The Steelers Update staff offer their thoughts and grades on every Steelers selection from the 2024 NFL Draft. Let us know your grades in the comments below.
Round 1
No. 20: OT Troy Fautanu | Washington
James’ Take:
Drafting Troy Fautanu at 20th overall is amazing value. Although he’s on the smaller side for tackles, he makes up for it with his athleticism and technique. He’s much better as a pass protector but he’ll still be able to hold his own in the run game. If the Steelers stick to the plan, moving Broderick Jones back to his natural position at left tackle, then Fautanu will have to learn to play right tackle. He played exclusively on the left side at Washington.
Still though, getting a consensus top-five tackle without having to trade up is impressive. I could see the Steelers holding a competition for the right tackle job between Fautanu and Dan Moore during training camp. Even if Fautanu doesn’t initially beat out Moore, I’d expect to see him play at some point this season.
Grade: A-
Will’s Take:
What does this pick mean? Head coach Mike Tomlin said following Fautanu’s selection that the former University of Washington standout will come in as a tackle. The Steelers’ coach would not commit to Fautanu being the team’s new right tackle. Last year’s first-round pick, Broderick Jones, played right tackle and Dan Moore Jr. played left. However, the long-term plan is to move Jones to left and Fautanu will fall in at right tackle. This will likely be Moore’s last year in Pittsburgh should Fautanu live up to the expectations the Steelers have for him at right tackle.
Fautanu’s impact: I don’t see Fautanu coming in and starting right away. With Moore still on the roster, the Steelers can let Fautanu adjust to playing right tackle and the speed of the game. The goal is likely to have him ready to be the new right tackle next season after the team parts with Moore.
Grade: A+
C.J.’s Take:
This is a great pick for the Steelers. In my opinion, Fautanu was a top-15 prospect in this draft. He should be starting at one of the tackle spots on day one. He is a furious run blocker who will help create massive holes for the Steelers running backs, particularly in short-yardage situations. He has the speed and quickness to reach linebackers and safeties at the second level. Fautanu is also big enough to maul smaller defenders in space.
He possesses excellent body control and balance in pass protection as well as solid footwork. He is also able to quickly recover when he gets caught out of position. Fautanu’s long arms (34 1/2 inches) allow him to bend well and deliver a strong initial punch against pass rushers. He played in 41 games at Washington, so he has the experience. Pittsburgh got a steal here and grabbed a starting caliber O-lineman with the 20th pick.
Grade: A
James’ Take:
Zach Frazier isn’t your prototypical, athletic center, but he’s a mauler through and through. His relentless toughness, polished technique and mastery of zone-blocking schemes make him the ideal anchor for the Steelers’ evolving run-heavy attack.
Frazier offers a much-needed, consistent presence at the center position–something the Steelers have desperately lacked since Maurkice Pouncey’s retirement. I would’ve given this pick a higher grade but I had Frazier rated as the third-best center in the draft behind Graham Barton and Jackson Powers-Johnson. Barton was taken in the first round but Powers-Johnson was drafted only seven spots ahead of this pick.
Grade: B+
Will’s Take:
What does this pick mean? The Steelers needed a center desperately and they went and got their guy in Zach Frazier. A versatile center, one of only two in the entire draft, he fills an immediate need for Pittsburgh and will be expected to start this coming season.
Frazier’s impact: The West Virginia center will make an immediate impact for the Steelers on the offensive line, as he will likely be starting from the beginning of training camp. Frazier is a bulldozer in the run game, as he can drive defenders back and can get up to the second level. He also has a firm punch in pass protection. His lack of length is a concern in pass protection.
Grade: A
C.J.’s Take:
The transformation of the Steelers offensive line continues. Zach Frazier was a four-year starter at West Virginia who played center and guard. He projects as a Center in the NFL. Pittsburgh released former starting center Mason Cole, so Frazier fills an immediate need. This pick is a slight reach on paper, but if the Steelers really wanted Frazier, this isn’t a bad spot to take him.
He’s got huge hands making it nearly impossible for defenders to get off of him. He also has some quickness and can move his hips well enough to seal off running lanes. Frazier was a four-time heavyweight wrestling champion in high school so he’s also got a bit of edge and nastiness to him. He can finish run blocks with power and doesn’t let up too much in pass protection. Pittsburgh is bringing in a physical, no-nonsense mauler who will also help solidify the interior offensive line. Frazier is another day-one starter, which is a great sign to nail two instant-impact players with your first two picks.
Grade: B+
James’ Take:
The Steelers needed to come out of this draft with a wide receiver. They went with Roman Wilson, who can play inside and out. Although, he’ll most likely line up in the slot. He’s a speedster and has good route-running skills. His size is comparable to Diontae Johnson, who the team was probably trying to replace with this pick.
He can be an immediate impact player, but the team could still add another veteran like Odell Beckham Jr. or D.J. Chark to give Wilson more time to develop.
Grade: B-
Will’s Take:
What does this pick mean? After sending Diontae Johnson to Carolina, the Steelers needed to get at least one receiver in this year’s draft. They were able to do that with Roman Wilson, who can play a similar role as Johnson, as well as play in the slot.
Wilson’s impact: Wilson was a big-play threat at Michigan this past year, which he displayed with his 12 touchdown receptions. Is he the Steelers No. 2 receiver? Not quite yet, but he has a chance to be. He made some big-time plays in the Wolverines’ win over Alabama in the Rose Bowl, as well as in his national championship performance over Washington. He has really good speed, as he ran a 4.39 in his 40-yard dash and had a 10-yard split of 1.52. The Steelers will use Wilson to attack the intermediate and deep portions of the field, as he will add another explosive element to the Pittsburgh offense.
Grade: B
C.J.’s Take:
The Steelers find some help for George Pickens in the form of Roman Wilson. In a deep wide receiver draft class, Pittsburgh addresses one of its biggest needs. In Michigan’s run to the national championship, Wilson started 15 games while recording 48 catches and 789 receiving yards. His 12 touchdowns ranked tied for ninth in the nation. He has a nose for the end zone, which is great news for a Steelers team that has struggled to score through the air. He is on the smaller side but can play outside as well as in the slot.
Head coach Mike Tomlin must have liked what he saw from Wilson at the Senior Bowl. He ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine. So, he has the speed to run away from defenders after the catch while also being a threat on vertical routes. He needs to develop more as a route runner and his being on the small side could be a disadvantage against bigger and more physical corners. He will likely slide in as a slot receiver in Pittsburgh where he’ll have a chance to showcase his quickness and toughness.
Grade: B
No. 98: LB Payton Wilson | NC State
James’ Take:
Back-to-back Wilson picks in the third round, but this one was an absolute steal. Payton Wilson was the best linebacker in this draft but fell due to injury concerns. He had two ACL tears in college and was hampered by a shoulder injury in 2022. The news of Wilson not having an ACL is a bit alarming. However, Steelers legend Hines Ward didn’t have an ACL and we all know how that turned out.
Injuries aside, Wilson has the speed and size of an elite linebacker. I would go as far as saying he has shades of future Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly in him. He’s a dynamic playmaker and gives the Steelers more depth at the position, especially with the uncertainty around Cole Holcomb being ready to start the season.
Grade: A+
Will’s Take:
What does this pick mean? The Steelers landed a first-round player at the bottom of the third round. Wilson was one of the top-35 players in the draft and most figured he would at least go early in the second round. Though there are injury concerns, the Steelers get a great value pick and a player who has a chance to be an All-Pro and can pair with Patrick Queen in the middle of Pittsburgh’s defense for years to come. With Cole Holcomb coming off a serious knee injury, Wilson gives the Steelers some comfort knowing they have a playmaker on defense at inside linebacker even if Holcomb is not the same player when he comes back.
Wilson’s impact: Mike Tomlin loved what he saw from Wilson at the Senior Bowl. Wilson posted a 4.43 in the 40, which showed off his speed and his ability to cover. The 6-foot-3, 234-pound linebacker finds himself near the football when he is allowed to play freely. He has great third-down ability as a blitzer and is a talented cover man who can play zone or man coverage. He can be a starter early in his career.
Grade: A+
C.J.’s Take:
My favorite pick of the draft. Pittsburgh has a history of solid young inside linebackers. Payton Wilson will be the next great linebacker. He just looks like a Steeler. After he was brought in on a top 30 visit, you just had a feeling that this was a good spot for him. I was worried he’d get picked earlier, but the Steelers were patient and added another “Wilson” to the roster. There were six other inside linebackers taken ahead of him. I think you can argue that only one of them should have been.
Wilson is a sideline-to-sideline defender who finished his college career with 402 tackles. He had the fastest 40-yard dash of any linebacker at the combine. He’s got good instincts and breaks on the ball well enough to match up with tight ends and running backs. The reason he slid is because he has a history of knee injuries. That is the only reason I can’t give this pick an A+ grade. I think Wilson can start tomorrow. Pittsburgh signed Patrick Queen to take one of the inside linebacker spots. But I think the other is Wilson’s to lose. Barring injury, this is the potential Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Grade: A
James’ Take:
Mason McCormick is exactly what you want in a Steelers offensive lineman, a hard-nosed gritty player. He made 57 consecutive starts at South Dakota State, displaying great durability. He has the potential to be a starter down the line, but he’ll need to work on his stiffness and flexibility.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of McCormick but not with this pick. The Steelers had other positions that needed to be addressed before guard. This is a depth pick, and while solid, it won’t improve the team immediately.
Grade: C+
Will’s Take:
What does this pick mean? This is a good value pick for the Steelers. Pittsburgh is pretty much set with its offensive line starters for next year, but McCormick is a guy who can provide depth, while he adjusts to playing in the NFL.
McCormick’s impact: He is likely to start his career as a backup. He will also help the Steelers on special teams. He brings a lot of experience and toughness to the O-Line. McCormick’s strength is his physical strength and his mean nature on the playing field. He is not overly athletic and does not display the flexibility to redirect and play with leverage. His ability and instincts in pass protection are what drew the Steelers to him.
Grade: B
C.J.’s Take:
Okay, I’m a sucker for FCS players. I got my sports reporting start covering FCS and Division II teams. So, seeing the Steelers pick up an offensive lineman from an FCS School warms my heart. Pittsburgh fans probably have never heard of Mason McCormick. But they will soon find out that he’s one heck of a football player. McCormick was a four-year starter at South Dakota State, the team that has won the last two FCS championships.
He started making waves after a solid showing at the East-West Shrine Bowl. However, he also tested well at the combine. He’s a strong run blocker with a high motor. He can play stiff at times, he struggles to play with leverage and he can get caught off guard by counter moves and stunts. McCormick is a project but brings much-needed depth to the Steelers offensive line. He is capable of taking snaps at center, but will likely remain at guard. If he pans out and reaches the top end of his potential, he could become a long-term starter.
Grade: B
James’ Take:
The Steelers took a liking to Logan Lee during the pre-draft process; he had a top-30 visit with the team. Lee is uber-athletic and will be able to slot in anywhere along the defensive line, but his size positions him as a 3-4 defensive end. His frame and length are great starters. However, he’s a bit light at 281 pounds and will probably need to put on weight.
According to almost every rating platform, the Steelers reached with this pick. Lee was projected by most to be selected in the seventh round or be signed as an undrafted free agent. Pittsburgh clearly likes him, but they might’ve been able to grab him with their last pick.
Grade: B-
Will’s Take:
What does this pick mean? The Steelers picked Lee because he can play multiple positions on the interior of the defensive line. He has the size and length to play the 5-technique. He can play defensive end in the Steelers’ 3-4 scheme, which will be a good fit with his size and run-stopping ability.
Lee’s impact: Many felt the Steelers needed to get a defensive tackle to begin the process of replacing Cam Heyward, who is nearing the end of his career. I doubt Lee is that guy. However, the Steelers like his size (6-5, 281) and his length. They like that he is a strong player who can do some different things. Most importantly he fits the ‘Steelers Mold’.
Grade: C+
C.J.’s Take:
Another player the Steelers have done a ton of homework on. Logan Lee is an undersized defensive lineman with short arms. However, he plays with good leverage and is instinctive with his hands. He isn’t afraid to take on blockers and can disengage in time to make plays in the run game. Lee is another guy with that high motor. He never gives up on the play and chases the quarterback with solid effort. My favorite aspect of this game is that he reads the eyes of the quarterback and gets his hands up in passing lanes.
Lee has the potential to become a rotational piece in the long term or just a practice squad guy.
Grade: B–
No. 195: CB Ryan Watts | Texas
James’ Take:
The Steelers finally selected a cornerback. Ryan Watts has great size and length. He offers versatility to cover outside and in the slot. His frame would be better suited for safety though. Pittsburgh could use Watts as a box safety; he’d be able to keep up with tight ends and running backs in coverage.
He can come in and contribute right away on special teams. However, he’ll need more time to develop at those other positions. Watts is definitely more of a project piece for the team to mold into what they envision him being.
Grade: B
Will’s Take:
What does this pick mean? Considering Watts’ size, the Steelers wanted to get a long and athletic player who could come in and back up Joey Porter, Jr. and Donte Jackson at the cornerback positions. He gives the Steelers another long guy who runs well and has position flexibility.
Watts’ impact: Watts will likely be a backup, but as Mike Tomlin said, he has position flexibility and if he makes the roster, he gives the Steelers a Patrick Peterson-type player. He can play both cornerback and safety. If he gets a little bigger, he can even be a hybrid nickel/SAM-type player in certain schemes. There are a lot of things the Steelers can do with Watts.
Grade: B+
C.J.’s Take:
The wait is over. Pittsburgh finally decided to address their cornerback room with the team’s final pick of the Draft. Ryan Watts is a huge corner, who has the longest arms of any defensive back who went to the combine this year. He is solid in press and has great instincts in zone coverage. He reads the quarterback’s eyes well and has been in a system that passed off receivers in zone looks. He has great upper-body strength that allows him to reroute receivers in press coverage. He’s a solid tackler. He isn’t afraid to step up as a run-defender. He has the quickness to get off blocks.
Because of his size, he could be a potential candidate to move to safety. He has a decent chance to make the team this season. Worth being drafted at this spot.
Grade: B+
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