The Pittsburgh Steelers will look to put an exclamation point on their 2024 NFL Draft with a trio of picks on Saturday afternoon. And there is plenty of talent remaining for GM Omar Khan to choose from on Day 3.
Khan has already addressed key team needs at offensive tackle (Troy Fautanu, 1st Round), center (Zach Frazier, 2nd Round), wide receiver (Roman Wilson, 3rd Round) and inside linebacker (Payton Wilson, 3rd Round). One could argue that all four of these picks 'fell to the Steelers', who happily obliged and snatched them up -- creating great value thus far.
Now, Khan will likely look to add the best players available at cornerback, defensive tackle, and possibly another edge rusher with his three selections at numbers 119 (4th Round, 19th pick), 178 (6th Round, 2nd pick), and 195 (6th Round, 19th pick).
Here's a closer look at some of the best fits for the Steelers on Day 3 of the NFL Draft:
Defensive Backs Steelers could target on Day 3
Steelers need a defensive back that has the ability to start at nickel (slot) corner, and possibly another who can play on the outside. Here are the best remaining options.
1) T.J. Tampa, CB, 6-1, 189, Iowa State - Arguably the top corner left on the board, Tampa could be gone by the time the Steelers make the 19th pick of the 4th round, but would be another "steal" if he's still available. Has similar size and length as Joey Porter, Jr.
2) Cam Hart, CB, 6-3, 202, Notre Dame - Big and strong with decent speed (4.50), he has proven to be adept at matching up with big wide receivers (see the Ohio State game against Marvin Harrison, Jr.). More of an outside corner.
3) Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, 5-11, 179, Missouri - Possibly a primary Steelers' target, considering his ability to play nickel (slot) corner. He's fast (4.44) and aggressive, with good ball skills and a willingness to offer run support.
4) Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, S, 5-11, 195, Texas Tech - While listed as a safety, he has the athleticism and ability to play in the slot. He picked off 10 passes over the last three years for the Red Raiders.
5) D.J. James, CB, 6-0, 175, Auburn - Another outside corner who can play in the slot considering his speed (4.42) and athleticism. Good press coverage skills.
Defensive Linemen Steelers could target on Day 3
Steelers have to start thinking about life without Cam Heyward, who is likely going into his last season.
1) Brandon Dorius, DT/DE, 6-3, 283, Oregon - Not quite as big as Heyward, but has the ability to play inside and outside. Will bat down passes like Heyward though, as he had 9 pass break-ups in 2023.
2) Mekhi Wingo, DT, 6-0, 284, LSU - Steelers attended LSU's Pro Day and saw a cat-quick interior pass rusher in Wingo. His 10-yard split was 1.64 seconds, posting a 4.85 in the 40 along the way. He's a high-motor guy.
3) Tyler Davis, DT, 6-2, 301, Clemson - Davis is a really good athlete for his size with first-step quickness and explosiveness. All-ACC all four years, with three consecutive first-team awards.
4) Myles Cole, DL, 6-6, 278, Texas Tech - This versatile defensive lineman has tremendous upside. His length (36 7/8" arms, 87" wing span) and athleticism (4.67 speed) are off the charts. All-Big 12 Honorable Mention in his one season as a Red Raider.
5) Jordan Jefferson, DT, 6-4, 317, LSU - If the Steelers don't get Wingo, they can fall back on Jefferson. Strong and versatile option who has a knack for batting down passes and being disruptive.