We are just a month away from the start of the 2024 NFL draft. The Pittsburgh Steelers made some huge waves in free agency but the draft is still going to be vital for the improvement of this roster. This will be especially true of the team’s first-round pick. General Manager Omar Khan has been masterful in his moves and the way he won the 2023 NFL draft is a great example of it. Can he do it again in 2024? Here are our seven favorite first-round prospects for the Steelers ranked.
1
OL Troy Fautanu – Washington
Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Huskies offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (55) blocks for tight end Devin Culp (83) against the Michigan Wolverines during the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Huge athletic offensive lineman with the potential to start at all five spots on the line including center.
2
C Jackson Powers-Johnson – Oregon
Oct 21, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) signals against the Washington State Cougars in the 4th quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports
Best pure center in the draft and a powerful mover who will be ready to start early in his NFL career.
3
CB Cooper DeJean – Iowa
Iowa Defensive back Cooper DeJean stands for a photo during Hawkeyes Football media day in Iowa City, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023.
DeJean is an incredibly versatile athlete with an impressive skill set as a cornerback, safety and return man.
4
CB Nate Wiggins – Clemson
Nov 25, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) smiles after breaking up a pass to South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor (8) during the fourth quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Clemson won 16-7. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
I almost included Terrion Arnold here but Wiggins track speed gives him the edge here for me.
5
WR Brian Thomas Jr. - LSU
Oct 21, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) celebrates a touchdown against Army Black Knights defensive back Cameron Jones (10) during the first quarter at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports
Tall athlete with impressive length and the ultimate vertical threat. Thomas and George Pickens wold be a scary combination.
6
OL Graham Barton - Duke
Nov 11, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils offensive lineman Graham Barton (62) before the game at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Another five-position offensive lineman who plays with a real physical edge.
7
OT JC Latham - Alabama
Sep 4, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman JC Latham (65) blocks against the Miami Hurricanes at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
In terms of a pure offensive tackle, JC Latham is our favorite of the most realistic options. He’s such a great mover for weighing 335 pounds and has a ton of quality experience.
