Breaking down the Steelers picks in new PFF mock draft

The folks over at Pro Football Focus put together a five-round mock draft for 2024 and we wanted to break down the picks for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh is preparing to take on the Buffalo Bills this weekend in the Wild Card round of the playoffs but we already have an eye on the offseason and the continued rebuild of this roster.

First round - S Kamren Kinchens, Miami

Sep 3, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes safety Kamren Kinchens (24) runs with the football during the fourth quarter against the Bethune Cookman Wildcats at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

We love Kinchens. He’s a perfect athlete to pair up with Minkah Fitzpatrick in the defensive backfield. Polished technique, ideal size and athleticism.

Second round - CB D.J. James, Auburn

Oct 28, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers cornerback D.J. James (4) against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

This feels early for James who has a very slight build and I question his ability to hold up to the physicality of the NFL.

Third round - C Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia

Apr 15, 2023; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Sedrick Van Pran (63) in action during the Georgia Spring Game at Sanford Staduim. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers found Broderick Jones at Georgia last year and we’d love to see them go back for their new starting center.

Fourth round - CB Max Melton

Nov 11, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Max Melton (16) intercepts a pass from Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Deacon Hill (not pictured) during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Getting Melton in the fourth round just raises more questions about the pick of James in the second round. Melton is a great zone cornerback and a nice fit for the Steelers defense.

FIfth round - WR Ricky Pearsall, Florida

Florida Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (1) makes a one-handed catch for a first down during the first half against the Charlotte 49ers at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, September 23, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]

Getting a starting slot receiver in the fifth round is a great value and Pearsall is a strong option to replace Allen Robinson and/or Calvin Austin on the depth chart.

Breakdown

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 25: Jayden Daniels #5 of the LSU Tigers is sacked by Jacoby Mathews #2 and Edgerrin Cooper #45 of the Texas A&M Aggies during the first half at Tiger Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Overall, this mock draft checks a lot of boxes for the Steelers. Getting a safety, cornerback and center hits several big offseason needs. But drafting James in the second round is less than ideal, especially when they pick up Max Melton later. Give me a linebacker or offensive tackle in the second round instead and this mock would be pretty ideal.