The Pittsburgh Steelers roster is starting to come together for the upcoming season which means we already have a pretty good idea of which positions the Steelers will need to target in the upcoming offseason with no changes, whether that is via free agency or the 2024 NFL draft.
Fantasy Pros put out a new mock draft and they identified inside linebacker as the Steelers big first-round need. Pittsburgh signed multiple veteran inside linebackers in the offseason and we want to see how they pan out but there’s no denying this team is still searching for a Ryan Shazier replacement.
In this scenario, Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is on the board at pick No. 14. which is the same pick the Steelers traded up to in 2023 to draft Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones.
I like Trotter as a prospect. He’s got a strong NFL bloodline with his dad having played linebacker in the league from 1998-2009. But I really want to see more from him this season to be worth a pick in the top half of the first round. Trotter is often overshadowed by Clemson teammate Barrett Carter, who was actually projected to be No. 19 in this mock draft. At this point, I’ll take Carter over Trotter 10 times out of 10.
Overall, this draft hits on the need, which other than a cornerback is probably tops right now. But unfortunately, it misses on the prospect. Which Clemson linebacker is better is a debate that will be sorted out on the field this season.
