Following the end of the football season in both college and the NFL, there are a few major roadblocks that can alter the path and planning of the NFL draft: the NFL Scouting Combine, pro days and free agency.
Draft experts essentially rework all of their mock drafts because teams that were thought to be in the market for a rookie quarterback, like the Pittsburgh Steelers, might now be looking at other options.
Now that most of the top prospects have shown off in shorts and t-shirts without anyone rushing them, there are loads of changes in the mock draft community. So, we are presenting our 2024 Mock Draft Tracker to show fans what experts are thinking the Steelers will do on draft night.
Pittsburgh holds the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and possesses six additional picks from Rounds 2 to 7. Our Mock Draft Tracker includes recent predictions and analyses from across football media for what the Steelers will do with their top pick.
NFL Network’s Maurice Jones-Drew
April 4, 2024
The predicted pick at No. 20: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Jones-Drew’s pick analysis: “The Steelers are getting back to being a physical offense with a tough run game and explosive passing attack. Mims will help protect Russell Wilson and/or Justin Fields, while also paving the way for the potent RB duo of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.”
Click here for Jones-Drew’s full mock draft.
ESPN’s Field Yates
April 3, 2024
The predicted pick at No. 20: Graham Barton, C, Duke
Yates’ pick analysis: “Although wide receiver was a thought here after the Steelers traded Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh’s history of finding talented wideouts beyond the first round and the position’s depth in this class made me go another direction. Barton is among the most versatile linemen available, having played left tackle his final three seasons at Duke after playing center as a true freshman. I view him as an interior player in the NFL and a center for the Steelers, as he is arguably the most impressive run-blocker in the class. His versatility, core power and handwork all stood out to me when watching tape.”
Click here for Yates’ full mock draft.
ESPN’s Matt Miller
March 27, 2024
The predicted pick at No. 20: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
Miller’s pick analysis: “The Steelers did not tend to the offensive line in free agency, so this first-round selection has to be focused up front. Powers-Johnson is a dominant center prospect with exceptional power at 328 pounds. He started 17 games at Oregon and didn’t allow a single sack. He’s pro-ready and fits what Pittsburgh needs with his strength in the pass game and mobility in the middle of the field on run plays.”
Click here for Miller’s full mock draft.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.
March 19, 2024
The predicted pick at No. 20: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Kiper Jr.’s pick analysis: “Just a few weeks ago, at the NFL combine, here’s what Steelers general manager Omar Khan said to reporters about quarterback Kenny Pickett: “I have full faith in Kenny.” A lot has changed since then, huh? Pickett was traded to the Eagles after Pittsburgh signed Russell Wilson, and then the team traded a conditional Day 3 pick in 2025 for Justin Fields, completing a total overhaul of the QB depth chart. For new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to really thrive, though, the Steelers should add a replacement for wideout Diontae Johnson, who was traded to Carolina.
Thomas, who ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the combine, has a tremendous blend of speed and size (6-foot-3). He caught 17 touchdown passes last season, leading the FBS. Pittsburgh had just 13 total touchdown passes in 2023. Thomas and George Pickens could form an exciting pass-catching duo.”
Click here for Kiper Jr.’s full mock draft.
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah
March 19, 2024
The predicted pick at No. 20: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Jeremiah pick analysis: “The Steelers have undergone a complete makeover at quarterback, but they still need an upgrade at tackle to play opposite last year’s first-round pick, Broderick Jones.”
Click here for Jeremiah’s full mock draft.
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