Every NFL franchise is searching for the perfect fit during the NFL Draft process, but what does that really mean?

We already know that there is no such thing as a perfect prospect or person, but some special connections between prospect and franchise come pretty close to perfection.

There have been far too many such occasions throughout NFL history to mention them all, but one particular union immediately comes to mind.

The terrific trio of Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Bill Walsh with the San Francisco Forty Niners was almost the perfect collaboration of NFL royalty in my opinion.

Joe Montana was the ideal QB to orchestrate Walsh’s revolutionary West Coast offense. Montana possessed the elite level decision making and accuracy needed to make the West Coast system nearly unstoppable. Especially after adding the most dominant WR in NFL history into the equation. Jerry Rice was incredibly talented, but his determination and work ethic were legendary. Three of the all time greats together was nothing short of destiny, and the perfect confluence of events.

The perfect fit is an ideal combination of talent, personality, system, and culture. All four attributes must be present to achieve perceived perfection. That’s what makes it truly special, and extremely rare.

The Steelers have had a plethora of perfect fits through the years. The most recent example was Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown. They enjoyed one of the most statistically successful sustained streaks in NFL history. Two of the all time greats at their positions in NFL history and they shared a special rapport on the field. At their peak, they were nearly unstoppable.

The Steel Curtain dynasty was a collection of perfect fits. Mean Joe Greene was the ultimate competitor and winner. The foundation of the franchise. Franco Harris was the focal point of the punishing rushing attack, and a perfect fit for the city and the culture. The ’74 historic draft class completed the rebuild. Lynn Swann and John Stallworth were perfect fits for Terry Bradshaw’s big arm and ultra aggressive mindset. Jack Lambert was a terrifying blend of intensity and intimidation. Four Lombardi Trophies in six years speaks for itself.

I enjoy these trips down memory lane as much as the next guy, but the Steelers are currently focused on the here and now. The results of the current offseason will determine if the Steelers are nearing the end of their rebuild, or stuck somewhere squarely in the middle.

With that in mind, allow me to share a few of my favorite perfect fits for the Steelers in the 2024 NFL Draft class.

Taliese Fuaga

I fully admit that Fuaga is one of my biggest draft crushes in this year’s class. Fuaga would be a perfect fit for the Steelers at right tackle. He is a punishing mauler at the point of attack, and his strength is only matched by his intensity. Fuaga will be one of the best RT in the NFL the moment he steps on the field.

Zach Frazier

If Fuaga isn’t my biggest draft crush, then Frazier definitely is. Frazier is an old school baller. Cut from a similar cloth as past Steelers great Mike Webster. Frazier combines great strength with excellent technique. He has a center’s mindset, to the core. All the qualifications to be the Steelers next legacy center.

Adonai Mitchell

The Steelers are in desperate need for a WR2, and I believe that Mitchell is the perfect candidate to fill that need. Mitchell is tall, fast, and extremely talented. He is also still young and slightly raw. Mitchell has only scratched the surface of what type of player he could potentially become. Hopefully his continued development into an elite receiver will take place in the Steel City.

Malachi Corely

Corely is another extremely talented but raw performer. He had a scheme specific role during his tenure at Western Kentucky. He was the gadget guy. The coaches designed plays to get him the ball in a variety of ways. Specifically because Corely is extraordinarily dangerous with the ball in his hands. Corely’s usage has limited his route running development, but the necessary skill set is easily apparent. His RB type physique and YAC yard capabilities has earned him comparisons to Deebo Samuel, a player that I have long yearned to see in the black and gold. With a little good fortune, the Steelers might be able to select this younger and faster version.

Keon Coleman

Coleman is another one of my draft crushes I wrote recently about. I believe Coleman is extremely underrated due to his lack of breakaway speed and elusiveness, but he possesses every other attribute. Coleman has exceptional size and strength, with strong reliable hands and elite contested catch ability. Coleman’s strength and contact balance makes him difficult to bring down. He is currently only 20 years young, and won’t turn 21 until May 17. In other words, still raw with room to grow. Just the way the Steelers like them.

Quinyon Mitchell

Mitchell is my favorite CB in an unusually deep class at the position, even if he isn’t from a Power 5 conference. Mitchell has prototypical size and strength for a boundary corner, plus elite speed and explosiveness. However, I believe it’s his next level competitiveness that sets him apart from his peers. He has some old school dog to his game, and he never shys away from a challenge or hard contact. Mitchell has every ability necessary to be a shutdown corner.

Max Melton

Melton is an impressive physical specimen for a corner, with a thick muscular physique. As expected, he is stout against the run and a solid tackler. Melton has exceptional 4.39 speed, with elite level explosiveness. Another extraordinarily competitive cornerback, Melton would be an excellent addition to the Steelers young and improving CB depth chart. Melton and Joey Porter Jr would form a terrific tandem for the Steelers on the outside.

There are other excellent fits for the Steelers at positions of need in this draft class, but these candidates were the first to come to mind. Please share your own draft crushes in the attached discussion thread.

The 2024 NFL Draft can’t get here soon enough for this old Steelers fan. Patience isn’t my best virtue.