When it comes to mock drafts, there are people who are trusted, and those who are mocked. Yes, the irony of being mocked for your mocks. Nonetheless, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. might be the one who fans love to hate the most. Nonetheless, he also draws a massive amount of attention, even if it is for nothing more than to be told he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

Kiper recently released his latest Mock Draft, and this is a 2-Round prediction. Of course, we want to see who he has the Pittsburgh Steelers selecting with their top two picks. So, without further ado…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
Projected trade: Vikings use their extra Round 1 pick to move up
5. Minnesota Vikings (via mock trade with LAC) – J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
6. New York Giants – Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
7. Tennessee Titans – Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
8. Atlanta Falcons – Dallas Turner, OLB, Alabama
9. Chicago Bears – Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
10. New York Jets – Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
11. Los Angeles Chargers (via mock trade with MIN) – JC Latham, OT, Alabama
12. Denver Broncos – Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
13. Las Vegas Raiders – Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
14. New Orleans Saints – Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
15. Indianapolis Colts – Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
16. Seattle Seahawks – Troy Fautanu, G, Washington
17. Jacksonville Jaguars – Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
18. Cincinnati Bengals – Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
19. Los Angeles Rams – Laiatu Latu, OLB, UCLA

20. Pittsburgh Steelers – Graham Barton, C/G, Duke

“Cornerback, wide receiver, center — I wouldn’t be surprised with any of these positions for Pittsburgh, which has made a few intriguing additions this offseason. The Steelers parted ways with starting pivot Mason Cole in February, and taking Barton, my top-ranked center, might even be an upgrade. Barton played center as a freshman but spent the past three seasons at left tackle for the Blue Devils, and I see his pro future along the interior. He allowed just three sacks over the past two seasons.”

After taking Barton, the Steelers could take any number of positions in Round 2, especially if that remain in their slotted position. According to Kiper, the Steelers do just that and decide to go with another position of need on the offensive side of the football. They do so by drafting a wide receiver from Washington.

Round 2

51. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jalen McMillan, WR, Washington

“George Pickens is the Steelers’ clear No. 1 wideout with Diontae Johnson traded to Carolina, but who’s their No. 2? Van Jefferson? I’m not sold. If they can add a difference-maker in Round 2, Russell Wilson would have a really solid group of pass-catchers. McMillan was overshadowed by Rome Odunze at Washington, but he’s a dynamic slot receiver. He missed a few games with injury last season, but he had 1,098 yards and nine touchdowns in 2022.”

Want to know more about these prospects? Check out the draft profiles below for both players:

Graham Barton

Overview

Reviewing Barton’s tape is a pleasurable experience in offensive line evaluation, as his tenacity and know-how are on full display throughout. Though he played at a high level at left tackle, center will likely be his NFL home. Barton is an explosive drive blocker with the body control and leg drive to keep opponents centered and finish the job. His hands are sudden, accurate and strong in both phases, but a lack of length will create occasional challenges on the next level. His fluidity creates an advantage as a second-level climber, and he’s highly capable in the screen game. Barton’s technique, toughness and athleticism are exactly what teams will be looking for from an early starter with Pro Bowl potential.

Strengths

• Possesses the bend, core strength and technique of an NFL starter.
• Patient but firm, exploding into the block and running his feet to secure.
• Fits and finishes blocks with excellent body control and very strong claws.
• Smooth climber with good adjustments to targets in space.
• Pass sets are clean with broad base and twitchy hands.
• Counters rush movements with well-postured mirror and sticky hands.
• Arches back and unlocks lowers, creating flexion and leverage with pass anchor.
• Once he’s settled into defenders in run/pass, he’s usually the winner.

Weaknesses

• Arms are shorter than NFL standard for his position.
• Occasional struggles getting into position for redirects when beaten.
• Needs to guard against lunging as a second-level blocker.
• Corrals escaping defenders with his arms, which could bring flags.

Jalen McMillan

Overview

Slot target with good size and production over the last two seasons. McMillan is a long-striding field-stretcher who is at his best with momentum routes in a West Coast passing scheme. He lacks aggression and play strength and could labor against press or when faced with contested catches. McMillan has adequate build-up speed to create opportunities down the field but needs the ball on target. Teams will need to determine if McMillan was a product of the impressive Washington passing scheme, or if he’s a stand-alone talent outside of UW.

Strengths

• Slot target with good size and big hands.
• Long strider who can create some space mid-route.
• Able to con coverage out of phase with leverage and fakes.
• Nice track and stack to maintain downfield positioning.
• Run-blocks from the slot with willing engagement.

Weaknesses

• Wasn’t tested as much in Washington scheme, which provided him with favorable releases and swaths of open space.
• Takes time to get his route speed cranked up.
• Agitated and knocked out of rhythm by physical coverage.
• Seems to be missing a “run down” gear to get under deep balls.
• Focus and catch strength let him down on contested throws.

If this were how the 2024 NFL Draft fell for the Steelers, at least in the first two rounds, would you be happy? 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 Steelers as they prepare for the draft.