2024 NFL Draft: Steelers updated draft needs with 1 week to go

In just one week, the 2024 NFL draft will be going full speed ahead and the Pittsburgh Steelers, along with the rest of the NFL will be hitching their futures to a bunch of young men eager to make names for themselves. We are also anxious to see what direction the Steelers will go with so many clear-cut draft needs. Here are our updated rankings of Pittsburgh’s top draft needs.

1

Center

Oct 23, 2021; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers offensive lineman Zach Frazier (54) gives a high five to fans prior to their game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers traded away their starting center and have no viable starter on the roster. The team also didn’t even try to add a veteran in free agency. This is the clear top need based on the strength of his draft class.

2

Wide receiver

Dec 18, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers wide receiver Malachi Corley (11) runs the ball against Old Dominion Monarchs linebacker Koa Naotala (47) during the first quarter at Charlotte 49ers’ Jerry Richardson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh traded away wide receiver Diontae Johnson leaving only George Pickens on the roster with any experience last season. But we leave receiver No. 2 because the team signed multiple free-agent receivers but more importantly, the receiver class in this draft is much deeper than center.

3

Cornerback

Michigan defensive back Mike Sainristil tackles Washington wide receiver Jalen McMillan during the first half of the national championship game at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

Even though the Steelers traded for Donte Jackson, there is still the need for at least one starter, whether that would be in the slot or on the boundary if Jackson moves inside.

4

Offensive tackle

Nov 2, 2023; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Christian Horned Frogs offensive tackle Brandon Coleman (77) blocks Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive tackle Tony Bradford Jr. (97) in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

An upgrade to Dan Moore Jr. would be nice but at worst the Steelers need to draft a guy to develop behind him at the bare minimum.

5

Defensive line

Nov 18, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers defensive tackle Maason Smith (0) pressures Georgia State Panthers quarterback Darren Grainger (3) in third quarter action at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Dobbins-USA TODAY Sports

Cam Heyward can’t play forever and DeMarvin Leal was a disappointment last season..

6

Linebacker

Sep 9, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Temple Owls linebacker Jordan Magee (6) celebrates his interception during the second half against the Temple Owls at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers added Patrick Queen in free agency but it would be nice to get a young guy to prep behind Elandon Roberts.

7

EDGE

Sep 19, 2020; Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA; Troy Trojans defensive tackle Will Choloh (5) and Troy Trojans linebacker Javon Solomon (41) celebrate after a safety during the first half against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Floyd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers have shown no interest in bringing back Markus Golden so the team needs a fourth edge defender.

8

Safety

Nov 5, 2022; Stanford, California, USA; Washington State Cougars defensive back Jaden Hicks (25) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Stanford Cardinal during the second quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh added DeShon Elliott in free agency but Pittsburgh could draft an athletic player to make Damontae Kazee replaceable.