We are now just a little over 24 hours away from the 2024 NFL draft.  That means it is time for our  Steelers mock draft 4.0.  There are still so many rumors swirling around what this team might do in this draft.  Some of the most prominent rumors associated with this team are them acquiring a veteran wide receiver during, or just after the draft.  Omar Khan seems to be determined to give Russell Wilson a veteran number one wideout to go along with Georger Pickens.  With that in mind we have decided not to draft one early on in our latest mock.

Round 1 (20)

Graham Barton OT/C – Duke

There are several reasons why we landed on Graham Barton as the choice in round one in our Steelers mock draft 4.0.  The tipping point for me was the interview with the Move The Sticks Podcast he did this past week.  Barton was so impressive in that interview I can easily see the Steelers falling in love with this player. Barton was a two time captain at Duke, and projects as a natural leader.  That is something very high on this franchise’s list in their prospect evaluations.  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nfl-move-the-sticks-with-daniel-jeremiah-bucky-brooks/id915544088

Barton was been primarily a left tackle his last three seasons at Duke.  He did however play center as an eighteen year old freashman.  Most have him kicking inside to either center, or guard in the NFL.  Obviously Pittsburgh would see him at center, but his position flexibility only makes Barton more attractive to the Steelers.  Of all the potential centers in this draft, Barton is the best athlete of the bunch grading out at a near perfect 9.99 RAS score.  I keep coming back to Omar Khan saying he wants to get “the next great Steelers center” this offseason.  Put all this together, and Graham Barton is the most logical pick in the first round.

Round 2 (51)

Max Melton CB – Rutgers

Max Melton fits another big need for the Steelers at slot corner.  He can play outside as well, but is much more suited for the slot.  Melton is an elite athlete  running a 4.39/40, while scoring in the 90th percentile in the broad and vertical jumps.  It does not hurt his cause that he has a reputation as a feisty run stopper as well.  Melton checks all the boxes in terms of what the Steelers like at the slot corner position.  We had Melton in our mock draft 2.0 as well: Steelers mock draft 2.0: Post combine edition

Round 3A (84)

Blake Fisher OT – Notre Dame

The only way Blake Fisher is not the selection at 84 is if he gone at this point.  Fisher is the last of the second tier tackles in this draft, and would be a steal here.  He has all the measurables needed to play tackle at the next level.  Fisher stands 6’5”, weighs in at 315 pounds, and has an almost 35” reach.  The Steelers met with him at the combine, and had him in for a visit.  Blake Fisher at 84 is a dream scenario for the Steelers offensive line.

Round 3B (98)

Jermaine Burton WR – Alabama

Jermaine Burton would be a late first, early second round prospect if not for some of his off the field issues.  Burton stands 6’0”, and 190lbs with 4.4 speed.  Depending on how comfortable the Steelers are with the character issues, this could be a steal this late in the draft.

Round 4 (119)

Trevin Wallace LB – Kentucky

With a scouting report of “Height, weight, speed prospect with explosive traits, who lacks instincts”, Trevin Wallace practically screams Steelers inside linebacker,  He did have 5.5 sacks his final seaon at Kentucky, which is impressive for that position.  Wallace is the kind of raw athlete this team loves.

Round 6A (178)

Gabe Hall DT – Baylor

We have to get the Steelers some depth at defensive tackle somewhere in this draft.  Gabe Hall fits the criteria of size/arm length the team covets.  He stands 6’6”, and has over 34” arms.  His play at Baylor leaves a lot to be desired, but it’s worth a flyer with that body type this late in the draft.

Round 6B (195)

Sionne Vaki S – Utah

Special teams prospect who is more of a strong safety type.  At 5’11”, and 210 pounds Vaki is a solid, but not very athletic prospect.  If the Steelers got several seasons of plus special teams play, this would be a win this late in the draft.