With the primary wave of NFL free company within the books, NFL draft analysts far and broad are sharing their post-free company NFL mock drafts. Two of the business’s finest, Mel Kiper and Daniel Jeremiah, every launched their 2024 NFL mock drafts Tuesday. Right here’s a have a look at who every of them projected for the Steelers to pick with the twentieth total decide on this yr’s draft.
Mel Kiper (ESPN) — Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Only a few weeks in the past, on the NFL mix, right here’s what Steelers basic supervisor Omar Khan mentioned to reporters about quarterback Kenny Pickett: “I’ve full religion in Kenny.” Lots has modified since then, huh? Pickett was traded to the Eagles after Pittsburgh signed Russell Wilson, after which the crew traded a conditional Day 3 decide in 2025 for Justin Fields, finishing a complete overhaul of the QB depth chart. For brand spanking new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to actually thrive, although, the Steelers ought to add a alternative for wideout Diontae Johnson, who was traded to Carolina.
Thomas, who ran a 4.33-second 40-yard sprint on the mix, has an incredible mix of pace and measurement (6-foot-3). He caught 17 landing passes final season, main the FBS. Pittsburgh had simply 13 whole landing passes in 2023. Thomas and George Pickens might type an thrilling pass-catching duo.
Daniel Jeremiah (NFL Community) — Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
The Steelers have undergone an entire makeover at quarterback, however they nonetheless want an improve at deal with to play reverse final yr’s first-round decide, Broderick Jones.
Given the Steelers’ current commerce of veteran wideout Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, Kiper’s number of Brian Thomas Jr., at the moment sitting as WR4 in his 2024 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings.
Jeremiah’s decide makes loads sense, too, as Guyton is a real proper deal with that will enable Broderick Jones to slip again over to the left aspect of the road at his pure place. It might relegate OT Dan Moore Jr. again to his pure place too — on the bench, as a backup.
Sadly, no matter what place they draft, they’ll nonetheless have a gap to fill someplace, with broad receiver, offensive deal with and heart all top-end wants that have to be addressed earlier than the beginning of the season.