Steelers' Clear First-Round Plan Is More Apparent Than Ever In 2024

Every team in professional football, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, has more than one need as the 2024 NFL Draft rapidly approaches. General Manager Omar Khan has set expectations high for himself after an incredible first draft as the head of the front office in 2023. After an offseason of mixing up several different positional groups, the franchise still has a task ahead to solidify a roster that needs assistance on the offensive and defensive lines, as well as at wide receiver and cornerback. Luckily, the class is deep in almost all of those areas, giving Khan and co. options at the end of April.

The first move that may have tipped off the Steelers' plan for the draft in 2024 came when Arthur Smith was hired as the new offensive coordinator. The former Atlanta Falcons head coach didn't successfully live up to expectations after putting together a phenomenal offense for the Tennessee Titans. Some coaches are meant to be the top guy, and others are better in a coordinator role. That's the hope in Pittsburgh when it comes to Smith.

As the offensive coordinator for the Titans, Smith used a ground-and-pound approach that was specifically designed around Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill's ability to run the play-action pass. With Russell Wilson expected to lead the Steelers' offense in 2024, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are going to be featured heavily in order to open up the passing attack, similarly to how Smith designed his game plans in Tennessee.

This leads one to believe that, despite crucial needs at wide receiver and cornerback, Pittsburgh is almost certain to take a big-bodied, future franchise-altering offensive lineman in the first round. The hiring of Smith could have been the first innuendo, but the organization has also hosted seven tackles on pre-draft visits, as well as popular centers Jackson Powers-Johnson and Zach Frazier (local visit). 

Historically, the Steelers tend to show their cards when it comes to the pre-draft process and which prospects they are looking to target in the draft. Center is a crucial area in which the team needs to upgrade, but it's becoming increasingly more likely that the first person to hear his name called to Pittsburgh will be the future on the right side of the offensive line.

The big names the franchise used a top 30 visit on include Amarius Mims, Taliese Fuaga and Troy Fautanu. It's not unreasonable to project at least two of those guys being available when the Steelers are on the clock on the first evening of the draft. Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin doing their research at the position suggests they see it as the most pressing need.

Dan Moore Jr. would be the starting left tackle if the team had to play a game before the draft, leaving 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones on the right side, despite his natural position protecting the blindside of a right-handed quarterback. The ultimate goal would be to have Jones on the left in 2024 and a plug-and-play right tackle selected in the draft. 

Steelers Will Look To Build Up The Trenches With Andy Weidl Involved

Assistant General Manager Andy Weidl made a name for himself as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles' front office. It was always clear that he valued the offensive and defensive lines. He lurks in the shadows in Pittsburgh, but has stated more than once that he wants to develop a physical brand of football within the team's roster. The Steelers are clearly giving off significant hints that the offensive line is going to be the most important need, specifically tackle, and as a priority in round one.