Final Steelers 2024 NFL Mock Draft before Round 1

The 2024 NFL draft is just hours away and mock season is almost over. It's time for one final try to predict the Steelers' draft haul for 2024.

For this mock draft, I tried to think of all the names that Pittsburgh has been associated with throughout the process as well as names the Steelers themselves have shown a clear interest in. With those players in mind, I selected those that I believe best fit the team's needs and who Pittsburgh's front office may take if the board fell the way the simulation did.

Here's one final crack at the Steelers 2024 draft!

Steelers mock draft Round 1: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

Pittsburgh has shown interest in Latham through the pre-draft process by going to his pro day and visiting with him at the combine. While he did not get brought in for a top-30 visit, he checks a lot of other boxes for the Steelers.

Latham is 21 years old, has great size for playing tackle in the NFL, and fits a position the team needs to upgrade soon. This pick would also allow Broderick Jones to kick back to his natural left tackle spot.

The best quality in Latham's game is his run-blocking ability. He is a road grater from the tackle position that can greatly improve any run game. With the Steelers' philosophy and new offensive scheme, Latham seems like a great option at 20.

Others considered: OC Graham Barton, WR Brian Thomas Jr., CB Nate Wiggins, OC Jackson Powers-Johnson

Steelers mock draft Round 2: Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina

The Steelers receiver room has taken a big hit this offseason with Diontae Johnson being traded leaving George Pickens as the number one guy and then a group of guys that should be considered no higher than third in the pecking order. The team has a glaring need at the position and I believe they will address it within the first two rounds.

Legette is a great option to pair with Pickens and the rest of the room. He has elite speed and a great frame to be a solid presence on the outside as both a deep threat and an all-around second receiver. His size-speed combo will allow him to be physical during the catch and be a run-after-catch threat.

Pittsburgh brought him in for a visit but they did not attend his pro day or visit with him at the combine. The top-30 visit shows they have some interest and he would be a hard player to pass on here with the need being near the top of their list.

Others considered: S Tyler Nubin, CB Mike Sanristil, WR Malcahi Corley, WR Roman Wilson

Steelers mock draft Round 3: Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, C, Georgia

Pittsburgh has a long tradition of great center play that has been lacking since Maurkice Pouncey retired. They need to address it in the draft and can get a starter if they do so fairly early.

Van Pran-Granger was once considered to be the top true center of the class before Powers-Johnson and Frazier jumped him. That shouldn't be a knock on him as he is a good prospect who can anchor an NFL line if given the chance.

He is a tough run blocker who will open initial holes with the ability to get to the second level to make those minimal gains go for big yardage. He has room to improve in pass sets but has plenty of experience playing the position at Georgia in a tough conference. Pittsburgh reunites him with his college teammate Broderick Jones and finishes revamping their offensive line.

Others considered: LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr, C Tanor Bortolini, DL T'Vondre Sweat, DL Maason Smith

Steelers mock draft Round 3 (via PHI): Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State

Pittsburgh lost Terrell Edmunds in the offseason and tried to fill the void in 2023 with Keanu Neal and Damontae Kazee. The pair did ok but nothing spectacular and the room could improve in 2024 and beyond.

DeShon Elliot signed with the team in free agency and will help improve the safety play and allow Minkah to play more to his strengths moving forward. There is always room for more improvement and picking Hicks will do just that.

Hicks plays fast and aggressive with good closing speed to make plays at the line. He has good traits and the size the league likes at safety and that will bode well for him to develop and move into a starting role later in his career.

Others considered: QB Spencer Rattler, CB Josh Newton, QB Jordan Travis, CB Cam Hart

Steelers mock draft Round 4: Jarrian Jones, CB, Florida State

The Steelers hit on corner when they took Joey Porter Jr. in 2023 and they could stand to do it again in 2024. They need a slot corner and Jones can provide that right away.

Jones has good size and speed to play inside or out but can provide immediate relief in the slot. He is a ready and willing run defender who will put his nose in and make the tackle.

The ability to improve and eventually move outside is enticing and adds value to picking Jones here. Pittsburgh gets a guy who they could play right away and move outside in the future when needed.

Others considered: CB Josh Newton, DL Gabe Hall, DL Mekhi Wingo, DL Tyler Davis

Steelers mock draft Round 6 (via ARI): Khristian Boyd, DL, Northern Iowa

Pittsburgh's defensive line could use a tuneup with Cam Heyward getting older and Keeanu Benton being the only young promising player behind him. The sixth round isn't typically where you will find an elite playmaker but Boyd is a small school guy with a lot to prove and the Steelers like him enough to bring him in for a visit.

Boyd is an explosive, strong defensive lineman who can violently attack the run game and provide an interior pass rush, even with his lack of length. He is a tad undersized but has a big motor and can provide great rotational depth while he hones his skills.

Small school guys often get overlooked due to a lack of talent in their competition. Boyd has a shot to be a diamond in the rough here in round 6.

Others considered: DL Gabe Hall, LB Tommy Eichenberg, QB Joe Milton

Steelers mock draft Round 6: Joe Milton III, QB, Tennessee

Pittsburgh completely transformed their QB room this offseason with the additions of Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Kyle Allen after trading Kenny Pickett and seeing Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph leave in free agency. However, the new room needs someone under contract beyond 2024, so picking one in the draft is definitely in play.

Joe Milton has a lot of traits the league is looking for in QBs with a big arm and good mobility to escape and create plays. His lack of consistency with spotty accuracy and inconsistent ball placement drives him into the late day 3 conversation.

This pick gives Pittsburgh someone in the room beyond this season. He has traits to build on if coaching can help him develop his accuracy to be more efficient at throwing the ball.

Others considered: LB Steele Chambers, LB Nathaniel Watson, LB Luke Reimer, QB Sam Hartman

That's a wrap! Let's see how things shake out when the real draft starts tonight.