NFL Draft Prospects Steelers Must Target After 2024 Shrine, Senior Bowls
The Pittsburgh Steelers had another winning season in 2023, but their campaign ended with a wild-card loss to the Buffalo Bills. Franchise owner Art Rooney II has made it clear that simply getting to the postseason is no longer good enough.
"We've had enough of this. It's time to get some wins," Rooney said, per Bob Labriola of the team's official website. "It's time to take these next steps. There's some urgency there, for sure."
Nailing the 2024 draft would help Pittsburgh build a better postseason contender, and the Steelers can't just plan to hit on early picks. Fortunately, the 2024 class is expected to be deep, and several promising prospects were recently on display at the East-West Shrine Bowl and the Senior Bowl.
Here, we'll examine three standouts from this past week who Pittsburgh must consider in the coming months.
Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
1 of 3
The Steelers need to find an upgrade over Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle, and they could turn to 2023 first-round prospect Broderick Jones to find it. Jones made a late-season impact as Pittsburgh's right tackle, but he has all the physical tools needed to move over to the left side.
Moving Jones, though, would create a need on the right side. Pittsburgh should think long and hard about Oklahoma's Tyler Guyton as a potential replacement.
The 6'7", 328-pound oozes physical upside, but with just one season as a starter on his resume, he's a project. However, he flashed plenty during Senior Bowl practices throughout the week.
"He's clearly an ascending prospect," NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah wrote." He lost a couple reps during practices, but his combination of athleticism, size (6-7, 328 pounds) and upside is rare. He looked like a top-15 pick in Mobile."
Guyton was ranked 39th overall on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's January big board, but he may wind up going much higher on draft weekend. If the Steelers don't aggressively pursue a new quarterback in Round 1—a distinct possibility, given Kenny Pickett's lack of development—Guyton should be near the top of their opening-night wish list.
Myles Murphy, DT, North Carolina
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The Steelers may not target their defensive line early in the draft, but they could use depth along the front. Pittsburgh ranked an underwhelming 21st in yards per carry allowed, and they may lose both Montravius Adams and Armon Watts in free agency.
Pittsburgh may also need to prepare for the eventual departure of star defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, who will turn 35 in May.
North Carolina defensive tackle Myles Murphy could provide some much-needed depth to Pittsburgh's defensive front. He has a tremendous combination of size (6'3", 305 lbs) and explosiveness, which he showcased in the East-West Shrine Bowl itself.
"Murphy was the West's best defender," NFL Media's Chad Reuter wrote. "...He challenged linemen throughout the rest of the game, winning gaps with quickness off the ball and forcing double-teams to prevent him from making plays."
This past season, Murphy recorded 24 tackles, 15 solo stops, 4.5 tackles for loss and a sack. His ability to both stonewall ball carriers and generate interior pressure would be valuable in Teryl Austin's defense.
Murphy isn't likely to garner serious consideration in the early stages of the draft. However, landing him with a Day 3 selection would be a massive win for the Steelers.
Chau Smith-Wade, CB, Washington State
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The Steelers appear to have found themselves a capable starting corner when they drafted Joey Porter Jr. in 2023. However, Pittsburgh could use depth at the position, especially in the slot, as Chandon Sullivan is slated to be a free agent next month.
Though a bit undersized at 5'10" and 187 pounds, Washington State's Chau Smith-Wade has the skills needed to excel as an NFL nickel back. He's quick, agile and is a fairly savvy prospect.
"Smith-Wade has excelled as a slot defender because he's patient at the line of scrimmage with the short-area quickness to explode out of breaks," Cory Giddings of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "His lack of size may initially relegate him to a slot defender role, but he has the type the skill set to add depth as an outside cornerback."
According to Giddings, Smith-Wade showcased "top-notch foot quickness and movement skills" during Senior Bowl practices. He also shined in the game itself, snagging an interception and returning it 83 yards to the opposing one-yard line.
Smith-Wade is another potential Day 3 target who could bolster Pittsburgh's defense sooner than later.
*Cap information via Spotrac. College stats from Sports Reference.
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