The 2024 NFL Draft is just a few weeks away, and it’s time to decipher which players would be good fits for our Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers will be looking to add playmakers at several position groups throughout the selection process, and the good news is this Draft sets up well for their needs.

In this series, we’ll be looking at players at each of the Steelers top 5 positions of need that fit what the team is looking for to improve their roster. We’ll discuss Wide Receiver, Offensive Tackle, Center, Cornerback, and Defensive Tackle.

Let’s start at receiver, where the Steelers need to find a solid WR2 option after the trade of Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers.

ADONAI MITCHELL | TEXAS
AGE: 21 | HT: 6’2″ | WT: 205 | JUNIOR

Mitchell is an absolute perfect fit for what the Steelers need opposite George Pickens in this Arthur Smith offense. A big-bodied downfield threat with solid route-running ability, Mitchell would slide in well as the team’s WR2 from day 1. He can line up anywhere on the field and be effective, and his own big-play ability would keep opposing Defenses from focusing all of their attention on Pickens.

Mitchell projects best as an outside Z receiver, and he plays with elite deep speed and the ability to dial it down and get clean breaks on his routes. He stresses defenders with the ability to take it the distance on any play, while still being able to work underneath and add yards after the catch.

On tape, there are times where Mitchell appears to be taking it easy on the route, but a lot of that is just the ease with which he moves. He’s probably the most fluid mover in the class outside of Marvin Harrison Jr.

“AD” Mitchell is my WR4 in this class behind Harrison, Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze. He should definitely be an option for the Steelers at Pick 20.

ROMAN WILSON | MICHIGAN
AGE: 22 | HT: 5’11” | WT: 185 | SENIOR

Wilson is my favorite route-runner in this draft class. He displays elite suddenness and explosiveness on his routes and can turn around the savviest defenders with shocking change of direction skills in the open field. Most project Wilson as a slot receiver at the next level, but I believe he has inside/outside flexibility with his separation skills.

Wilson isn’t a big receiver, but he is powerfully built and can easily handle tough grabs over the middle of the field. After the catch, his quickness and field vision allows him to get upfield fast and make defenders miss one-on-one.

Mike Tomlin showed the former Michigan receiver plenty of love at the Senior Bowl and could be a primary target for the Steelers on Day 2 of the draft if they go with a different position in the 1st Round.

JALEN MCMILLAN | WASHINGTON
AGE: 22 | HT: 6’1″ | WT: 197 | JUNIOR

McMillan has some of the most impressive tape of any WR in this class, although you have to go back to 2022 to get a full season’s worth of work after he dealt with several injuries that hampered his 2023 season. Still, McMillan is a smooth operator and can work from the Z spot or in the slot as an impressive route-runner and physical pass-catcher over the middle of the field.

One of three high-level WR prospects coming out of Washington, McMillan fits what the Steelers need as a do-it-all compliment to George Pickens on the other side of the field. With his quickness and body control, he is a fantastic Red Zone weapon and possession receiver who finishes with aggression.

McMillan’s teammate, Ja’Lynn Polk, is another option the Steelers should have their eye on. I believe McMillan can do a little more of what the Steelers are looking for in a WR2, though, and he’s a guy I’d love to see in the Black and Gold.

XAVIER LEGETTE | SOUTH CAROLINA
AGE: 23 | HT: 6’1″ | WT: 221 | SENIOR

The Steelers brought in Legette for a Top 30 visit, and it’s not hard to see why. The powerful outside receiver is an elite jump-ball specialist and has insane speed for a player of his size. Drawing comparisons to other big-bodied receivers like AJ Brown and even DK Metcalf, Legette is a solid deep threat with really good YAC ability.

Arthur Smith loves to attack down the field on play action concepts and get the ball into the hands of big receivers who can make plays. Legette has long arms and great hands, and work from the slot or the outside. He uses his Running Back-like build to really bully defenders in the middle of the field.

Legette’s lack of production until his 5th year is a concern, but with the kind of breakout he had in 2023, teams have taken notice. He’s definitely on the Steelers draft board for Day 2.

JAMARI THRASH | LOUISVILLE
AGE: 23 | HT: 6’0″ | WT: 188 | SENIOR

Thrash is a late Day 2/early Day 3 prospect with great route-running ability and very reliable hands. The Louisville receiver has plenty of speed to work deep down the field, but he’s known best as a shifty route technician with impressive suddenness at his breaks and can kick it back into high gear quickly to separate from defenders in space.

Thrash has good feel versus zone coverage and can find the soft spots and settle in to help his QB. He not a very physical receiver and can get worked over a little in press coverage with his slight frame. However, teams looking to maximize his abilities can use motions and variable alignments to get him into favorable physical matchups.

I would be surprised if the Steelers wait until Day 3 to make their first move at WR, but if the team were to draft a big-body weapon earlier, Thrash could still be on their radar as a shifty slot weapon deeper in the Draft.

The Steelers will obviously consider many more receivers as they make their selections on April 25-27. Even an elite prospect like Rome Odunze, whom the Steelers reportedly love, will be watched closely. If he were to somehow fall to the edge of the Top 10, expect the Steelers to pick up the phone and see what it would cost to move up for him.

Next up, we’ll discuss the Cornerback position and some players that should be on the Steelers radar during the Draft. Stay tuned to the Steel Curtain Network and Fans First Sports for all your NFL Draft updates.