The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp’s 2024 Football Preview book. In addition to Warren’s deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps as well as draft class analysis from Ryan McCrystal. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2024 Football Preview.
With 2024 NFL training camps on the horizon, we’re starting to understand how 2024 NFL draft classes will impact each roster this season.
Let’s look at the Pittsburgh Steelers, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from each class, while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
Who are the Pittsburgh Steelers rookies?
- Troy Fautanu — OL — Round 1
- Zach Frazier — C — Round 2
- Roman Wilson — WR — Round 3
- Payton Wilson — LB — Round 3
- Mason McCormick — OG — Round 4
- Logan Lee — DT — Round 6
- Ryan Watts — CB — Round 6
Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Class Grade:
The Pittsburgh Steelers received an A draft grade from Sharp Football.
Which Steelers Rookies Will Make An Impact?
The Steelers neglected the offensive line for far too long and have finally taken steps to address it, starting last year with the first-round selection of Broderick Jones and this year Troy Fautanu (first round) and Zach Frazier (second round). Fautanu’s spot on the offensive line is up in the air, though he is expected to begin his career at one of the tackle positions.
He lined up at left tackle for the majority of his career at Washington, which may give him an edge to earn that role. However, Jones’ combination of length and athleticism makes him look like a more prototypical left tackle. In the long run, Fautanu may end up at guard, as his body type and movement skills might be a more natural fit on the inside. Though the Steelers clearly have a greater need at tackle right now.
Frazier will be expected to win the starting job at center, and it is critical to his long-term success that he wins that job. As a shorter prospect with average athleticism, Frazier might be limited to playing center, and few teams carry center-only linemen in backup roles. Frazier played a key role in West Virginia’s success in the run game last season. West Virginia ball carriers averaged 2.2 yards before contact per attempt when running to Frazier’s gap, ranked 15th among Power Five centers.
Mason McCormick (fourth round) will also add depth to the offensive line, though he is likely buried on the depth chart until 2025 when several linemen hit free agency. McCormick exclusively started at left guard during his six years at South Dakota State, so expect Pittsburgh to give him practice reps at other spots along the line this year to expand versatility. He may even have the tools to play right tackle.
Roman Wilson (third round) was underrated due to the lack of a passing attack at Michigan, but few prospects at the position have a more well-rounded game. Wilson’s ability as a blocker will immediately be appreciated in Pittsburgh. Wilson is likely to start immediately in the slot, where his after-catch ability will make him a weapon. Based on route-adjusted data from the last two years, Wilson gained 28.3% more yards after catch than expected on the NFL’s most common routes.
Linebacker Payton Wilson (third round) likely would have been in the first-round conversation if he could stay healthy. A series of injuries limited him throughout his career, but late on Day 2 was an appropriate time to make the gamble. Wilson likely serves as a backup to Elandon Roberts and Patrick Queen as a rookie. Roberts is in the final year of his contract, and Wilson should be considered a heavy favorite to take his spot in 2025. Anticipation skills in coverage are Wilson’s best asset, and the reason why he could get on the field sooner rather than later.
Logan Lee (fifth round) was a productive pass-rusher at Iowa, generating a 7.4% pressure rate from the interior. Although he lacks ideal size, the production can’t be ignored. Expect Lee to provide some depth and potentially grow into a larger role once veterans Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi are out of the picture.
Ryan Watts (sixth round) is a developmental project at cornerback, who may ultimately end up at safety. Watts has elite length (34.5-inch arms), but it never translated to consistent production. Watts’ route-adjusted ball-hawk rate was 34% below expected over the last two seasons. With those arms and a 40.5-inch vertical, his inability to make plays on the ball is a major red flag.
The Steelers hit a home run with this class, likely adding three immediate starters at positions of significant need while also adding some developmental talent on Day 3.
This analysis continues in the 2024 Football Preview
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