The Pittsburgh Steelers and the rest of the NFL is preparing for the 2024 NFL Draft this Thursday evening when the 3-day selection process begins. An annual event for the Steelers is for the head coach and general manager, in this case Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan, meet with the media to talk about the upcoming draft.

The media don’t get a lot of time to ask people like Khan and Tomlin questions during the offseason, so they peppered the Steelers’ brass with questions not just about the draft, but also the state of the team heading into 2024.

When Khan was asked about whether the strengths of the roster, especially with the changes on the roster in free agency/trades, has changed the overall structure of the roster, Khan’s response was simple, “The strengths are still the strengths.”

All NFL teams get 30 pre-draft visits where they can bring in prospects to have more of a one-on-one setting with them. Both Khan and Tomlin were asked about the significance of these meetings, and if they are different from the information gathered at the NFL Scouting Combine and/or individual pro days.

“The are extremely important.” Khan said. “The more access you can get to these players the better.”

The Steelers GM mentioned how the medical aspect of these meetings is vital, but also how the prospects fit with the Steelers, how the Steelers fit with the prospects.

Tomlin was asked if these pre-draft visits can they seal the deal for the organization?

“Sometimes it can be, but sometimes it’s a box check.” Tomlin replied.

There as a lot of discussion surrounding the center position, and if the organization’s thoughts on the position have changed or evolved since they last spoke. Khan continued to reiterate the fact they have people on the roster who are position flexible.

“It’s an important position, but we have guys on the roster with flexibility. We have options there.” Khan said. “We’ll see where it shakes out.”

When prodded about the strengths of this center class, Khan gave the vanilla answer of how many of these players will be called into start in Year 1, “A handful of centers that will be starters in the league this year, and years to come”

Tomlin was asked about the wide receivers entering the draft, and how it seems as if the positional depth is good year-in and year-out. In Tomln’s response he talked about how the game of football is becoming  a year-round sport for those skill position players. “It’s the nature/development of the game. Everyone plays with 3 wide receivers now. Also, the development of 7 vs. 7 football, more of a year-round endeavor. It provides an opportunity for a higher level of skill.”

“Finding Steelers” is something which is discussed often among the media and fans, but what is that process like for the organization? Omar Khan was able to shine some light on that process, and what it entails, as the team looks to get the next group of Steelers in 2024.

“It’s watching the tape, getting to know the person, doing the homework on them, talking to people who have been around them. Getting to know some of these guys. It’s a diligent process, and exciting to be apart of.”

What might have been the most illuminating part of the press conference was when Tomlin was asked about his thoughts back to Justin Field’s Pro Day at Ohio State. What did he remember? Tomlin talked about how a lot of his interactions/behavior is based on what the media sees, not necessarily what he is trying to accomplish.

“Sometimes at pro days I’m looking at people I’m not interested in, because I know everyone’s watching.” said Tomlin. “My movement, who I pay attention to becomes media fodder. Sometimes I have fun with you guys.”

Trading in the NFL Draft is always a hot-button topic in league circles, and the option of trading down in the first round is real. But would they do it? “We never want to trade away from a good player,” Khan said. “But if there is a scenario which makes sense for both sides you have to look at it.”

When talking about potential trade scenarios, Tomlin and Khan were asked if they do work ahead of time, or wait until draft day to make moves? “We will have plenty of strategy meetings leading up to Thursday. Our threshold with certain guys. There’s a million hypotheticals. We usually have a good idea about moving before we’re on the clock.”

Khan went on to talk about how the team typically knows well before they are on the clock if they are going to make a move. However, he did say last year, when the team traded up to selected Broderick Jones, the deal for Jones happened on Thursday, close to when they were on the clock.

As stated earlier, other topics were talked about, including the 5th year options for both Najee Harris and Justin Fields, and Khan said those decisions will be addressed after the draft, before the May 2nd deadline.

For more information on the Tomlin/Khan Press Conference, check out the podcast 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.