The Pittsburgh Steelers have a much anticipated draft class taking the field during training camp and, hopefully, during the regular season opener against the Atlanta Falcons. Head Coach Mike Tomlin is known for his stubbornness when it comes to putting rookies on the field early. During Pittsburgh's first day of camp on Thursday, they trotted out Nate Herbig and Dan Moore Jr. with the starting offensive line, rather than inserting the rookies that were drafted at the same positions.
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Steelers' Zach Frazier gets ready to snap the ball.
Pittsburgh used their top two selections in the 2024 NFL Draft on improving the offensive line. They selected Troy Fautanu with the 20th overall pick, who should be the starting right tackle at some point. They then chose Zach Frazier with the 51st overall pick, who is considered a pro-ready center. Fans have been worried Tomlin will make the team suffer by not starting these rookies right away, but recent comments from him about the 2024 class seem to suggest otherwise.
"What I do is based on individuals and it's not just a cookie-cutter approach. It's based on the maturation and maturity and readiness of individuals, and so what may have applied to last year's class may not apply to this year's class. I think a lot of this year's class are older guys than maybe last year's class. Bunch of fifth-year guys and things of that nature in this class. There might be more immediate maturity and readiness."
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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.
During the 2023 season, fans had begun to beg the organization to play its rookies. Broderick Jones got his first start in Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens, but it was only because Moore was injured. The only reason he attained a full-time starting job was because Chukwuma Okorafor got benched, and Jones then became the starting right tackle in Week 8.
Joey Porter Jr. didn't become the starting cornerback for Pittsburgh until Week 7 after impressive performances against Baltimore and the Los Angeles Rams. He turned into one of the best cornerbacks in the league, becoming a finalist for Defensive Rookie Of The Year.
Both Fautanu and Frazier had a lot more college experience than Jones did coming into the NFL. This leads to more maturity and experience, which can put them on a fast track towards a starting role. Jones was very raw coming from college, only playing for the University of Georgia for three seasons and starting a little more than a season's-worth of games. Fans may not have to put up with the wait to see their rookies take the field in 2024.
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Steelers' third rounder Payton Wilson getting some work in at OTAs.
Steelers' Draft Class Should Make An Impact Immediately
The Steelers have highly anticipated rookies that should make an immediate impact. Their first round pick should be an important player in 2024, and so could an undrafted free agent. This displays the range of the draft class, and shows how the organization found value with every pick and post-draft signing.
A player like Payton could be a starting linebacker in a dime package, he is considered one of the steals of the draft. His athleticism allows him to provide fantastic coverage and get in the backfield, he should be a serious candidate for Defensive Rookie Of The Year. Roman is another player who may be thrust into an important role early due to the thinness in the receiver room. He could become a favorite target of Russell Wilson early on.
When do you think playing like Fautanu, Frazier, and the Wilson's will take the field? Let us know in the comments below!
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