The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2024 NFL draft class is drawing praise from many analysts and fans across the NFL as the Steelers did an excellent job of filling needs across their roster with good value selections.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 NFL Draft: Offensive Line Additions
With Arthur Smith getting brought in to be the offensive coordinator for the Steelers it was expected that strengthening the offensive line would be a big priority in building out the offense for next season and beyond. This draft class shows that Pittsburgh used their first, second, and fourth-round picks on the offensive line.
Washington Offensive Tackle Troy Fautanu
The steelers used the 20th overall pick to add one of the top offensive lineman in the draft class in Troy Fautanu. A move to guard in the NFL was originally thought to be necessary for the former Washington offensive tackle however after measuring with 34 1/2″ arm length at the combine he certainly has all the physical tools to succeed as a tackle at the next level.
Fautanu’s foot quickness and lateral agility allowed him to mirror pass rushers at a high level at Washington. He also utilizes good punch timing out of vertical sets while playing with a good balance of patience and aggression on those reps.
Another facet of Fautanu’s pass protection skillset to like is his anchor. He displayed a good ability to handle speed to power rushes at Washington as he is good at resetting his hands and body upon contact. His lower body flexibility allows him to reset his legs upon contact on pass protection reps which is important for anchoring in pass protection in the NFL.
As a run blocker, Fautanu’s foot quickness allows him to get to the second level and execute effective blocks on linebackers, as well as execute reach blocks at a high level.
After drafting Broderick Jones in the first round in the 2023 draft who had a solid rookie season playing primarily at right tackle, the Steelers may have just solidified both tackle spots on the offensive line long term.
West Virginia Center Zach Frazier
The Pittsburgh Steelers came into the draft with a need at center after releasing last year’s starter Mason Cole. Drafting Zach Frazier with their second-round selection at 51st overall not only filled a need but was a good value selection.
The former back-to-back first-team All-Big 12 center projects well to the NFL as a pass protector and run blocker. Frazier’s experience as a four-year starter at West Virginia shows up on tape as he reacts quickly to stunts and blitzes, a valuable skill in the NFL. Frazier also utilizes good balance and body positioning on jump sets to land punches with good timing and placement.
As a run blocker, Frazier had the skillset to execute a variety of different blocks. He has a good ability to create push down and drive blocks due to the pad level that he plays at, grip strength, and power at the point of attack.
Frazier also possesses the foot quickness to execute difficult assignments on zone scheme run plays as that foot quickness along with balance allows him to reach second-level defenders with good body positioning along with the power at the point of attack to redirect defenders from the rushing lane.
South Dakota State Guard Mason McCormick
With their first of three day three selections, the Pittsburgh Steelers added Mason McCormick with their fourth-round selection at 119th overall. While McCormick doesn’t project to start for the Steelers in year one he does project good depth and is a potential starter in the future, making this a good value selection.
Steelers are having one of the best drafts and get a steal in Mason McCormick. Wicked athlete who was arguably the best player at the East-West Shrine Bowl. Love him on the move pic.twitter.com/BL1fxKY4k0
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) April 27, 2024
McCormick was an FCS All-American for South Dakota State in 2023 as he dominated as a run blocker and pass protector. He had a good pre-draft process as many were impressed by his performance at the Shrine Bowl.
More About This Author
Evan has been a passionate sports fan since he was a kid. He contributes NFL and NFL draft content. You can also find Evan writing about Ohio State football on USA Today’s Buckeye Wire. Follow Evan on Twitter at @evanrbach.
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