It’s that time of the year when the entire Pittsburgh Steelers fan base is immersed in mock draft discussions. The anticipation of the front office’s decisions for the upcoming April draft is one of the most exciting aspects of the offseason. As the team enters the 2024 offseason with numerous needs on both sides of the ball, General Manager Omar Khan and his partner, Andy Weidl, face the challenge of transforming the roster into a legitimate championship contender. The fan base will be actively making predictions over the next few months.
Renowned NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr., from ESPN, recently unveiled his first mock draft for 2024. While many Steelers fans have shown interest in cornerbacks Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry and Terrion Arnold from the University of Alabama, Kiper Jr. predicts that the team will select Kamari Lassiter from the University of Georgia. Kiper Jr. emphasizes the need to add youth to the cornerback position, especially considering the significant playing time by 33-year-old corner Patrick Peterson in the previous season.
Kiper Jr. elaborates on Lassiter’s potential, highlighting his emergence as a lockdown corner for the Bulldogs in 2023. Despite having only one career interception in 2021, Lassiter showcased impressive coverage skills, allowing just nine receptions for 91 yards as the nearest defender, with no passes resulting in scores. Kiper Jr. envisions a dynamic duo forming with Joey Porter Jr., creating a formidable presence on the outside for the Steelers.
The prospect of having two young, rookie-deal cornerbacks in the Steelers’ secondary excites the possibility of Minkah Fitzpatrick being a ball-hawking safety. This setup could empower the defense to effectively shut down opponents with two standout wide receivers.
It’s important not to overlook Cory Trice Jr., a seventh-round pick from 2023, who faced a premature end to his rookie year due to an ACL injury. Expected to make a full recovery in 2024, Trice Jr. adds depth to the cornerback position.
While Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin is set to return in 2024, Kiper Jr. emphasizes the need for additional weapons, especially at cornerback. With various defensive needs, Kiper Jr. believes that cornerback is the most significant, aligning with the Steelers’ recent trend of favoring players from Georgia.
Reflecting on Khan’s successful first draft as general manager, the focus now shifts to building off that success. With needs in multiple positions on both sides of the ball, making the right picks is crucial for the Steelers to contend for a Super Bowl in the near future.
The article concludes by inviting readers to share their opinions on Kiper Jr.’s selection of Lassiter for the Steelers in the comments section.
