Abate: Steelers 2024 Mock Draft 4.0 - Pittsburgh Trades Back In First Round And Team Lands Incredible Haul

The Pittsburgh Steelers are finalizing their 2024 NFL Draft plans after an already-exciting offseason. The needs for the roster have never been more clear, making it a little bit easier to predict which areas General Manager Omar Khan will target throughout draft weekend. There has been no news on a trade for a proven wide receiver, so for this final mock draft, let's hop in with the assumption that that positional group is as weak as it seems with Pittsburgh preparing to be on the clock.

The possibility of Khan making a move at any given time has to be on the radar. The 2024 NFL Draft could see a historic amount of trades, especially in the first round, which led to one materializing here.

1.) Round One - 22nd Overall *Projected Trade With Philadelphia Eagles* - Graham Barton - OL - Duke University

The Philadelphia Eagles and Howie Roseman came calling and Khan couldn't pick the phone up fast enough. The teams swapped first and second-round picks while Pittsburgh also landed 53rd overall in exchange for the 98th selection (that was originally given to the Steelers for Kenny Pickett). Philadelphia went the tackle route, selecting Penn State's Olumuyiwa Fashanu, which allowed Pittsburgh to land their prized possession, Graham Barton.

The versatile and athletic offensive lineman has flown up draft boards and can essentially play anywhere. The Steelers need an All-Pro caliber center and Barton is exactly that. This move couldn't have worked out better for both teams in round one, and it only gets better for Khan an co., as two second-round picks will go on to solidify the wide receiving core.

2.) Round Two - 50th Overall - Keon Coleman - WR - Florida State

Can you say George Pickens 2.0? Keon Coleman did not have a top 30 visit with Pittsburgh, but the 6'4", 210-pound athletic freak was staring at the Steelers in the second round. He caught 18 touchdown passes in his final two seasons at Florida State and the size of the team's receiving core gets a huge boost moving forward after his selection.

He didn't put up any absurd numbers in college, with 798 receiving yards being his most in three years, but he averaged 13.1 yards per reception in his career. Putting him opposite of Pickens is exactly what the doctor ordered. However, the depth is still shaky and thanks to the trade in the first round with the Eagles, Pickens and Coleman will have a new buddy quickly.

3.) Round Two - 53rd Overall - Ricky Pearsall - WR - University Of Florida

It's safe to assume that when the Steelers host any given prospect on a top 30 visit, he could hear his name called when Pittsburgh is selecting. Ricky Pearsall out of the University of Florida is going to be a name to pay attention to on day two of the draft. While he never eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving in any collegiate season, he displayed incredible consistency and prowess.

He has a knack for the big play, averaging 20 yards per catch in 2022. It may seem a bit extreme taking two second-round wideouts, but without a trade in the works, it makes too much sense. Assuming Pickens signs a contract extension after the 2024 campaign, the three of these play-makers would be expected to cause nightmares for opposing defenses through at least the 2027 season.

4.) Round Three - 84th Overall - Khyree Jackson - CB - University Of Oregon

It could make sense to go after a cornerback sooner, but Barton and the wide receivers were too tempting to pass up. Pair that with several veteran free agents still looking for a home (like Patrick Peterson), or another draft pick (hint hint) on top of Joey Porter Jr's projecting stardom, and it made sense to wait until round three when Khyree Jackson out of the University of Oregon was available.

Drafting Jackson continues a trend of bringing in long and athletic corners. He stands at roughly 6'3" and 200 pounds, giving him the size to match up with some of the most physical receivers in the NFL. He had three interceptions in 2023, but also plays well near the line of scrimmage. He had five tackles for loss and two sacks in his lone season with Oregon. His first two campaigns were with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

5.) Round Four - 119th Overall - Matt Goncalves - T - University Of Pittsburgh

Any player who completes a local visit should be on the minds of Steelers fans. While it remains a priority to get Broderick Jones on the left side, Pittsburgh isn't exactly certain to bring in a plug-and-play tackle on the right. Matt Goncalves has quickly risen on draft boards and could be an extremely enticing option when the Steelers are picking in the fourth round.

Standing at 6'6" and well over 300 pounds, the bookend lineman has the characteristics to perform at the professional level. He might need some time to develop, but the decision to make this move on day three suggests Dan Moore Jr. will be on the left side for at least the start of 2024.

6.) Round Five - 178th Overall - Kalen King - CB - Penn State University

Who said the Steelers were done improving the secondary? Waiting to see if MJ Devonshire from Pitt falls is an option, but Kalen King is another prospect out of Pennsylvania that made sense in the fifth round. Teaming up Porter and King once again was a logical decision. King is smaller at 5'11", but could be exactly what the Steelers need in the slot.

While adding a veteran like Peterson remains a viable option, even with the selection of two corners, this pick helps with the depth that is needed and reunites the former Nittany Lion teammates.

7.) Round Six - 195th Overall - Logan Lee - DL - University Of Iowa

The University of Iowa has been known for strong defenses in recent years, and Pittsburgh needs help on the defensive line. Logan Lee completed a top 30 visit with the Steelers, making him an extremely attractive option in the sixth round. He had a terrific collegiate career with the Hawkeyes, securing 18.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks in four seasons.

Steelers Put Off Defensive Line Need Until 2025

This position will be one of, if not, the main focus for the Steelers in 2025. Cameron Heyward could be in his final season, but Pittsburgh thinks they can get by in 2024 with the current unit and a little help from the rookie. If Khan decides to address the defensive line early, look no further than Florida State's Braden Fiske in the second round.

What are your thoughts on the final mock draft of 2024? Let us know in the comments below!

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