The Pittsburgh Steelers ended their season with a disappointing 30-6 loss in the NFL Wild Card Round and still have not won a playoff game since 2017. After the season, the departure of Mike Tomlin was a wrench in offseason plans, but under Mike McCarthy, a new era of Steelers football is underway.
Since GM Omar Khan has taken over, the draft has been successful in acquiring an array of young talent to build around and develop. This includes players such as ILB Nick Herbig, CB Joey Porter Jr, OL Zach Frazier and DL Derrick Harmon. This year, the draft will be held in Pittsburgh, and Khan will have 12 draft picks to add to a talented roster. Seven of the 12 draft picks will sit within the prime position of the top 150.
Steelers Draft Picks:
- Round 1: Pick 21
- Round 2: Pick 53
- Round 3: Pick 76
- Round 3: Pick 85
- Round 3: Pick 99
- Round 4: Pick 121
- Round 4: Pick 135
- Round 5: Pick 161
- Round 6: Pick 216
- Round 7: Pick 224
- Round 7: Pick 230
- Round 7: Pick 237
Not only are these picks in a prime position, but they could also be moved to secure a key player via trade.
Steelers Positions of Need:
The Steelers have options to address their diverse needs:
- CB
- S
- WR
- OL
Key Draft Targets for Steelers:
Olaivavega Ioane – G – Penn State
Olaivavega “Vega” Ioane would be the perfect replacement for the Pittsburgh Steelers after the departure of offensive guard Isaac Seumalo. With a large gap looming at left guard, Ioane would be an anchor with the potential to be a franchise player and long-term starter. He has the impressive body control and contact balance he needs to succeed at the NFL Level.
Mock drafts consistently place Ioane as a mid-first round talent. The Steelers will certainly have him on their draft board.
Chris Brazzell – WR – Tennessee
After a trade for Colts’ wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. on March 9, drafting a wide receiver is not an imminent need. Even with the departure of Calvin Austin, waiting for the second round would be ideal. Enter Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell, who would complement Pittman and DK Metcalf perfectly. Brazzell originally started at Tulane, but in his final year with the Vols, he had 62 receptions for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns. He would elevate a receiving corps that was non-existent last season.
Brazzell is consistently referenced as a mid-second round draft prospect.
Miles Scott – S – Illinois
Illinois defensive back Miles Scott would be the perfect depth piece for the Steelers secondary. Even with the additions of Darnell Savage and Jaquan Brisker, adding Scott would be a plus. Scott finished his career with 11 pass deflections, seven interceptions, and 182 total tackles.
Injuries have riddled the Steelers secondary in the past couple of years, and it’s important to pursue a talent like Scott who will is expected to be available through the late rounds of the draft.
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