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 …

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

2020 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers team preview

Previewing the Steelers 2020 NFL draft.

Everything Pittsburgh Steelers fans need to know heading into the 2020 NFL draft.

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VITALS

Head Coach: Mike Tomlin

General Manager: Kevin Colbert

2019 Record: 8-8

2020 DRAFT PICKS

2 (49)

3 (102, compensatory)

4 (124)

4 (135)

6 (198)

7 (232)

TEAM NEEDS

Running back

Last season the Steelers had what might have been their worst rushing season of the modern era. Not all of this can fall on the running backs but at this point, we can safely say there is no dynamic threat in the backfield. James Conner has proven to be injury-prone and is in the final year of his rookie contract.

Wide receiver

The Steelers have some quality talent at wide receiver with JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson and James Washington. However, what this group lacks is speed. With Smith-Schuster coming off of a down season and in the final year of his contract, Pittsburgh needs to think about adding a player who can really stretch the field.

Offensive line

Pittsburgh has one of the oldest offensive lines in the league and it really showed last season. The young guys on the roster have some promise but guys like Maurkice Pouncey and Alejandro Villanueva are getting older. A replacement for one or both makes sense in this draft.

Edge rusher

The Steelers were able to hold onto Bud Dupree for one season on the franchise tag but it’s highly unlikely Pittsburgh can sign him to a longterm contract after this season. This class of edge rushers is deep who could give the Steelers a legitimate third option as a pass rusher.

TOP TARGETS

WR | Jalen Reagor | TCU

RB | Jonathan Taylor | Wisconsin

OL | Jonah Jackson | Ohio State

EDGE | Josh Uche | Michigan

LB | Malik Harrison | Ohio State

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