Steelers NFL Draft big board: 76 prospects to consider, including 15 in Round 1

After months of scouting and speculation, draft week is finally here.

Like all teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers gather intel, evaluate players and then rank them all on one big board. Typically assistant general manager Andy Weidl, who held a similar job in Philadelphia, is tasked with assembling the Steelers’ list.

To get you primed for this weekend, I’ve put together my own big board. I focused mostly on key positions of need — offensive line, wide receiver, defensive back and defensive line — and also sorted each position by days of the draft, based on when prospects are expected to be selected. Players’ overall rankings and round projections (listed in parenthesis) are via The Athletic draft analyst Dane Brugler. An asterisk indicates a player took a pre-draft visit to Pittsburgh.

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Round 1

Center

Coach Mike Tomlin said this week that because the Steelers took an active approach to free agency, he doesn’t feel “overly thirsty” at any particular position. Center might be the biggest exception, after the team cut last year’s starter, Mason Cole, and didn’t add one in free agency.

*Graham Barton, Duke, 6-5, 311 (18 overall, first round)

The Steelers value versatile linemen. Barton is exactly that. He earned freshman All-America honors as a center in 2020 before transitioning to tackle for his final three seasons. Although he became an All-American at tackle, the lineman is expected to move back into the middle as a pro.

*Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon, 6-3, 328 (23, first-second)

Powers-Johnson won the Rimington Trophy last season as the nation’s top center. For much of the draft process, evaluators considered him the top prospect at his position. “He offers a fantastic combination of size, athleticism and toughness, with the skill set that translates to both center and guard,” Brugler wrote.

Offensive tackle

JC Latham, Alabama 6-5, 342 (13, first)

Assuming Notre Dame’s Joe Alt and Penn State’s Olu Fashanu are off the board, Latham might be the highest-ranked tackle whom the Steelers could land with a big trade-up. Arguably the strongest player in the draft, he goes by the moniker “Trench King,” which would be fitting for a Steelers team determined to win the line of scrimmage.

*Troy Fautanu, Washington, 6-4, 317 (9, first)

Brugler writes: “While he has the talent to remain at tackle, his skill set also projects well to guard and center and he offers legitimate five-position potential at the next level.”

*OT/ OG Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State, 6-5, 324 (17, first)

Brugler tabs Fuaga as (arguably) the “top run-blocking lineman in the draft.” That makes him my favorite scheme fit in the first round. The Steelers need a physical force at right tackle to continue their transformation in the trenches. Fuaga, who was entrenched at right tackle at Oregon State, would be the right mix of value, need and playing personality.

*OT Amarius Mims, Georgia, 6-7, 340 (19, first)

Like the Steelers’ 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones, Mims is a Bulldog who has the right tangibles to be a dominant tackle but also needs more experience. Though he has just eight career starts, the talent is impossible to ignore. One thing to consider is that he’s more polished as a pass blocker than a run blocker, so that could delay Jones’ switch to the left side.

*OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma, 6-7, 322 (27, first-second)

Similar to Mims, Guyton is a physical freak who needs to continue to refine his technique. “He has the talent to play left or right tackle, although his comfort level is clearly on the right side,” Brugler writes.

Wide receiver

In a deep and talented wide receiver class, Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze are almost certain to be off the board before the Steelers pick at No. 20. But could they be interested if another top receiver is still available?

Brian Thomas Jr., LSU, 6-2, 209, (15, first)

A big-bodied receiver with excellent acceleration, Thomas led the FBS in touchdown grabs (17) last season. That’s the most by a receiver in an FBS season since DeVonta Smith’s 23 in 2020. Coincidentally, Weidl was on the Eagles’ staff when they used a first-round pick on Smith. Perhaps they would bet big on another productive WR if he falls into their range.

Ladd McConkey, Georgia, 5-11, 186, (31, first-second)

A standout at the Senior Bowl, McConkey has the ability to play outside or inside, which would provide a nice complement to George Pickens.

*Adonai Mitchell, Texas, 6-2, 205 (33, first-second)

Mitchell was the highest-ranked receiver the Steelers hosted. Coincidentally, the player he’s most often compared to is Pickens because of his big frame, ample catch radius and big-play potential. Keep an eye on him in the event of a trade-back in the first round, or a trade-up into the second round if he falls.

Defensive back

The top two defensive backs — Alabama’s Terrion Arnold and Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell — will most likely be gone well before the Steelers pick. But two of the others projected to go in the first round visited Pittsburgh.

*CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson (24, first-second)

The Steelers’ inconsistent secondary allowed the fourth-most completions of 20-plus yards last season (63). The super speedy Wiggins, who ran a blistering 4.28 at the combine, allowed only one catch of 20-plus yards on 41 targets in 2023.

*CB/S Cooper DeJean, Iowa (25, first-second)

With their expanded use of three-safety concepts and numerous disguised coverages, the Steelers prefer to have interchangeable chess pieces who can be mixed and matched in the secondary. DeJean might be the most versatile player in the draft, with the ability to play both safety positions, cornerback and nickel. He also would have a role on special teams as a returner and gunner.

CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama, 5-11, 196 (30, first-second)

Defensive line

It appears likely the Steelers will try to address the offensive line in the first round. But perhaps if one of the defensive linemen is too good to pass up, they would think about the other side of the ball.

DT Byron Murphy II, Texas, 6-0, 297 (16th, first)

DT Johnny Newton, Illinois, 6-1, 304 (28, first)

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Day 2

Center

*Zach Frazier, WVU, 6-3, 315 (34, second)

One of my favorite players in the entire draft, Frazier is smart, strong and would fill an important need for the Steelers. The question is whether he’ll still be available on Day 2 — and whether the Steelers would have to move up to get him.

Tanor Bortolini, Wisconsin, 6-4, 303 (109, third-fourth)

If the Steelers miss out on the first wave of centers, Bortolini would be a nice consolation prize late on Day 2 or early Day 3.

Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, Georgia, 6-4, 298 (113, third-fourth)

If the Steelers haven’t yet addressed center by the end of Day 2 or early in Day 3, Van Pran-Granger is another option.

Tackle

Kingsley Suamataia, BYU, 6-4, 326 (40, second)

Patrick Paul, Houston, 6-7, 331 (59, second-third)

Brandon Coleman, 6-4, 313 (66, second-third)

Roger Rosengarten, Washington, (69, second-third)

*Blake Fisher, Notre Dame, 6-5, 310 (73, third)

Brugler sees Fisher as a “developmental prospect.” While he wouldn’t help the Steelers in the short-term, they’d be betting that once Fisher’s technique catches up with his measurables, he would be a good-value pick on Day 2.

Kiran Amegadjie, Yale, 6-5, 323 (87, third)

Amegadjie is a bit of a late bloomer. He didn’t play football until midway through high school. He also sustained a season-ending injury this year at Yale that kept scouts from being able to evaluate his progress. That could be a good thing for the Steelers, as it could help them land him later.

Defensive tackle

*DL Darius Robinson, Missouri, 6-5, 285 (35, second)

“Robinson is straight out of central casting with his frame, length and power at contact, but he needs to introduce better skill and efficiency to his game for quicker sheds versus NFL blocking,” Brugler writes. Robinson was voted the overall practice player of the week by his peers at the Senior Bowl, a place where the Steelers love to do their homework.

DT Kris Jenkins, Michigan, 6-2, 299 (36, second)

“The son of a 360-pound NFL Pro Bowler, Jenkins is built differently than his father, but he competes with similar energy and awareness and controls blocks with his hands,” Brugler writes.

DT Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson, 6-4, 294 (51, second-third)

His scheme flexibility and ability to play numerous positions inside and outside would make Orhorhoro an interesting piece for the future of the line.

DT Mike Hall Jr., Ohio State, 6-2, 299 (60, second-third)

Tomlin kept a close eye on Hall at the Senior Bowl. Younger than many of his peers, Hall is leaving Ohio State early in part because he now has a baby to support. The Steelers have a history of drafting younger players, believing in their upside.

*DT Maason Smith, LSU, 6-5, 306 (64, second-third)

“NFL teams covet 6-5, 300-pound athletes on the defensive line, and those types are in short supply in this draft class, which will only boost Smith’s draft projection,” Brugler writes.

*DT Braden Fiske, Florida State (71, third)

Fiske is a versatile defensive lineman who can move around in an aggressive front. That makes him a malleable piece to plug in up front in the short and long term.

DT Brandon Dorlus, Oregon, 6-3, 283 (75, third)

Defensive back

Nickel Mike Sainristil, Michigan, 5-9, 182 (43, second)

In a lot of ways, Sainristil’s body type, toughness and blitzing ability mirrors former Steeler Mike Hilton. He’d be an impact player at nickel early in his career.

CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri, 5-11, 183 (49, second-third)

A Senior Bowl participant whom the Steelers scouted in Mobile.

CB T.J. Tampa, Iowa State, 6-0, 194 (55, second-third)

*CB Max Melton, Rutgers, 5-10, 187 (63, second-third)

“Melton brings explosive speed (4.39 40-yard dash) and attitude to his coverage, which will interest press-man teams. His experience inside and outside (and on special teams) will help him see the field right away in the NFL,” Brugler writes. All these things fit what the Steelers want and need.

*CB Andru Phillips, Kentucky, 5-10, 190 (61, second-third)

“He is battled-tested with the athletic instincts and feisty toughness that will translate to any level of football,” Brugler writes. “He won’t be a fit for every team but offers inside-outside versatility with immediate special-teams value.”

CB Kamari Lassiter, Georgia, 5-11, 187 (62, second-third)

CB DJ James, Auburn, 5-11, 175 (85, third)

Linebacker

*Junior Colson, Michigan (42, second)

The Steelers brought in just two inside linebackers for Top 30 visits. Colson, the leader of the No. 1 defense in college football and the winner of the Toughest Player Award at Michigan, was one.

Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M, 6-2, 230 (46, second-third)

Trevin Wallace, Kentucky, 5-1, 237 (86, third)

*Payton Wilson, North Carolina State (88, third)

Wilson, the other linebacker the Steelers brought in, has rare value as a potential four-down linebacker with range and instincts. However, he also has a long injury history and endured numerous surgeries on his shoulder.

Wide receiver

Keon Coleman, Florida State, 6-3, 213 (37, second)

Coleman was once seen as one of the top receivers in the draft but has fallen a bit over the last several months.

Roman Wilson, Michigan, 5-10, 185 (41, second)

Coach Mike Tomlin prides himself on getting up close and personal with as many athletes as possible during the pre-draft process. At the Senior Bowl, he challenged Toledo CB Quinyon Mitchell to defend Wilson one-on-one on every rep to see how two of the top-ranked players in Mobile, Ala., would fare against each other. As a slot receiver, Wilson would be a nice complementary piece to Pickens.

*Ricky Pearsall, Florida, 6-1, 191 (45, second-third)


Brugler writes that Pearsall wasn’t a “home-run hitter on tape, but he is a reliable receiving option with route quickness and ball skills to become a favorite target for an NFL quarterback. He has the skill set and toughness to work inside or outside and return punts.”

Xavier Worthy, Texas, 5-11, 165 (50, second-third)

His frame could give teams pause, but his record-setting speed is undeniable.

*Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky, 5-10, 207 (54, second-third)

A slot receiver with a running back’s body, Corley was nicknamed the “YAC King” for his ability to turn quick hitters into big gains. He’s an especially intriguing scheme fit in Arthur Smith’s offense.

*Xavier Legette, South Carolina, 6-1, 221 (76, third)

His explosive speed and physicality would give the Steelers a pair of outside receivers with similarly dynamic skill sets.

Brenden Rice, USC, 6-2, 208 (103, third-fourth)

The Steelers love players with NFL bloodlines. The son of Jerry Rice would fill a need and fit that criteria.

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Day 3

Defensive line

DT Mekhi Wingo, LSU, 6-0, 284 (95, third-fourth)

DT T’Vondre Sweat, Texas, 6-4, 366 (129, fourth)

The 2023 Big 12 defensive player of the year and Outland Trophy winner faces DWI charges following an early April arrest. While his talent is worth more than a fourth-round pick, how much would the Steelers be willing to spend on a player who couldn’t keep himself on the right track during a critical period of his life?

*Jaden Crumedy, Mississippi State, 6-3, 300 lbs (201, fifth-sixth)

“Crumedy’s tape is more sporadic than consistent, but if you grade the flashes, not many 300-pounders have his athletic movements and power potential,” Brugler writes. Considering the Steelers brought him in for a visit, perhaps this is a player they’d take a chance on with the hope he can develop well enough to be part of the future.

*DT Khristian Boyd, Northern Iowa (211, sixth)

“Boyd can get stuck on blocks versus long-armed resistance, but he is a stout run stuffer who eats up space and flashes pass-rush potential,” Brugler writes. “He will interest different schemes as a quality depth piece.

*Edge/DT Logan Lee, Iowa, 6-5, 281 (271, seventh-PFA)

A tweener body type, Lee started every game since his sophomore season and posted consistent production each year. He projects as a reserve base end.

Linebacker

Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State, 6-2, 233 (106, third-fourth)

Cedric Gray, North Carolina, 6-0, 234 (110, fourth)

Jeremiah Trotter, Clemson, 6-0, 228 (123, fourth)

“The son of a physically imposing Pro Bowl linebacker, the apple didn’t fall too far from the tree with Trotter’s active play style and thumping intent,” Brugler writes.

Curtis Jacobs, Penn State, 6-0, 241 (169, fifth)

Jaylan Ford, Texas, 6-0, 239 (193, fifth-sixth)

Steele Chambers, Ohio State, 6-0, 229 (247, sixth-seventh)

Truth be told, we put Steele on the list for his name alone. It also wouldn’t be a bad late-round move to add some depth at ILB.

Wide receiver

*Luke McCaffrey, Rice, 6-1, 198 (167, fifth)

As mentioned above, the Steelers love bloodlines, and McCaffrey might have the deepest of any player in the draft. Because he started as a QB, he’s still a bit raw. But that could be a good thing, as he’s only now starting to realize his potential as a playmaker.

*Tahj Washington, USC, 5-9, 174 (178, fifth-sixth)

The Steelers have a knack for discovering talent in the mid-to-late rounds at receiver. Keep an eye on this pre-draft visitor.

Offensive line

OC Beaux Limmer, Arkansas, 6-5, 302 (122, fourth)

*OC/OG Hunter Nourzad, Penn State, 6-3, 317 (128, fourth)

“He lacks overwhelming strength or elite athleticism but maximizes what he has with smarts, physicality and well-schooled technique,” Brugler writes. If the Steelers haven’t yet addressed center (or want a backup with experience), Limmer could be an interesting target.

OT Christian Jones, Texas, 6-5, 305 (121, fourth)

*OC/OG Mason McCormick, South Dakota State, 6-4, 309 (125, fourth)

McCormick projects as a Day 1 backup (at all three interior line positions) who can become a starter with more coaching. Given the Steelers’ desire to add versatile linemen, this could be a fit, especially after he came to Pittsburgh for a visit.

*OG Matt Goncalves, Pitt, 6-6, 317 (157, fifth)

He projects as an NFL reserve who can provide depth at multiple positions, including guard and tackle.

*OG/OT Travis Glover, Georgia State, 6-6, 317 (226, sixth-seventh)

Once again, his experience at guard and tackle would add value late in the draft.

*OG Steven Jones, Oregon, 6-5, 342 (NR, PFA)

*OT Travis Clayton, England, 6-7, 301 (NR, PFA)

A very interesting prospect with prototypical size who also runs a 4.81 40. That’s faster than any other tackles or guards in Brugler’s list of draftable players.

Cornerback

Nehemiah Pritchett, Auburn, 6-0, 190 (117, fourth)

Renardo Green, Florida State, 5-11, 186 (133, fourth)

*M.J. Devonshire, Pitt, 5-10, 186 (183, fifth-sixth)

“Devonshire is more of an aggressive athlete than true instinctive ballhawk, but his linear burst, speed and length help him make plays in coverage,” Brugler writes.

*Beanie Bishop, WVU, 5-9, 180 (281, seventh-PFA)

The Steelers found two “Avatar” corners last year in Joey Porter Jr. and Cory Trice Jr. Adding a smaller but speedier player like Bishop would infuse this group with 4.39 speed.

Kalen King, Penn State, 5-11, 190 (189, fifth-sixth)

*Daequan Hardy, Penn State, 5-9, 179 (261, seventh round-PFA)

A nickel at Penn State, Hardy would help fill a growing need for a Steelers team that uses sub packages often. It also helps that he was on the same 7-on-7 team as Porter and Tomlin’s son, Dino. If he’s not drafted, I’d put him near the top of the list of players the Steelers could sign as an undrafted free agent.

(Photo of Tyler Guyton: James Black / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)