Entering the 2024 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers had a number of draft needs that they needed to address. Unlike in 2023, the Steelers didn’t possess a full allotment of draft picks, and there were several positions which would be considered a glaring need on their roster.

With seven total picks, the following positions could be viewed as a priority entering the selection process: cornerback, safety and even defensive line. Those positions, and more, were positions of need to help the black-and-gold get to the next level in 2024. There have been numerous thoughts and debates regarding what the team will do in Round 4 of the NFL Draft.

When the dust settled, the Steelers selected Mason McCormick out of South Dakota State with their fifth pick in the draft.

The Steelers selected South Dakota State OL Mason McCormick. They've drafted five players so far and four came in for pre-draft visits.

— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) April 27, 2024

For some analysis of this selection, here is information from a scouting report on McCormick, this from NFL.com:

“Three-year team captain who brings an incredible amount of starting experience and toughness to the table. McCormick plays with tightness in both his upper and lower half that shows itself when he’s forced to make athletic plays. He can be forceful into first contact but doesn’t display the flexion needed to redirect his weight quickly or play with leverage at the point of attack. His clear-eyed pass protection will attract offensive line coaches and his NFL Scouting Combine testing should have coaches believing there is still much more to bring out of him as a player.”

Strengths

• Put on a show with his athletic testing at the NFL Scouting Combine.
• Rare durability, starting 57 consecutive games in college.
• Adequate grip strength to help secure block.
• Creates momentum and bangs into opponents on short pulls.
• Plays with clean eyes and good twist recognition in pass pro.
• Good upper-body strength to forcibly redirect rusher on his edge.

Weaknesses

• Feet are mechanical and lower body is a little too stiff.
• Could consistently struggle to leverage and drive opponents.
• Poor athleticism reacting to defender against slants off the snap.
• Rigid upper half creates limited mirroring success against active rushers.
• Will have a hard time protecting against inside counters.

What do you think of the pick? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to check out the Breaking News Podcast in the player below with a more detailed look on the draft pick: