Prospects for Steelers to Avoid in 2024 NFL Draft
While it's perhaps unfair to call this a make-or-break season for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the franchise is about to experience some significant changes that could heavily impact the future.
Head coach Mike Tomlin is entering the final year of his contract, and the Hall of Fame-caliber coach would undoubtedly like to have a winner in 2024—Pittsburgh hasn't won a playoff game since 2016. So, the Steelers were aggressive in rebuilding their quarterback room, signing Russell Wilson and trading for Justin Fields.
The Steelers traded away Diontae Johnson but added the likes of cornerback Donte Jackson, linebacker Patrick Queen and receiver Van Jefferson. This leaves the team with few glaring weaknesses, though there's still work to be done.
While Pittsburgh should always be keeping one eye on the future, it's time to take a win-now approach in the draft. That means finding the right players with its several total draft selections, and perhaps more importantly, avoiding the wrong ones.
With this in mind, let's examine three prospects the Steelers should avoid over draft weekend and why.
LB Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State
1 of 3
The Steelers are in a position to go with the best player available in Round 1, though interior offensive line, defensive tackle and cornerback are positions that would be ideal to target on opening night.
Moving into Day 2, Pittsburgh should seek depth at positions like receiver and linebacker—Johnson is gone, and the Steelers ranked 21st in yards per carry allowed last season.
Ohio State's Tommy Eichenberg is a linebacker who should be available in the Day 2 range. However, he's a prospect Pittsburgh should avoid. He's already approaching his ceiling at 23 years old, and while he was productive in college, he isn't going to wow anyone athletically.
"While his linear movement skills are fine, he struggles when moving laterally, which hinders him in coverage and against stretch runs," Matt Holder of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department wrote. "Additionally, his instincts in zone coverage aren't up to snuff, as he will leave pass-catchers open in his area and struggles to read the quarterback's eyes to anticipate throws."
The Steelers should continue to bolster their run defense after adding Queen, but they shouldn't be desperate enough to add a two-down linebacker with limited upside early in the draft.
WR Jermaine Burton, Alabama
2 of 3
With Johnson out, the Steelers could use another receiver to help support Wilson and/or Fields in 2024. Pittsburgh has a knack for finding quality receiver talent on Day 2, and it may roll the proverbial dice again this offseason.
Alabama's Jermaine Burton is a prospect who could go in the second or third round later this month. He has intriguing traits as a deep threat, is a polished route runner and possesses good size at 6'0" and 196 pounds. However, he provides limited after-the-catch ability.
"He is not exceptional in that area," Derrik Klassen of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "Burton doesn't have the size or power to fight through tackle attempts and gut out extra bits of yardage, which could limit how often teams target him in the short area."
Burton can become a very good pro. However, his skill set doesn't exactly fill a need for Pittsburgh.
The Steelers have their perimeter ball-winner in George Pickens and a vertical threat in Calvin Austin III. If they're looking to add another young pass catcher to the long-term mix, a bigger possession receiver or explosive after-the-catch threat would make a lot more sense. Burton isn't a great run blocker either, which is something the Steelers could use on the perimeter.
CB Kalen King, Penn State
3 of 3
The Steelers parted with Patrick Peterson this offseason, and they're coming off a season where they ranked 20th in net yards per pass attempt allowed. Adding Jackson will help, but Pittsburgh needs more depth at the position.
Versatile Penn State corner Kalen King will be worth a Day-3 flier to a lot of teams, but he's not an ideal fit for Pittsburgh. King has been trending in the wrong direction ever since his physical imitations were exposed during Senior Bowl Week.
"King struggled this past week when matched up against the nation's best," Cory Giddings of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "His lack of strength showed, being pushed off at the top of routes and allowing space, even when in the correct position."
King's lack of play strength would be a major concern in the AFC North, which features bigger receivers like Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Rashod Bateman and Amari Cooper.
At 5'11" and 189 pounds, King has decent enough size, but if he can't consistently contest catches, he could quickly become a liability in divisional play. Pittsburgh's best path toward a deep playoff push will run through the AFC North, so such liabilities are best avoided.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
