The Pittsburgh Steelers had a highly successful 2023 NFL Draft, utilizing their first three picks to select Broderick Jones, Joey Porter Jr. and Keeanu Benton. Each one made significant contributions as a rookie and likely will be a long-term fixture on the starting roster. While it’s difficult to imagine how the organization could improve its showing in last year’s Draft, the Steelers front office seeks a comparable performance this month to maintain momentum towards the ultimate goal of fielding a serious playoff contender.

Because offensive line is the Steelers’ chief priority coming into the Draft, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if the team drafts OL players with both of its first two picks (No. 20 and No. 51). But because their Round 2 pick falls just outside of the top-50 category, the second round might be too late to obtain the requisite level of OL talent. Consequently, their No. 51 overall pick could reasonably be considered — along with their No. 84 and No. 98 picks — chiefly as an opportunity to strike gold in the middle rounds.

Assuming that most of the marquee players in this year’s Draft already will have been claimed by the time the Steelers make their second-round selection, here’s my list of five intriguing players who might reasonably be available in Rounds 2-4:

1) Payton Wilson LB, North Carolina St.
2) Michael Pratt QB, Tulane
3) Mohamed Kamara, Edge,Colorado St.
4) Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
5) Malachi Corley WR, Western KY

The only one of these players who might already be off the board by No. 51 is Payton Wilson, a LB whose stock has been boosted tremendously by his showing at the NFL Combine. But due to his injury history, it’s still possible that Wilson slides far enough to be available when the Steelers make their selection in Round 2. Wilson is an exciting player to watch, particularly because of his high motor and the wild abandon with which he plays. This style brings to mind another young LB named Lambert drafted by the Steelers 50 years ago. If the Steelers get the opportunity with their second round pick, Wilson looks like the kind of player they shouldn’t pass up.

After Wilson, the most intriguing player on the list is quarterback Michael Pratt of Tulane. Based on Pratt’s game film, he appears to be one of the more NFL-ready QBs in this year’s Draft. That’s not to say Pratt deserves to be selected above first-round gems such as Caleb Williams or Jayden Daniels. But while Pratt’s arm strength looks somewhat less than elite, he can make all of the necessary throws and demonstrates the invaluable traits of excellent accuracy, sound leadership and wise judgment under pressure.

For the most part, Pratt is a pocket passer, but he also possesses the speed necessary to make plays running the ball when his protection breaks down. Of equal importance, Pratt has shown himself to be a tough and fierce competitor. Of all the QBs projected for selection after Round 1, Pratt is the kind of player who ultimately could prove more valuable than some of those selected ahead of him.

The remaining three players on the list are distinguished by being high-achievers, any one of whom could prove to be a steal in Rounds 3 or 4. Kamara, Polk and Corley also have been highly graded by draft analysts. Polk and Corley are similar in the respect of being reliable, physical receivers who have compiled substantial yardage after the catch. As for Kamara, his film demonstrates a disruptive, defender known for hounding the QB.

Nevertheless, unless the Steelers address OL as a first priority, this upcoming draft isn’t going to look nearly as solid overall. But after the first round, the picture gets considerably more cloudy. The players included here are those who were top-performers at the college level and who also address near- or long-term needs of the Black-and-gold.

Who are some of the players you’re looking at as potential Round 2-4 picks and assuming the Steelers retain their current positions in the 2024 NFL Draft?