The 2024 NFL Draft is just a couple days away, and it’s time to decipher which players would be good fits for our Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers will be looking to add playmakers at several position groups throughout the selection process, and the good news is this Draft sets up well for their needs.

In this series, we’ll be looking at players at each of the Steelers top 5 positions of need. In no particular order, these are the positions I see the Steelers most likely targeting at some point in the Draft:

Wide Receiver
Offensive Tackle
Cornerback
Center
Defensive Tackle

We already discussed the WR, OT, CB, and OC position groups. In this final edition, we’ll look at a deep Defensive Tackle group with several mid-round prospects that could interest the Steelers in the 2024 NFL Draft.

MICHAEL HALL, JR. | OHIO ST.
AGE: 20 | HT: 6’3″ | WT: 290 | JUNIOR

Mike Hall is a fireball of an interior pass-rusher with elite get-off and incredible quickness to attack up the middle. Despite his leaner frame, he possesses enough play strength to go along with good length, helping him disengage from blockers along the interior and disrupt the playcall. Ultra-physical O-Linemen can push him around if they get to leverage quickly and power through the block. A bit of a “tweener” at this stage, but an NFL weight room and nutrition plan could help him break that stereotype at the NFL level.

For Pittsburgh, selecting Hall could be the team’s attempt to add a playmaker in the middle that they hoped they were getting with DeMarvin Leal in 2022. He has more upside and natural athleticism, and if the Steelers feel they can use him properly, he could be an electric addition up front.

BRADEN FISKE | FLORIDA ST.
AGE: 24 | HT: 6’4″ | WT: 292 | 5TH-YEAR SENIOR

In a word: Relentless. Braden Fiske’s motor just doesn’t stop and despite not being the biggest or longest interior D-Lineman in the Draft, he surprises blockers with unmatched hustle and elite quickness and wins with sheer willpower in the middle. Operates well in a phone booth with good leverage and great footwork. A fantastic run defender already with pass-rush upside, Fiske elevated his stock tremendously at the Combine after posting elite athletic scores in nearly all of the testing.

The Steelers need a well-rounded interior defender capable of playing all 3 downs, and Fiske fits that mold perfectly. He could be a target if he lasts into Round 3 and would be incredible value in that range.

MAASON SMITH | LSU
AGE: 21 | HT: 6’5″ | WT: 306 | REDSHIRT SOPHOMORE

Maason Smith just looks like a Steelers DT, with great size, length, and athleticism. He’s got a fast first-step and punches with power, allowing him to stack and shed blockers and make plays on the ball quickly. He’s really good in backside pursuit and doesn’t give up the cutback with his reach. Production hasn’t been there last two years, some due to injury and being just a piece on a good defensive front. His upside is high and the Steelers would be wise to consider him on Day 2 of the Draft.

JADEN CRUMEDY | MISS. ST.
AGE: 23 | HT: 6’4″ | WT: 301 | 6TH-YEAR SENIOR

Crumedy is an intriguing interior defender with an NFL frame and solid play-strength. Wants to win quick and overpower blockers before they can settle in and force him to alter his attack plan. Not overly polished despite his experience. Good vision to plug developing rush lanes and is an excellent finisher as a tackler.

If the Steelers are looking for a 2-down, run-clogging DT with a high floor, Crumedy fits that description. He could bring immediate value in short-yardage defense, but at this stage of his career he is what he is.

KHRISTIAN BOYD | N. IOWA
AGE: 24 | HT: 6’2″ | WT: 329 | 6TH-YEAR SENIOR

A big-bodied, do-it-all interior defender, Boyd plays with pure aggression and heart. He sets a fantastic anchor as a run defender and refuses to be pushed around. Good bend and strength at the point of attack makes it extremely difficult for blockers to run through him. Can provide steady push up the middle as a power rusher, but he’s not overly quick and his pass-rush upside is somewhat limited by his lack of agility. Boyd brings leadership and experience to the table, with good recognition skills and the ability to close rushing lanes and force RBs to get creative. A “Mike Tomlin” guy from a small school with a chip on his shoulder, Boyd could be a Day 3 target for the Steelers if they address other positions earlier in the Draft.