The 2024 NFL Draft is just a few weeks away, and media outlets are working overtime to get draft content out to the masses. While some rely on Big Boards, others want to see the mock draft madness and who they predict will be going to their favorite team when the 3-day selection process begins.

At ESPN, Field Yates has taken up the mock draft torch this offseason, and he just recently put out how latest mock draft, this a 2-Round variety. Let’s check out who he has tabbed tot he Pittsburgh Steelers in this exercise:

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 eye their QB of the future
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, EDGE, 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 – Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
13. Las Vegas Raiders – Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
14. New Orleans Saints – Olumuyiwa 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 – Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
19. Los Angeles Rams – Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

20. Pittsburgh Steelers – Graham Barton, C, Duke

Although wide receiver was a thought here after the Steelers traded Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh’s history of finding talented wideouts beyond the first round and the position’s depth in this class made me go another direction. Barton is among the most versatile linemen available, having played left tackle his final three seasons at Duke after playing center as a true freshman. I view him as an interior player in the NFL and a center for the Steelers, as he is arguably the most impressive run-blocker in the class. His versatility, core power and handwork all stood out to me when watching tape.

There might be some fans who would bemoan the pick of Barton, but the fact remains he would fit what the Steelers want to do along the offensive line perfectly. However, the Steelers would be choosing Barton over the likes of Jackson Powers-Johnson and Zach Frazier as their next center of the future. They’d also be passing on some quality receivers and offensive tackles, but Yates’ prediction seems to fit what we are hearing out of the Steelers facility in terms of prioritizing the interior of the offensive line as priority No. 1.

Round 2

51. Pittsburgh Steelers – Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan

The Steelers will likely target a wide receiver early in the draft, and Wilson has excellent route running skills, extremely reliable hands and elite speed (4.39 in the 40). Be it Russell Wilson or Justin Fields under center, pairing Wilson — who had 12 touchdowns in 2023 — with George Pickens would help this offense.

No one should be shocked about the selection of Roman Wilson. Wilson caught the attention of Mike Tomlin at the Senior Bowl, and don’t think that is a fluke. Wilson would be a great addition to the Steelers wide receiver room, and would likely be called upon to play significant snaps, with an increasing role, early in his professional career.

Want to know more about these players? Check out the scouting breakdowns for both players below:

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.

Roman Wilson

Overview

Smooth strider with alarming speed once he touches top gear. Wilson primarily focused on attacking the intermediate and deep portions of the field, adding an explosive element to the Wolverines’ ground-and-pound approach. Wilson is an electrifying athlete, which should push his stock up, but he’ll need to learn to level up his skill getting from Point A to Point B as a route-runner to reach his potential. Wilson has good hands and can run after the catch down the field, but he’s not really a catch-and-go option underneath. He has the separation potential to make a quarterback’s life easier and figures to continue his ascension as a starting slot talent.

Strengths

• Explosive speed to stretch the field and stress the coverage.
• Driving acceleration rockets him past man defenders.
• Much more sure-handed and natural as a pass-catcher in 2023.
• Defenders struggle to stay with him when play extends.
• Good post-catch acceleration on West Coast routes to hit big plays.
• Competitive and focused when catches become contested.

Weaknesses

• Inconsistent elusiveness to avoid route redirection at press or in space.
• Routes lack consistent leverage and salesmanship.
• Has a second gear but tends to one-speed his patterns.
• Needs to get better at quickly settling and presenting on zone throws.

How would you feel if this is how the draft shook out in the first two rounds for the Steelers? 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.