The 2024 NFL draft is almost here! Ahead of the action later this week, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan held their pre-draft press conference on Monday. Although the main focus was dealing with the draft, there were a few questions in regards to players currently on the Steelers roster. For that reason, it is once again time for a players mentioned article. Remember these are current members of the Pittsburgh Steelers where a specific question was asked during the Q&A period.

Broderick Jones

Omar Khan was asked how much groundwork was laid to move up to get Broderick Jones last year or if it came together on Thursday.

“That one came together on Thursday. I wouldn’t say with three-minutes left on the clock, but it was pretty close to us being on the clock.”

George Pickens

Coach Tomlin was asked how he feels about the wide receiver room and if he anticipates George Pickens taking more of a leadership role this year because he’s the vet in the room.

“First part of that, I’m comfortable with the trajectory of that room, as we’ve mentioned, you know, the guys come in ready-made. There’s a lot of talent available to us and a lot of those guys participate. If you look at the kid from the Rams, was really significant this year and I think maybe it was a fifth-round pick. That’s what’s going on at that position. So, it makes us all comfortable, not just us, but us as a collective, the National Football League. And certainly, we’re really comfortable with the trajectory of George Pickens in terms of what he’s going to be able to provide us as a player, not only in terms of playmaking, but what his experience within the room and within this organization provides us.”

Cory Trice & Darius Rush

Coach Tomlin was asked about the expectations for cornerbacks Cory Trice and Darius Rush.

“You know, they’re going into their second year. And so, obviously, we expect guys in their second year in the program regardless of position to make a significant step. I think that’s a reasonable expectation. And so, we’re excited to see what they’re able to provide.”

In a follow up question, Coach Tomlin was asked if Trice is healthy.

“Moving in the right direction, certainly.”

Najee Harris & Justin Fields

Omar Khan was asked if they had made the decisions on the fifth-year option on Najee Harris or Justin Fields.

“Yeah, we have till May. I’ve said this before we have until May 2nd to make that decision. So, we’ll focus on the draft this week, and I’m sure we’ll have some serious conversations about that next month.”

Cole Holcomb

Omar Khan was asked if there is any update on Cole Holcomb, how he feels about depth at that position, and what he thinks about it in the draft?

“Yeah, I can tell you Cole’s (Holcomb) working extremely hard to get back. I don’t really have much to add on the timeline. We’ve discussed it was a major injury, but he’s working hard and I’m optimistic about all the effort he’s going to put into getting back on the field. In terms of the depth, you know, it’s no different than the other ones. I hate to sound repetitive but if there’s an opportunity to add competition and improve a room, we’re going to do it good.”

The full press conference can be seen here:

GM Omar Khan and Coach Tomlin speak to the media ahead of the 2024 #NFLDraft. https://t.co/1CKFMELY8v

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 22, 2024