NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Experts lack consensus on Steelers' first-round pick
Graham Barton is gaining some steam, but experts can't agree on which player (or position) the Steelers will target first.
By Tommy Jaggi
We are one week and counting until the kickoff of the 2024 NFL Draft. In years past, it has been easy to narrow down the players many teams would take in Round 1, but a crowded talent pool this year makes it hard to narrow down the selection for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Experts agree. In their latest mock draft, there is no consensus as to whom Pittsburgh will target with the 20th overall pick this year.
In the latest Steelers mock draft roundup, Graham Barton is gaining steam to be the Steelers' pick after his recent pre-draft visit with the team, while Amarius Mims is being left off the list entirely.
Steelers mock draft roundup
Dane Brugler, The Athletic: Graham Barton, OL, Duke
It's easy to make the connection between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Graham Barton. While Pittsburgh's brass wasn't on hand at Duke's Pro Day to watch Barton's workout, they did meet with him formally at the NFL Combine before hosting him for a Top 30 pre-draft visit. Barton has the versatility to play anywhere across the offensive line, but the Steelers reportedly view him as a center.
Dan Parr, NFL.com: Graham Barton, OL, Duke
NFL.com also has Graham Barton mocked to the Steelers following his pre-draft visit in Pittsburgh. Barton hasn't played center since his freshman season, but he has the size, tenacity, and athletic traits to make an excellent interior offensive lineman at the next level. He is expected to be on the board when the Steelers make their pick in Round 1.
Marcus Mosher, The 33rd Team: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
After being unable to participate through most of the pre-draft process, Cooper DeJean made his appearance during his individual workout in preparation for the draft. The Steelers proceeded to host DeJean for a Top 30 pre-draft visit. Pittsburgh still doesn't have a slot cornerback on their roster, and DeJean can play anywhere in the secondary thanks to his ability to run, tackle, cover, and take the ball away.
Jonathan Jones, CBS Sports: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Brian Thomas has been mocked to the Pittsburgh Steelers frequently as of late. Outside of signing Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins, Omar Khan hasn't solved the hole at wide receiver next to George Pickens after trading Diontae Johnson. The Steelers have been rumored as trade partners for Brandon Aiyuk, but the 49ers shut those down. Brian Thomas Jr. could be one of the best players on the board when Pittsburgh is on the clock, and he would fill a big void at wide receiver.
Nathan Jahnke, Pro Football Focus: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Here's a player you don't see mocked to the Steelers very often. Olu Fashanu is a left tackle by trade, so if Pittsburgh were to take him, it likely means that Broderick Jones is sticking at right tackle. Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin have been vocal about moving Jones back to left tackle, so this one might not be on their radar. But if they view Fashanu as a true first-round talent, this could be hard to pass up.
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