Pittsburgh sits on top of the AFC North division as they enjoy their bye week. It has been an ugly path to this point in the season for the Steelers, but they have found a way to get to the top of the standings for now. With that being said, there are a lot of flaws on this team, and they will focus on the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft to fix a lot of those issues.
Denzel Burke is the top selection here as the black and gold need someone to help Joey Porter Jr. out. He has a lot of physical traits that are like Porter and could have the same professional outcome. Burke needs to have a bounce back year after a poor sophomore season. He has all the tools to be a solid cornerback and that is why he is the pick by the Steelers here.
Other considered in the first round of the Steelers mock draft:
Kamren Kinchens (S)
Another option that was on the table for Pittsburgh was taking Kamren Kinchens. They need safety help next to Minkah Fitzpatrick for the foreseeable future. It is unlikely that either Keanu Neal or Damontae Kazee will fill that void. The black and gold need a long-term answer at strong safety and Kinchens could be interesting.
Kingsley Suamaia (OT)
Perhaps the best value at this point in the first round could be Kingsley Suamaia out of BYU. He has been a solid right tackle in college and the Steelers could use someone like him to sure up their tackle spot. Broderick Jones will get a good test at left tackle and that should give the Steelers confidence in locking up a right tackle this offseason.
Sedrick Van Pran (OC)
It would be a reach right now, but Sedrick Van Pran will get his name into the first-round conversation by the time the draft rolls around. He has a lot of upside and can plug and play in most offenses around the league looking for center help. With Mason Cole potentially departing the club after the season is over, Van Pran would make a lot of sense for the Steelers in round one.