The Pittsburgh Steelers might be in the thick of the playoff race in the AFC, but thanks to their utterly disappointing performance as of late, many fans are already signed off on 2023 and are looking ahead to mock draft season. Despite their 7-6 record entering Week 15, the Steelers clearly have a plethora of needs that must be addressed in 2024.
These needs aren't well disguised either. Unlike powerhouses like the Cowboys and 49ers whose holes are hard to identify, they stick out like a sore thumb for Pittsburgh. General managers Omar Khan and Andy Weidl could go in several directions with their first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but there are a few positions of need that experts think will trump the rest.
As Pittsburgh prepares for a road game against the Colts this week, here's what NFL Draft experts and writers have the Steelers picking in the latest Week 15 NFL mock draft roundup.
Steelers mock draft roundup Week 15:
ESPN, Matt Miller: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
The wide receiver position for the Steelers has been drawing plenty of attention as of late -- and not for the right reasons. Pittsburgh has dealt with attitude issues from both Diontae Johnson and George Pickens this year, and it's possible that a WR will be traded next offseason. Even if this doesn't prove to be the case, the Steelers still could use a spark at the position, and Johnson probably isn't a long-term solution. Rome Odunze is a name that is gaining steam as we inch closer to the NFL Draft.
Pro Football Focus, Trevor Sikkema: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
This is hardly the first time that a cornerback has been mocked to the Steelers this year. Taking a CB is the popular choice after watching this team suffer with players like Levi Wallace, Patrick Peterson, and Chandon Sullivan this year. Joey Porter Jr. could be a bonafide star, but he needs an upgrade to pair with him. Nate Higgins is right in Pittsburgh's wheelhouse and fits the mold.
The 33rd Team, Connor Livesay: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Connor Livesay of The 33rd Team also has the Steelers going with a cornerback with the 23rd overall pick if the season ended today. In this mock, he has Pittsburgh going with Alabama standout, Terrion Arnold. This has been a name that has been frequently linked to the Steelers based on need and where this team could be picking this coming April.
247 Sports, Brad Crawford: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
247 Sports also has the Steelers going with a cornerback as they get set to head into their Week 15 matchup against the Colts. Early in the process, it looked like Kool-Aid McKinstry would be locked into a top-10 selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. That isn't guaranteed to be the case, but it might take a few more losses for Pittsburgh to have a shot at him in the first round without a trade-up.