PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Round 1 (No. 20 overall) — Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington: An AllPac-12 performer with sweet feet, Fautanu has All-Pro ability and the versatility to thrive at tackle or guard on either side of the line. But if this team, despite its high-profile quarterback acquisitions this offseason, is going to get back to its roots as a run-heavy force under new OC Arthur Smith, bolstering its front five makes sense.
Round 2 (51) — Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia: They continue to remake their offensive line with an All-Big 12 performer and former wrestler from just across the border. Frazier and fellow rookie Troy Fautanu join a front five that added OT Broderick Jones last year.
Round 3 (84) — Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan: The Wolverines’ big-play guy in recent years courtesy of 4.4 speed, a run-heavy offense still limited his opportunities (48 catches for 789 yards and 12 TDs in 2023). Though Wilson (5-11, 185) often operated from the slot, he’s a premier deep threat.
Round 3 (98, special compensatory selection from Eagles) — Payton Wilson, LB, N.C. State: Medical issues knocked the ACC’s 2023 defensive player of player of the year down the board. Wilson, who also won the Bednarik and Butkus Awards last season, can do it all – from blitzing, covering or chasing down a ball carrier. The question will be how long his body will hold up.
Round 4 (119) — Mason McCormick, G, South Dakota State: One of the more talented offensive line classes in recent history sees McCormick in the fourth round. He turns 24 before the season starts but tested very well at the combine and has the size to hold up at guard. Pittsburgh continues to improve the trenches with a versatile prospect here.
Round 6 (178, from Cardinals through Panthers) — Logan Lee, DT, Iowa: Lee is a long, explosive athlete at the position but lacks the ideal weight and strength to stay on the inside. He is not quite a interior defender but doesn’t possess the burst and power to thrive on the edge.
Round 6 (195) — Ryan Watts, CB, Texas: Watts has the longest arms of any defensive back at the combine this year. He needs to improve his discipline in coverage or move to safety.