Steelers Mock Draft: A balanced approach patches major roster holes in 2024

Steelers mock draft Round 7: Aubrey Burks, S, West Virginia

For the final pick in my seven-round Steelers mock draft, I have Pittsburgh going with a player from their own backyard. Aubrey Burks played his college ball at West Virginia, so the scouting department has had a chance to get a good look at him.

Burks is a two-year starter with a compact frame at the safety position. He recorded 3 interceptions over the past two seasons while raking in 85 tackles and 8 tackles for a loss during this span. Burks has graded out well over each of his starting seasons in 2022 and 2023, and this could be a solid gamble with Pittsburgh's final selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Outside of Minkah Fitzpatrick, the Steelers have aging and injury-prone safeties -- none of which should have job security entering the 2024 offseason. The combination of Damontae Kazee and Keanu Neal was underwhelming, even when both players were healthy. While Eric Rowe was serviceable after being signed off the street, he's an older player who won't be part of the future.

The Steelers are practically void of youth and upside at the safety position outside of Minkah, and they could at least add some competition with a young player late in the draft. If Pittsburgh doesn't take a safety until late on Day 3 this April, I wouldn't be surprised to go with someone from a very familiar school like Aubrey Burks.

All stats courtesy of ESPN. Contract numbers courtesy of Over the Cap.