In a departure from their traditional conservative approach, the Pittsburgh Steelers have taken a notably aggressive stance this offseason. Making bold moves, the franchise secured former Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson on a one-year, $1.21 million contract and orchestrated a trade for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields.
They also parted ways with former first-round pick Kenny Pickett, released Mitch Trubisky, and allowed Mason Rudolph to depart in free agency, marking significant changes in their quarterback lineup.
But the quarterback shuffle wasn’t the only shake-up for the Steelers. They also made adjustments across various positions, trading wideout Diontae Johnson, and parting with underperformers Pressley Harvin III, Chukwuma Okorafor, and Mason Cole.
Additionally, they made notable investments in high-caliber free agents Patrick Queen and Cameron Johnston. This aggressive offseason strategy signals a shift towards a win-now mentality for the Steelers, who have faced playoff frustrations in recent years.
With the 2024 NFL Draft looming just a month away, the Steelers are poised to bolster their roster further in pursuit of Super Bowl contention this season. Here are two prospects they might consider targeting.
Brian Thomas Jr. (Wide Receiver), LSU
Following the departure of Diontae Johnson, the Steelers face a significant gap in their passing game. While top wide receiver prospects like Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze are likely to be off the board early, Brian Thomas Jr. of LSU stands out as a mid-first-round option.
Despite playing second fiddle to Nabers at LSU, Thomas Jr. delivered impressive numbers, tallying 68 receptions for 1,177 yards and a team-leading 17 touchdowns in the last season. Standing at 6-4 with a blistering 40-yard dash time of 4.33 seconds, Thomas Jr. possesses a rare blend of size and speed reminiscent of George Pickens.
Alongside his sharp route-running and surprising agility, Thomas Jr. is a coveted prospect projected to go anywhere from the borderline top-10 to the late first round in mock drafts. If available, he could be a compelling choice for the Steelers at pick 21, offering a valuable addition to their receiving corps.
Jackson Powers-Johnson (Center), Oregon
With the departure of Mason Cole, the center position emerges as a crucial area of focus for the Steelers’ offensive line. Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson, who boasted an impressive performance in 2023, could be the solution.
In his last season, Powers-Johnson didn’t yield a single sack and allowed only one pressure, showcasing his proficiency as part of Oregon’s elite offensive line. As the recipient of the 2023 Rimington Award for the best center in college football, Powers-Johnson offers the strength and explosiveness needed for effective run blocking, making him a prime candidate for Pittsburgh’s first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
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