The 2024 NFL draft is officially in the books. The Steelers have been universally applauded for having one of the best drafts of the weekend. That is great news for some, not so great for others. Some of the players on the fringe of the roster, and others clinging to starting jobs may not be as excited as most. Let’s take a look at the biggest winners and losers from the Steelers draft:
Winners:
1. Russel Wilson:
Perhaps the biggest winner from this draft is newly acquired quarterback Russel Wilson. The Steelers commitment to improving their offensive line will help him tremendously. Wilson should not have to face the kind of onslaught Kenny Pickett did in his time as this team’s quarterback. In theory a line consisting of Jones, Seumalo, Frazier, Daniels, and Fautanu is the best group this team has put together in close to a decade. Pittsburgh also drafted another weapon on offense in Roman Wilson. All in all this was a great weekend for the Steelers new starting quarterback.
2. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren:
For the exact same reasons as Russel Wilson, the Steelers running back duo should also be very excited with this upgraded offensive line. Both had to battle significant trash behind the line of scrimmage last season. We could see an even more improved run game in 2024.
3. Pat Meyer:
To put a bow on the improvements made on this line, no one should be happier than the offensive line coach. We have been critical of Meyer in the past, but even a subpar coach will struggle to fail with this group. Meyer was not chosen by new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, he was inherited. A season of struggles might have meant the end for Pat Meyer. Now he can breathe easy heading into 2024. Is Pat Meyer the problem with the Steelers offense?
4. Van Jefferson;
The fact that an outside receiver was not drafted this year must be music to Van Jefferson’s ears. He has the inside track of playing opposite George Pickens as a starting receiver. He’s not out of the woods yet however. There continues to be strong rumors that Omar Khan wants to trade for a top notch wideout. For now at least, Jefferson survives as the only real option.
https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/pittsburgh-steelers-next-move-could-wide-receiver-trade-sutton
5. Cory Trice and Darius Rush:
The Steelers waited until their final selection to draft a corner. Even then, Ryan Watts projects more as a safety than a corner in the NFL. This bodes well for the two backup corners. Pittsburgh appears content with Trice and Rush as their depth at the cornerback position.
Losers:
1. Dan Moore:
When the Steelers draft left tackles in back to back years in the first round, it certainly does not bode well for the incumbent left tackle. To make matters worse, Dan Moore is about to enter a contract year. It’s not a matter of if he loses his starting job, it’s when.
2. Calvin Austin III:
Omar Khan drafted a bigger, more physical slot receiver in Roman Wilson. This is bad news for Calvin Austin. Now even his return role is threatened by the signing of Cordarrelle Patterson. At this rate he may not make the team in 2024.
3. James Daniels:
While his job is not immediately threatened by the drafting of Mason McCormick, Daniels future with the team is very much in doubt. He is entering the final year of his contract, and now the team has a cheap replacement in tow. This could very well be James Daniels last year as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
4. Mark Robinson:
Robinson was never a threat to be a starting linebacker with this team. But with the additions of Patrick Queen, and Payton Wilson, his chances of ever seeing the field on defense are slim at best. He will now be in a battle for his roster spot as a speacial teamer only.
5. DeMarvin Leal:
The Steelers may very well have drafted Leal’s replacement with Iowa DT Logan Lee. They are nearly identical physically, with the exception of Lee being an inch taller. Lee tested as a far better athlete however. Given how disappointing Leal has been so far, it would not surprise us at all if he were to be cut before the end of the preseason.