The NFL world is preparing for the 2024 NFL Draft, and the Pittsburgh Steelers see the 3-day selection process as an opportunity to improve their roster. They aren’t alone with these aspirations, but if there is one thing which differentiates the Steelers and other NFL teams it’s the fact the Omar Khan led organization is ready, and willing, to leave no stone unturned in this year’s draft.

In other words, expect the unexpected in this 2024 NFL Draft.

A phone call from our source at SCN Wednesday evening laid out just how the Steelers draft plans can change rapidly when the process begins next Thursday.

As we’ve been telling you now for the past few months, the Steelers are prioritizing the offensive line this draft. This shouldn’t shock anyone, there are glaring holes at the center and offensive tackle positions along the offensive line. However, don’t mistake the “prioritizing” as they’ll only take an offensive lineman in the first round.

The Steelers are both smart and patient, and they see a very realistic chance there will be teams who over-draft some players/positions. In some instances, those teams might even trade up in the draft to get a player they like. This is where the Steelers’ patience can pay off. Let’s say there are 4-5 quarterbacks taken in the Top 10 of the 1st Round, the Steelers will see a number of quality players fall in the draft.

This is when the team’s intelligence will be paramount.

If a player the Steelers see as a player who will don the black-and-gold for the next 10-15 years falls to the 13-15 range, don’t be shocked if the Steelers are on the phones trying to work a deal. This doesn’t mean a deal would get done, but the Steelers have proven they are more than willing to move up in the draft for a prospect they truly covet.

At the same time, you can also view this approach in a different way. Every year there are players who are thought to be Top 15 selections, only to have them fall. Last year it was Joey Porter Jr. who was thought to be a top tier cornerback, only to fall in the Steelers’ lap at pick No. 32, the first selection of Round 2. The same story can be said when David DeCastro entered the NFL Draft out of Stanford. Fans everywhere gushed over DeCastro, but bemoaned how he wouldn’t be there at pick No. 24 when the Steelers selected. He was there when they picked at No. 24.

The more “runs” and “reaches” the Steelers see means the more talent falls in the top round of the draft. The Steelers are willing to move up in the draft, but also might like the pool of players who are falling into their laps at pick No. 20.

In other words, expect the unexpected in this year’s draft.

To hear more on this story, check out the podcast below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the 2024 NFL Draft next Thursday.