Steelers pull off massive trade and address pressing needs in 7-round 2024 mock draft
- They make a huge trade on Day 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft
- Steelers immediately address their secondary in Round 1
- Sam Hartman is a late-round developmental pick
Center. Jackson Powers-Johnson. 4. 515. Jackson Powers-Johnson. . . player. . Jackson Powers-Johnson
Kicking off the final day of the draft here with a bang as the Steelers get tremendous value by taking Jackson Powers-Johnson out of Oregon. It would be an outlier from past drafts of the Steelers, but it would be hard to pass up someone like Powers-Johnson at this point. He is someone who can come in and start day one for the offensive line.
Mason Cole's future in Pittsburgh should be in question after this season. He has been a little above average during his best days with the black and gold, which isn't good enough. The Steelers need to find a reasonable solution to a reliable starter at center for them moving forward. Cole cannot be the only starting option moving forward, he hasn't earned that.
Johnny Dixon. player. . . . Johnny Dixon. Cornerback. Johnny Dixon. 4. 491
With their last choice in the fourth round and last pick until their selection in round six, the Steelers take another Penn State product with Johnny Dixon. He is a cornerback who has not been tremendous for the Penn State defense, but he could fill a void that the Steelers have been searching for. Dixon has little experience in the slot, but he has a lot of talent.
He has played mostly on the outside, but he is tremendous against the run and has been able to be a quality blitzer. He might have to play in a particular niche on the Steeler's defense, but he would be a solid addition. Another cornerback could be too rich here, but Dixon is someone the defense could utilize with his flexibility.