We had an interesting question come up on the latest episode of the Steelers Q&A.

A listener asked what position would the Steelers be likely to double dip at in the 2024 NFL Draft. That is a great question, and it got me thinking.

The answer lies somewhere at a position of need for the Steelers. It also hinges on the positional depth of this draft class. Therefore my most likely conclusion is a three part answer.

The Steelers have revamped the QB depth chart this offseason, and for good reason. The Steelers offense has been particularly offensive over the past two seasons. The lion’s share of the blame lies squarely at the feet of former OC Matt Canada, but the QB position needed upgraded as well. If for no other reason than to remove the foul stench of those memories from our minds, plus avoid the impact of the damage done to the previous QBs who suffered possible permanent damage under his tutelage.

The Steelers have brought in veterans Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to compete for starting QB. Hopefully at least one of the two proves to be competent. It would be optimal if one of these guys would seize control of the situation and project as the next franchise guy, but only time will tell.

The Steelers decision makers can increase the likelihood of that happening with the choices made this offseason, particularly during this week’s NFL Draft. No better place to start than the offensive line.

Offensive line

This is the most obvious answer, seeing the Steelers great need to finish rebuilding their offensive line. The Steelers currently lack any semblance of a proven NFL caliber center on the roster, and the same could be said about the left tackle position with Dan Moore Jr still projected as the incumbent starter.

This year’s class of offensive linemen has some plug and play candidates at the top, and plenty of talented projects through the middle rounds.

The Steelers dream scenario would be Oregon State RT Taliese Fuaga falling to 20, but that is highly unlikely. The Steelers would most likely need to trade up somewhere between picks 10 to 15 in order to acquire his services. I consider Fuaga to be a generational type player, and the only prospect I would be willing to trade up for in the first round in this draft class.

Graham Barton and Troy Fautanu are two talented and versatile linemen that the Steelers could be considering. Both have the athleticism and technical efficiency to suggest capable of playing center at the NFL level. However, both have the majority of their collegiate experience at other positions, so their ability to make the position switch at the highest level is pure projection. Therefore they are not my preferred targets.

I believe that the Steelers have three options for immediate plug and play centers in this class. Zach Frazier, Jackson Powers-Johnson, and Sedrick Van Pran. Frazier is the only one of the three I would consider at 20.

If the Steelers acquire their center target early, it would behoove them to consider upgrading their tackle position with a later selection.

One name that immediate stands out is a player that had an official visit recently: South Dakota State OL Mason McCormick. McCormick is another extremely athletic and versatile interior lineman for the Steelers to strongly consider in the middle rounds. Especially if the Steelers decide to put elite level athleticism over proven production at the center position. McCormick has center experience, and would provide valuable insurance.

Wide Receiver

The Steelers definitely need another starter capable receiver, after trading long time starter Diontae Johnson this offseason. The only proven starter is George Pickens, who appears primed and ready to assume WR1 status.

The Steelers picked a great time to be needing another receiver, because this is the deepest and most talented class of pass catchers that I have ever seen. The depth honestly goes four to five rounds deep.

Many receivers who would have first round grades in a normal year are receiving second and even third round grades in this incredibly deep group. Prospects like Keon Coleman, Ladd McConkey, Ricky Pearsall, Xavier Legette, Roman Wilson, and Malachi Corely are all strong second and third round options for the Steelers.

Then the Steelers could target another talented prospect in a middle round. Someone like Rice WR Luke McCaffrey. Christian’s younger brother definitely shares the family’s superior genetics. Luke is a superior route runner with Velcro hands and desired toughness.

Cornerback

Another incredibly deep position group. Depending on the publication doing these evaluations, there are 4 to 6 guys with first round grades. I have two sure things, in Quinyon Mitchell and Terrion Arnold. I also consider Nate Wiggins and Kool-Aid McKinstry as late first round possibilities. Before anyone loses their minds, I consider Cooper DeJean’s best NFL position to be safety.

If the Steelers decide to pull the trigger on one of these extremely talented corners in the first round, they could easily acquire another one on Day 3 of the draft.

As I mentioned earlier, this is an extremely deep and talented group. Max Melton is an aggressive and talented specimen who made my list of perfect fits for the Steelers. Melton most likely won’t last until Day 3, but the Steelers could consider him with one of their two third round selections.

There are multiple talented slot corner candidates who should be available on Day 3. These gentlemen lack ideal length in most cases, leaving them relegated to playing the slot. That represents great value for the Steelers in a latter round, because the Steelers definitely need an upgrade at slot corner.

Mike Sainristill represents the cream of the crop at slot corner in this class, and may even sneak into the third round. That price maybe a little steep for the Steelers this year, with so many other pressing needs. However, there are other outstanding values to be had at the position.

Beanie Bishop was an All American during his single season with the West Virginia Mountaineers. Bishop is considered a mid to late round prospect due mainly to his lack of height and advanced age, but don’t sleep on his potential fit for the Steelers. Bishop is incredibly feisty and competitive. Think Mike Hilton, with far better speed and coverage abilities. Like I said, great fit all around.