NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Who the Steelers are taking ahead of Week 16

After losing their third consecutive game and falling to 7-7 on the season, the Pittsburgh Steelers have made a significant job in draft position. If there's one good thing that can come from a colossal late-season collapse is that teams can earn top draft capital. The Steelers are quickly headed in that direction as we near 2024.

Part of the reason for their struggles is that Pittsburgh has been decimated by injuries this season. In Week 16, they could be without as many as five safeties (and they are already missing their two starting linebackers). However, a talent gap already existed on this team.

As we approach a new year, the biggest weaknesses on the Steelers roster are becoming glaringly obvious. If the season were to end today, the Steelers would own the 16th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, per Tankathon.com. There's no shortage of positions they could choose from, but here's where the NFL Draft media has them going in this latest 2024 NFL mock drafts.

Steelers mock draft roundup Week 16: Cornerback still trumps all

CBS Sports, Chris Trapasso: Kalen King, CB, Penn State

Cornerback has been the most frequently mocked position to the Pittsburgh Steelers all year, and it's not hard to see why. Joey Porter Jr. could be a star in the making if he cleans up his grabbiness, but they are desperate for another capable outside CB as well as a slot cornerback to pair with him.

Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports has the Steelers going with a home-grown product in Penn State's Kalen King. After striking gold on Porter, they could double-dip in back-to-back years on Penn State cornerbacks. King isn't as physically impressive as Porter, but together, they could make a solid tandem in the secondary.

Pro Football Network, A.J. Schulte: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

A.J. Schulte of Pro Football Network also has the cornerback position in mind. He has the Steelers going with Nate Wiggins out of Clemson. Wiggins is a player who has frequently been mocked to Pittsburgh thanks to the Steelers' connection with the ACC, their projected draft positioning, and their desperation at

The Draft Wire, Curt Popejoy: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa

Curt Popejoy of USA Today Sports has the Steelers going with talented and versatile Iowa defensive back, Cooper DeJean. DeJean has good size and traits and the versatility to play anywhere in the secondary. This could be a great addition to their roster. Now that the team is picking in the middle of the first round, this becomes a possibility.

Sports Illustrated, Joe Deleone: Troy Fautanu, G/T, Washington

This pick would certainly be outside the box. Joe Deleone of Sports Illustrated has the Steelers going with offensive lineman Troy Fautanu with their first selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Fautanu projects as a guard in the NFL (which is already the strongest position on the OL for the Steelers). If they do go with an offensive lineman in Round 1, it's more likely they take a true center prospect or go with a bookend offensive tackle to pair with Broderick Jones.