Mock Draft: Steelers Land Surprise CB, Sleeper OT

The Pittsburgh Steelers change their draft order in the latest mock.

Nov 11, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Max Melton (16) / Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are nearing the 2024 NFL Draft, and to this point, they've been able to lock into a few remaining needs when scouting. With just weeks to go, the team appears to have a plan, and it's getting easier to pinpoint how they'll look to go with this rookie class.

Steelers Mock Draft 2.0 brings a change of direction for the Steelers, but as the draft board begins to shape itself out, it's getting easier to see where Pittsburgh is headed. Their draft board likely highlights offensive tackles, cornerbacks, centers and wideouts before any other position. When the clock starts, though, they may have to adjust what order they fill those needs in.

Here we go.

Round 1, Pick 20: Graham Barton, C, Duke

Barton tested like a freak at Duke's Pro Day and is believed to have secured the top spot at the center position in this year's draft. The only reason he'll fall to No. 20 is because teams don't look at centers in the first round. But with the Steelers needs, they'll have to.

Barton is too much to pass up and the Steelers wouldn't have much of an issue adding their next Maurkice Pouncey. When it comes to first-round targets, they may only be a few realistic options at 20 that stand above him. But when names like Cooper DeJean and Tailese Fauga are flying off the board early, Pittsburgh will look for the next best option. That'll be Barton.

Round 2, Pick 51: Max Melton, CB, Rutgers

The Steelers continue to avoid the offensive tackle and wide receiver positions, but only because Max Melton is available at pick 51. Melton has inside and outside capabilities and showcased his athletic skills at the NFL Combine, running a 4.39 40-yard dash.

Melton is exactly what the Steelers are looking for. He reminds you of a more athletic Cam Sutton with his ability to flawlessly move around the field. In year one, he'll be viewed as their nickelback, but has the potential to move outside and be Joey Porter Jr.'s running mate long-term.

The Steelers brought Melton in for a visit, only adding to their interest in him. It'll be tough to pass up a cornerback who fits what they're looking for now and later in one pick.

Round 3, Pick 84: Malichi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky

The Steelers are not hiding their interest in Malichi Corley, bringing the Western Kentucky wide receiver in for a pre-draft visit. Corley ended his career with 259 receptions for 3,035 yards and 29 touchdowns and back-to-back 11-touchdown seasons.

The 5-foot-11 receiver has the ability to play across the field and is a No. 2 in the making for the Steelers. Pairing up with George Pickens, Pittsburgh now has two young and versatile options on the outside with Calvin Austin hopefully filling the inside.

Corley is a name to watch for Pittsburgh. The interest appears to be there. It's really a matter of whether or not he'll be available when they feel comfortable taking a wideout.

Round 3, Pick 98 (via Eagles): Maason Smith, DT, LSU

The Steelers have had Maason Smith on their radar throughout the NFL Draft process. The LSU big man contains resemblances of Stephon Tuitt and steps in with potential to replace either of their defensive taclkes when the time comes.

Pittsburgh needs a bigger body on the inside to work with Montravius Adams, Dean Lowry and Isaiahh Loudermilk as the backups. Thanks to Lowry, the need is not pressing, which allows the Steelers to wait for a high-potential candidate in the third round.

Round 4, Pick 119: Matt Goncalves, OT, Pitt

The Steelers could get a sleeper at offensive tackle and not have to go very far to do it. Matt Goncalves could find himself falling to the fourth round after playing just three games this past season due to a toe injury. Because of this, the Steelers can wait for an offensive tackle, and still add a name with starter upside.

Before the 2023 season, Goncalves was considered a second-round pick in the upcoming draft. Missing time drops your draft stock every time, and the Pitt tackle will now find himself being a Day 2 or Day 3 pick.

That's fine for the Steelers. They could let Dan Moore Jr. finish out his rookie contract and see if Spencer Anderson is capable of surprising them. Then, next year, Goncalves could be viewed as an option to start.

Round 6, Pick 178 (via Panthers): Josh Proctor, DB, Ohio State

At this point in the NFL Draft, it's hard to see how things will fall. But the Steelers will continue to look for needs, and Proctor fills more than one.

The versatile defensive back can play safety or the slot and has the coverage ability and speed to move around the field. As a sixth-round pick, being able to play more than one position is key. The Steelers love those players, and having one from Ohio State likely boosts his stock in their eyes.

Proctor doesn't have expectations, but has the skillset to make a case for himself as a special teamer this season.

Round 6, Pick 195: Tahj Washington, WR, USC

The Steelers showed interest in Washington, bringing him in for a pre-draft visit. The team won't hold back from double-dipping at wide receiver, especially with their last pick. And if Washington is still around, their extra scouting on him could make the decision easy.

Washington has great separation ability, which makes up for his lack of size and speed. He's great in the middle of the field and a quality run blocker. Pittsburgh values all of this in their wide receivers, and at worst, why wouldn't they add another option to the bottom of their depth chart?

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