The Pittsburgh Steelers are basking in the glow of a widely acclaimed 2024 draft, earning praise from pundits across the league. The team had astute an move in the first round, snagging Troy Fautanu, and in the second round, secured Zach Frazier to address their pressing need at center. With both of these moves they got incredible value getting these guys where they drafted them.
Their draft strategy seemed crystal clear: target an offensive tackle in the first round and hope their desired center would still be available in the second. This plan unfolded precisely as envisioned, although it's worth noting that had circumstances been different, they might have opted for Michigan slot corner Mike Sainristil at pick 51. Sainristil himself was convinced he'd be chosen by the Steelers at 51, only to see the Washington Commanders swoop in and select him at pick 50, altering the course of the draft.
"I'll say this, it was definitely a dream come true. Growing up, you know, dreaming, wish and pray to be in this position. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I was not expecting it to be the Commanders. I thought I was going to the Steelers at 51. But I felt my phone vibrating, I looked down, there was a Virginia number. I'm like, 'man who the heck from Virginia's calling me right now?' I pick up the phone and right away my heart was just, I felt at ease.”
While he expressed gratitude for being selected by the Commanders at pick 50, Sainristil couldn't shake his strong belief that he was destined to become a Steeler. He elaborated on why he was convinced he would be drafted by the Steelers at pick 51.
"My agent was just telling me for a while that if I fall at 51, that the Steelers had a chance of getting me. [Omar Khan] really liked me at 51. Once we got to pick 48, I was like, all right, I'm probably getting into my wheelhouse. So, I was just thinking that, all right, it might fall to Pittsburgh. So, I'm just, I'm excited. I got the call from Washington and I'm already very comfortable with the whole staff, so I'm just, I'm super excited. I can't wait."
It would have been intriguing to witness the Steelers' draft strategy unfold had Sainristil not been selected. However, it appeared evident that their primary focus at that spot was securing their center. As long as Frazier remained on the board, the Steelers seemed poised to choose him.
Sainristil revealed that during discussions with his agent, he learned of Omar Khan's keen interest in him at pick 51. Despite speculation about the Steelers' urgency to draft a slot corner, they didn't seem pressured in that regard. While they did select Ryan Watts, a cornerback from Texas, in the sixth round, pundits view him more as a safety prospect than anything else.
Steelers 2024 NFL Draft Praised As A Slam Dunk
The Steelers' performance in the 2024 draft has garnered widespread acclaim, with many grading them with an A. While Khan receives much of the praise, it's crucial to recognize the significant role played by Steelers' Assistant GM Andy Weidl. Weidl wields considerable influence in the draft process, emphasizing the importance of fortifying the trenches, and his efforts have been exceptional, warranting commendation.
Looking ahead, the Steelers' future appears promising. With two quarterbacks now in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, they possess both present talent and future potential. Additionally, their offensive line boasts a solid core that, barring injuries, is poised to anchor the Steelers for years to come. Recognizing that football games are often won in the trenches, the Steelers' concerted effort to bolster this area has ignited enthusiasm among Steeler Nation.
Despite Sainristil's confidence in joining the Steelers, and acknowledging his talent, Steelers fans are immensely grateful that the team addressed their pressing need at center by selecting Frazier. With his potential to step into the role of starting center as a rookie and maintain it for years to come, Frazier's selection brings hope and stability to the Steelers' offensive line.
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