The 2024 NFL Draft is not the next big event in the NFL world, that would be free agency with the new league year starting next week. What teams do, or don’t do, in free agency will always alter and change what they do in the NFL Draft, but that doesn’t stop the mock drafts from flowing this time of year.

For Jordan Reid of ESPN, he recently posted his post-Combine 2-Round mock draft, and of course it’s time to take a look at what the Pittsburgh Steelers did in those two rounds.

Let’s dive in…

Round 1

1. Chicago Bears (via CAR) – Caleb Williams, QB, USC
2. Washington Commanders – Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
3. New England Patriots – Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
4. Arizona Cardinals – Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Projected trade: Bears move up to land second top-five pick

5. Chicago Bears (via mock trade with LAC) – Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
6. New York Giants – Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
7. Tennessee Titans – Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
8. Atlanta Falcons – Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
9. Los Angeles Chargers (via mock trade with CHI) – Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
10. New York Jets – Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
11. Minnesota Vikings – J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
12. Denver Broncos – Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
13. Las Vegas Raiders – Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
14. New Orleans Saints – Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
15. Indianapolis Colts – Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
16. Seattle Seahawks – Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri
17. Jacksonville Jaguars – Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
18. Cincinnati Bengals – JC Latham, OT, Alabama
19. Los Angeles Rams – Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

20. Pittsburgh Steelers – Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

“The Steelers got rookie-season success from Broderick Jones in 2023, and I could see them going back to the Georgia OT well again. I love Mims’ upside, and he measured 6-8 and 340 pounds at the combine. Ability isn’t the question with Mims — it’s the durability component that might hurt his draft stock. Mims had only eight career starts and 774 snaps over three seasons. But with solid lower-body movement traits, Mims can match and mirror edge rushers. Drafting him would allow Pittsburgh to move Jones back to his natural spot at left tackle, and the protection for Kenny Pickett or whomever is playing QB should improve.”

In this mock draft, the Steelers taking Mims would turn heads with the team choosing him over the likes of Jackson Powers-Johnson, who went to the Miami Dolphins at the very next pick. They also passed up on Cooper Dejean, who went to Green Bay at pick 25, and even Kool-Aid McKinstry who went to Arizona at pick No. 27.

Nonetheless, take a look at how Round 2 pans out. I’m just posting the Steelers’ selection and not the entire round.

Round 2

51. Pittsburgh Steelers – Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia

“Mason Cole was recently released, leaving the Steelers with a gaping hole at center. Thanks to his strength, hand power and finishing ability, Frazier would be a Day 1 starter in Pittsburgh.”

So, let’s take a look at some scouting reports for these two players, both from NFL Draft Buzz:

Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

SCOUTING REPORT: SUMMARY

Amarius Mims is a standout OT prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft, showcasing a rare blend of size, athleticism, and strength. His journey to the draft is reminiscent of other late bloomers who made a significant impact in their final collegiate seasons. Despite a limited number of starts and concerns regarding his durability, Mims’ physical attributes and on-field performances have kept him in the conversation for a high-draft pick.

His ability to adapt to various along the offensive line, combined with his innate physical talents, make him an option for NFL teams looking for a cornerstone offensive tackle who isn’t quite ready yet but who possesses great upside.

Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia

SCOUTING REPORT: SUMMARY

Zach Frazier’s journey from a decorated high school wrestler to a cornerstone of West Virginia’s offensive line encapsulates his development into a draft-worthy NFL prospect. His wrestling background has endowed him with unmatched leverage and strength, making him a formidable force against any defender. Despite facing challenges against the quickest interior disruptors due to average athleticism, Frazier’s intelligence, versatility, and technical skill set him apart as a potential long-term starter in the NFL.

Frazier’s role as the linchpin of his college offensive line, commanding both pre-snap adjustments and post-snap execution, underscores his readiness for professional football. His ability to anchor against powerful bull rushes, combined with his proficiency in run blocking, affirms his value to teams prioritizing physicality and intelligence along the interior offensive line.

Projected as a reliable NFL starter, Frazier’s blend of toughness, intelligence, and technical proficiency positions him well for a successful professional career. While his ceiling may be tempered by physical limitations, his foundational skills and football IQ suggest a player capable of making a significant impact, especially within schemes that leverage his strengths. As teams assess his potential, Frazier’s comprehensive skill set, characterized by resilience and adaptability, makes him a high floor low-risk prospect.

How would you feel if the board fell this way? Would you be happy, or frustrated? Let us know what you think in comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers.