The 2024 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, and that means there are numerous mock drafts, simulations and predictions floating around the internet. Some are viewed as a waste of time, while others are at least interesting enough to take a gander at what these “experts” are suggesting.

The latter would be true for the annual swapping of mock draft picks at ESPN. This used to be done with Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay, but since McShay was cut from the company’s draft coverage, Field Yates has filled in. Here is the breakdown on the exercise:

“We asked NFL draft analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates to predict every pick from Days 1 and 2 of the draft, going through all 100 picks through the end of Round 3. They took turns making selections, alternating from Kiper’s pick at No. 1 until Yates’ pick at No. 100. Kiper has the odd numbers; Yates has the evens. They even cooked up a few projected trades.

“One important note for this mock: Kiper and Yates based their picks on a combination of what they think each team will do and what they would do if they were playing general manager for all 32 teams. They used their personal rankings — here are Kiper’s, and here are Yates’ — to guide them, along with the latest they’re hearing from talking to sources around the league.”

With that out of the way, it’s time to take a look at who they selected for the Steelers in Rounds 1-3. It’s important to note the Steelers have four selections on Day 1 and 2 of the draft.

Let’s get to the picks…

Round 1

20. Pittsburgh Steelers – Yates’ pick: Graham Barton, C/G, Duke

The Steelers still have a center need, and Barton is the best in the entire class. He played center as a true freshman for the Blue Devils before moving to left tackle for his final three seasons. His footwork, mobility and tenacity all stand out.

Round 2

51. Pittsburgh Steelers – Kiper’s pick: Jalen McMillan, WR, Washington

I went with this match in my two-round mock too. McMillan could help fill the void of Diontae Johnson — who was traded to the Panthers — in making plays out of the slot.

Round 3

84. Pittsburgh Steelers – Yates’ pick: Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State

The Steelers don’t need a Week 1 starter at defensive tackle, but Hall would provide pass rush juice and could eventually pair with Keeanu Benton when Pittsburgh no longer has Cameron Heyward.

98. Pittsburgh Steelers (via PHI; compensatory pick) – Yates’ pick: Brandon Coleman, OT, TCU

Pittsburgh would add versatility and experience with Coleman while continuing the remake of its offensive line. He didn’t allow any sacks last season.

As always, it is important to think about how you would feel/evaluate these picks if the board actually fell this way and the Steelers made these selections? 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 2024 NFL Draft.