Draft expert suggests 'home run pick' for Steelers

The Steelers currently own the No. 20 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. But with several needs, including offensive line, cornerback and quarterback, they may just take the best player available at the spot.

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah believes that could create a dream scenario for Pittsburgh.

"I also think that adding another corner is something that they need to look at, and they need to get accomplished," Jeremiah said. "If you want to say what's a home run pick ... putting Quinyon Mitchell from Toledo on the opposite side of who you took last year with Joey Porter, Jr. I think would be."

Mitchell has been rising up draft boards ever since his strong performance at the Reese's Senior Bowl at the beginning of February. He now ranks as Pro Football Focus' third-best cornerback and No. 13 overall prospect on its big board.

However, he was already highly regarded after forcing more incompletions than any other FBS cornerback over the past two seasons. From 2022-23, Mitchell posted 83 tackles, six interceptions, 37 passes defensed and two touchdowns.

Some "experts" had Mitchell mocked to the Steelers a month ago, but now he may be long gone before Pittsburgh makes its first pick. That's why Jeremiah thinks he would be a steal if he were to fall to pick No. 20.

The Steelers do need to find another cornerback to pair with Porter Jr. after veterans Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace got continually picked on in 2023. 

Mitchell could be that player for Pittsburgh, especially because head coach Mike Tomlin was not shy in his interest in the athletic cornerback at the Senior Bowl.

There is still a lot of time between now and the 2024 NFL Draft, which begins on April 25, for Mitchell's draft stock to change. 

But a strong performance at the NFL Scouting Combine next week could put him further out of reach from the Steelers and only build upon the dream scenario of landing him.