The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2024 NFL Draft with plenty of team needs on their current roster. After the craziness of this past weekend, many are wondering what direction the team will go with their first pick in the selection process. With that sense of wonder, many turn to mock drafts to try and satisfy their curiosity to what their favorite team will do in the draft this year.

Few have the attraction to their predictions like ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. While some use him as a punch line, there is a reason why he not only remains employed by ESPN, but also why people turn to him for his opinions.

With all that said, Kiper just put out his second NFL Mock Draft, and it’s time to see who he has tabbed to the Steelers in the latest mock draft. Let’s get to the picks…

Round 1

1. Chicago Bears (via CAR) – Caleb Williams, QB, USC
2. Washington Commanders – Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
3. New England Patriots – Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
4. Arizona Cardinals – Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
5. Los Angeles Chargers – 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, OLB, Alabama
9. Chicago Bears – Jared Verse, DE, Florida State
10. New York Jets – Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
11. Minnesota Vikings – J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
12. Denver Broncos – Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
13. Las Vegas Raiders – JC Latham, OT, Alabama
14. New Orleans Saints – Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
15. Indianapolis Colts – Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
16. Seattle Seahawks – Troy Fautanu, G, Washington
17. Jacksonville Jaguars – Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
18. Cincinnati Bengals – Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
19. Los Angeles Rams – Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

20. Pittsburgh Steelers – Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

“Just a few weeks ago, at the NFL combine, here’s what Steelers general manager Omar Khan said to reporters about quarterback Kenny Pickett: “I have full faith in Kenny.” A lot has changed since then, huh? Pickett was traded to the Eagles after Pittsburgh signed Russell Wilson, and then the team traded a conditional Day 3 pick in 2025 for Justin Fields, completing a total overhaul of the QB depth chart. For new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to really thrive, though, the Steelers should add a replacement for wideout Diontae Johnson, who was traded to Carolina.

“Thomas, who ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the combine, has a tremendous blend of speed and size (6-foot-3). He caught 17 touchdown passes last season, leading the FBS. Pittsburgh had just 13 total touchdown passes in 2023. Thomas and George Pickens could form an exciting pass-catching duo.”

The way Round 1 played out in this mock draft would certainly have many fans of the Steelers up in arms regarding the decision made to take Thomas. All centers were still on the board, as were several offensive tackles many view as Round 1 talents. Nonetheless, the team would have options in Round 2 with no standard centers being taken in Round 1, but Amarius Mims going to the Ravens in Round 1 would be a gut punch.

Want to know more about Brian Thomas Jr.? Here is the draft profile from NFL Draft Buzz:

Brian Thomas Jr., a wide receiver from LSU, started his football journey as a highly-touted recruit from Walker High School in Louisiana. A consensus four-star recruit, Thomas showcased his athletic versatility by playing basketball, where he posted three consecutive 1,000-point seasons.

In his 2021 freshman season, Thomas Jr. made an immediate impact in 12 games, recording 28 receptions for 359 yards, averaging 12.8 yards per reception, and scoring 2 touchdowns. He also demonstrated his efficiency as a receiver with a quarterback rating when targeted of 111.7.He followed this up as a sophomore where in 2022, through 12 games. Thomas managed 27 catches for 330 yards, averaging 12.2 yards per catch, adding 4 touchdowns.

In his junior year, 2023, Thomas Jr.’s exploded as he made 68 catches for a huge 1177 yards, averaging 17.3 yards per catch, and scoring 17 touchdowns. His standout performance was further highlighted by an elite quarterback rating when targeted of 148.8, showcasing his significant growth and potential as a top-tier wide receiver prospect.

SCOUTING REPORT: STRENGTHS

-Exceptional ability to start and stop quickly, showcasing agility and control.
-Boasts outstanding length, providing an advantage in reaching and securing the ball.
-Demonstrates natural explosiveness, aiding in creating separation.
-Moves fluidly, enhancing route-running capabilities.
-Exhibits violent change of direction, making him elusive after the catch.
-Proves to be a formidable red-zone target with his ability to high-point the ball effectively.
-Has an impressive repertoire of releases, helping to beat press coverage.
-Exhibits excellent ball-tracking skills, consistently posing a threat on downfield passes.

SCOUTING REPORT: WEAKNESSES

-Route breaks on short and intermediate routes can be inefficient.
-While a vertical and crossing route threat, he shows an underdeveloped overall route tree.
-Long limbs and unsteady footwork occasionally lead to inconsistent route breaks.
-Needs to utilize his speed and athleticism more effectively to uncover against defenders.
-Still in the process of becoming a more physical presence along the route stem.
-Only has had a single year of being the featured player at college. Prior to 2023 his play was far from noteworthy

What would you think if this is the way the draft shook out? Would you be okay with the Steelers bypassing several key positions to take a wide receiver? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the black-and-gold.