Not Flashy, But Smart? Roman Wilson Highlight of Steelers Draft
In typical Pittsburgh Steelers fashion, the team’s draft was not flashy but the front office was busy addressing the trenches. If you’re bullish on the Steelers making the postseason, you can take Pittsburgh to reach the NFL playoffs at +160 betting odds.
Pittsburgh used their first two picks to upgrade their offensive line in Washington tackle Troy Fautanu and West Virginia center Zach Frazier. These would be two of three offensive linemen the Steelers drafted.
Rookie numbers are in 🙌
📝: https://t.co/PUveS4wEAA pic.twitter.com/dLwndWP6Hv
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 8, 2024
Fautanu had a wide range with some projections having the Huskies standout to be gone by the time the Steelers were on the clock. Frazier looks to be one of the best centers in the draft but is coming off a significant leg injury.
Let’s dive into how the Steelers draft turned out.
Steelers Steal? Pittsburgh Lands Roman Wilson in 2nd-Round
One draft pick to keep an eye on is Pittsburgh’s third-round selection, Roman Wilson. The former clutch Michigan receiver now has a home with the Steelers. Wilson will give Russell Wilson or Justin Fields a consistent option in the slot.
The newest Steelers receiver posted 48 receptions for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2023. Pro Football Focus projected Wilson to be a second-round pick.
It’s the Roman Wilson show in Mobile this week
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 31, 2024
“The PFF big board pegged Wilson as an early second-rounder,” Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema detailed. “He is an effortless separator with great hands, as evidenced by his one drop on 67 targets and 90th-percentile separation percentage. He easily slots in as a replacement for Diontae Johnson to create explosive plays downfield.”
NFL Analyst Raves: Steelers Draft a Home Run Class
Pittsburgh’s draft results are drawing praise as the franchise continues to retool this offseason. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has the Steelers as his No. 2 ranked draft. The NFL analyst’s favorite pick is Pittsburgh landing Fautanu.
“The Steelers had four picks in the top 100, and all four were home runs,” Brugler wrote. “Michigan receiver Roman Wilson is a tough cover because of his speed, and linebacker Payton Wilson will fill up the stat sheet (as long as he stays healthy).
“It also was difficult not to choose center Zach Frazier here, not only because he was a steal at No. 51, but also because he’s a perfect fit for this team. But I have to go with Fautanu, my ninth-ranked player overall. He will be a Band-Aid for the Pittsburgh offensive line with his ability to play either tackle or guard.”
What’s With the Steelers QB Battle Between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields?
For any of these picks to matter in 2024, the Steelers will need production from the quarterback position. Pittsburgh signed Wilson then later traded for Fields.
Steelers HC Mike Tomlin on why Russell Wilson has “pole position” for the starting QB job. pic.twitter.com/oXyczXuv7S
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 25, 2024
Earlier in the offseason, the Steelers labeled Wilson as the favorite to be the team’s QB1. After the draft, head coach Mike Tomlin admitted that the team is hoping the quarterbacks will have added motivation after their previous teams move on from the veterans.
“It’s going really well,” Tomlin said, per NFL.com. “All three guys, to be really transparent, are somewhat scalded. They got something to prove professionally. But we as a collective feel the same way. We have something to prove, and I just think that is a good frame of mind to be in as individuals and as a collective as we prepare ourselves for the 2024 season.
“It’s not fun to relocate or get fired or things of that nature. But as competitors, it always motivates us in the right way, and I’m excited about working with the men that you mentioned. And we as a collective have got some questions to answer, so I’m excited about that, as well.”
Pittsburgh Steelers HC Mike Tomlin to ESPN’s Rece Davis: “In the early stages of team development, [Russell Wilson] is in pole position… During the course of team development, training camp, and the preseason, [Justin Fields] will be given an opportunity to compete.” #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/qL6UHw37zO
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 27, 2024
The NFL odds have Tomlin’s crew as quite the longshots to win the Lombardi Trophy. Pittsburgh has +4000 odds to win the Super Bowl.
Questions Of The Day
Who is the favorite to be the Steelers starting quarterback in 2024?
The Steelers have tabbed Russell Wilson as the favorite to be the team’s starting quarterback.
What are the Pittsburgh Steelers odds to win the Super Bowl?
The Steelers have +4000 odds to win the Super Bowl.
The odds and predictions in the article are based on the time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place.
