Steelers Mock Draft: Free agency directly impacts Pittsburgh's 2024 draft strategy
Free agency is still in full swing, and Omar Khan has shown that he is not afraid to wait out the process to sign some big deals. He just got Patrick Queen to join the Steelers and traded away Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. There are still plenty of holes to fill on this roster. The draft will play a big part in filling those voids.
Don't count out plenty of other free agency moves ahead to help fill some of those roster holes. The draft will be used to round out the team with rookies who will need to play pivotal roles heading into next season.
Expect Pittsburgh's front office to remain busy over the next several months as they try and boost their team into playoff contention. For now, it's safe to say that their moves in free agency have impacted their draft strategy. Here's what I have Pittsburgh doing in my latest seven-round Steelers mock draft.
Fuatanu. Troy Fuatanu. . player. 521. . Troy Fuatanu. 1. . Offensive tackle
Steelers mock draft round 1: Troy Fuatanu, OT, Washington
The obvious interest of Amarius Mims is there from the black and gold. They attended Georgia's pro day and there are plenty of NFL starters coming out of that school. With that being said, there are plenty of other top tackles that could fit what the Steelers are looking for in the top rounds. They go with Troy Fuatanu in this mock draft.
Many thought that he would need to slide inside to guard before the NFL Combine. He showed everyone watching that he can more than hold his own at tackle. He is an athletic freak for his size and that should give him a great chance at becoming a quality starting tackle. His smoothness as he moves in his stance is something that will get him selected in round one.
Pittsburgh needs an upgrade at right tackle, and it seems unlikely that they address that in free agency. They want to keep the amount of money sunk into the offensive line off their books for a little while longer.
Fuatanu is a great start to this mock draft as they get a quality upgrade at right tackle and allow Broderick Jones to move over to the left side.
Others Considered: Amarius Mims (OT), Jackson Powers-Johnson (C), Brian Thomas Jr. (WR)