The NFL combine has come and gone.  We now have some measurements for all these prospects we have been talking about for weeks.  We also know the players the Steelers met with at the combine.  Player meetings have been a historically important clue as to who they may select in April.  With all that in mind, lets get to our Steelers mock draft 2.0:

Round 1 (20):

Brian Thomas Jr. WR – LSU:

The comparisons to former Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant had us from the go.  Then this LSU star went out and tested nearly identical to Bryant.  Both are 6’3”, with identical 32” arms.  Thomas ran a significantly faster 40 time at 4.33, compared to Bryant’s very respectable 4.42.

If the Steelers have a chance to get a Martavis Bryant clone only without the off the field issues, sign us up all day.  The team did have an official meeting at the combine as well, making the dream that closer to reality.  If the rumors of a Diontae Johnson trade come to fruition, Brian Thomas Jr. could very well be playing along side George Pickens in 2024.

Round 2 (51)

Max Melton CB – Rutgers:

Max Melton tested himself squarely into round two after his combine performance.  He was already known as a very good corner who wasn’t shy about his run defense.  Melton doesn’t exactly fit the new long and lanky corner mold the Steelers seem to now covet.  He is not small by any means however measuring in at 5’11”, 187lbs with 32” arms.  His 4.39 speed and 9.68 RAS score speaks to an elite athlete.  In most other drafts he would be a first round pick, but with the depth in this class he falls right into the Steelers laps at 51.

We had a different corner to the Steelers in round 2 in our first mock draft, check that one out here: Steelers mock draft 1.0: Post Senior Bowl Edition

Round 3 (84)

Blake Fisher OT – Notre Dame:

Many believe that tackle will be addressed in the first two rounds, but I’m not so sure.  As we’ve been saying all offseason, the Steelers are a lot more comfortable with their tackle position than most in the media believe. Having said that, Blake Fisher is the perfect puzzle piece who could back up both tackle spots, with the upside to be a starter right away if needed.

Fisher certainly fits the mold Pittsburgh likes in their tackles.  He stands 6’6”, with almost 35” inch arms.  The Steelers also had a formal meeting with Fisher at the combine.  He is definitely a tackle to keep an eye on for day two.

Round 4a (119)

Maason Smith, DT – LSU:

It’s as if Maason Smith was built in a lab for what this franchise looks for in a defensive lineman.  His nealry identical size at 6’5”, 305lbs, and 35” arms has drawn comparisons to a former Steeler by the name of Stephon Tuitt,  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/maason-smith-draft-scouting-2024/

This former 5 star recruit needs to be a lot more consistent however before he can be compared to Tuitt on the field.  Still, there are very few defensive tackles in this class with this kind of size profile.  Expect him to be on the Steelers radar on day 3.

Round 4b (120)

Beaux Limmer – C Arkansas:

We are going on the premise that Omar Khan will bring in a veteran center in free agency.  With that in mind, drafting a player who is a bit of a project like Beaux Limmer makes a lot of sense. Limmer tested extremely well at the combine scoring a 9.8 RAS.  He also has some position flexibility at guard, and we all know how much the Steelers value that trait in their offensive lineman. We couldn’t do a Steelers mock draft 2.0 without at least adding a developmental center.

Round 6 (196)

Sione Vaki SA – Utah:

Sione Vaki is exactly what you’d expect out of a safety in the 6th round.  He has some decent athletic traits (8.31 RAS), but struggles a bit in coverage.  Vaki even played some running back for Utah in 2023 due to a rash of injuries. This is a decent safety prospect with special teams value.

Round 7 (234)

Tory Taylor P – Iowa

I hate to do this, I really do.  It is very likely however that the Steelers add a punter in this draft.  The release of Pressley Harvin opens up the possibility of this team addressing this position in the draft once again.