The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for the NFL Draft, and their pre-draft visits offer valuable insights into their strategy. With a focus on quarterbacks, offensive linemen, wide receivers, and more, the Steelers are carefully evaluating potential draft picks. Here's a breakdown of the key takeaways from their visits and the broader implications for the team's upcoming selections.
Quarterbacks
The Steelers have done extensive homework on the quarterback class, with Alabama's Ty Simpson, Miami's Carson Beck, and Penn State's Drew Allar meeting with the team at the NFL Scouting Combine. Beck and Allar also took pre-draft visits to Pittsburgh, while Simpson did not. This suggests that Simpson's limited experience (15 starts) may be a deterrent for the Steelers, at least early in the draft. The team seems to favor Beck, who has a high floor, and Allar, who has a high ceiling, with the long-armed, big-handed Beck being a strong candidate for a middle-round pick.
First-Round Picks
If the Steelers select a pre-draft visitor in Round 1 for the fourth consecutive year, there are only a handful of candidates. Three are projected to be picked before the Steelers are on the clock, and three are projected to be picked around No. 21. The team is likely to target a quarterback in the middle rounds, with Beck being a strong candidate.
Double-Dip at Receiver
The Steelers hosted six receivers, more than any other position group, and are expected to target a receiver in Round 1 or Round 2. If they don't land a receiver in Round 1, Germie Bernard seems to be a player to circle in Round 2. With just four receivers currently on the roster, the team may find another player later in the draft.
Finding Replacements
The Steelers are prioritizing finding a replacement for left guard Isaac Seumalo, who departed in free agency. They hosted two of the top four guards, Olaivavega Ioane and Keylan Rutledge, and also hosted Beau Stephens. At tackle, the Steelers hosted the top player at his position in Utah's Spencer Fano and also hosted Travis Burke and Markel Bell. The team is also considering insurance for OT Broderick Jones, who is recovering from neck surgery.
Cornerback and Safety
The Steelers hosted five corners, the second most of any position group behind the receivers. They also hosted Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, who is most valuable early in Round 2. The team may consider a trade-up for Ohio State's Caleb Downs if he doesn't fly off the board in the top 10 as expected. Early-round safety is also a possibility, with Miami's Jakobe Thomas being a fourth- or fifth-round selection.
Defensive Line
The Steelers have added young defensive linemen over the last three years, and while they eventually need to plan for life after Cameron Heyward, his recent extension and an underwhelming class at the position might push that need further down. The team hosted two defensive linemen, both of whom are expected to go late Day 2 or even late Day 3.
Middle Rounds and Impact Players
The Steelers have recently done some of their best work in the middle rounds, finding impact players like TE Darnell Washington and LB Payton Wilson in the third and Nick Herbig in the fourth. With six picks on Day 2, the team is well-positioned to continue this trend.
Inside Linebacker
The Steelers want to tap into one of the deepest position groups in the draft, with five players hosted, most of whom make sense late Day 2 or early Day 3. The team is prioritizing inside linebacker, with a focus on finding an upgrade to Malik Harrison.
Tight Ends and Linebackers
The Steelers looked at a trio of Big Ten tight ends who are in a more-traditional mold. They also hosted five linebackers, most of whom make sense late Day 2 or early Day 3. The team is considering mid-to-late-round TEs and linebackers, with a focus on finding impact players.
Medical Questions
The Steelers seem to be a team that's willing to gamble on a player with health concerns. They've done so in the past with Washington, Wilson, and others. The team is bringing players in for a closer look at their medicals, with numerous players hosted potentially falling into this category.
Changing Process
During the Mike Tomlin era, first-round picks often checked two boxes: The head coach, GM, and several staff members attended an in-person pro day, and the player then visited Pittsburgh. As the Steelers evolve their process, they are now focusing on players who might have medical questions or that the team didn't get to meet with in another setting. The team is also using Zoom interviews more extensively, and those meetings aren't shared with the media on the same level as the visits.
