draft. General Manager Omar Khan started off his tenure in a positive manner, selecting Broderick Jones, Joey Porter Jr. and Keeanu Benton, who have all become starters. Darnell Washington and Nick Herbig have been welcomed additions to the franchise as well.
Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman, Broderick Jones (#77) sets up at the line of scrimmage and prepares to block during a 2023 preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
The front office for the Steelers will have their eyes on the College Football Playoff as it is set to kick off on New Year's Day. There will be a plethora of talent on the field and several guys will hear their names called in April. Pittsburgh has several needs, but fans should be watching for certain players that may make sense for Khan and co, in the near future.
1.) JC Latham, OT - Alabama
While Jones has struggled in pass protection throughout his rookie year, he has been solid opening lanes in the running game. He is not playing his natural position of left tackle and he should be expected to move there in 2024. It's hard to imagine Dan Moore Jr. swinging and starting on the right side, and Chukwuma Okorafor will probably be a cap casualty. This opens the door for JC Latham.
At 6'6", Latham is a mammoth of a human. He is a very strong run blocker and him paired with Jones on the other side could make for an incredibly dominant rushing attack for the Steelers. He's likely to go in the first round and while Pittsburgh may have more pressing needs early, selecting Latham could set up the outside for years to come.
Kent Gidley / University of Alabama Athletics
Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman JC Latham
2.) T'Vondre Sweat, Defensive Lineman - Texas
Benton was a good start to rebuilding the Steelers' aging defensive line. Cameron Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi are good leaders to have as a part of the unit, but entering Week 17, Pittsburgh is allowing 117.5 yards per game on the ground. Teams have had the ability to wear them out late in games and some youth is necessary to have more success.
T'Vondre Sweat is a run-stopper and while much of the focus is on his line-mate, Byron Murphy II, Sweat is likely to go a bit sooner in the draft. If the Steelers ignore the defensive line position in round one, Sweat is a guy to keep an eye on later. He is 350 pounds and has the ability to swarm double teams so that his teammates can get into the backfield.
3.) Kool-Aid McKinstry, Cornerback - Alabama
Porter Jr. has been awesome throughout his rookie season, but with Levi Wallace and James Pierre set to be free agents, cornerback will be a very big emphasis for the Steelers. Patrick Peterson's desire to potentially move to safety full-time also has to weigh into this decision. Kool-Aid Mckinstry is one of, if not, the best corner(s) that will be available in 2024. He should be a mid-first rounder and him falling into Pittsburgh's lap would be an ideal scenario.
Benjamin B. Braun / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers cornerback, Patrick Peterson (#20) runs a drill with the defense at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA during 2023 minicamp.
McKinstry might not play the position that the Steelers need the most, but it's hard to ignore the possibility of him playing on the other side of Porter Jr. while TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith wreak havoc on opposing offensive lines and quarterbacks. Terrion Arnold, McKinstry's current cornerback mate, also could have a first round grade come April.
4.) Rome Odunze, Wide Receiver - Washington
Rome Odunze isn't likely to make it to the Steelers as he could end up being a top 10 pick. He is a beast in the passing game ending up with 81 catches for 1,428 and 13 touchdowns.
After George Pickens' career game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16, talks of his immaturity and need for more pass catchers died down quickly. That doesn't mean Pittsburgh could all of a sudden be out of the market. Odunze is one of several receivers to keep an eye on in the College Football Player. He is, without a doubt, the best prospect out of them all, however.
Steelers Unfortunately Don't Have Options At All Positions Of Need In College Football Playoff
Unfortunately, a position of need for the Steelers like center is not a talking point in these games. Drake Nugent at Michigan and Seth McLaughlin with the Crimson Tide are two guys who could play in the NFL, but neither is currently looked at as being a difference-maker at the professional level. Overall, all four teams have several players not mentioned that will be drafted in 2024. Pittsburgh should pay attention to those listed, but many of the soon-to-be draftees' talents will be on display.
Who are you excited to watch on college football's biggest stage? Let us know in the comments below!
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