Well, I struck out on the first-round pick. I predicted that the Steelers would select Graham Barton, but I can’t say I expected them to have the possibility of landing Troy Fautanu. But let me try another crack at this on day two, and I’ll be changing most of my prediction, but not all of them.
Round 2, Pick 51: Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia
I think that center has to be the pick here. Go all in on the offensive line and fully embrace what a completely refurbished offensive line. Frazier is a plug-and-play who the Steelers love, and he makes so much sense as the day one starter at center. If Frazier and Fautanu are the additions, this offensive line will be much better off for it.
Frazier did not run at the combine while recovering from a broken leg that prematurely ended his 2023 season with the Mountaineers, but he did test at the 2024 Big 12 Pro Day. There, Frazier ran a 5.24-second 40-yard dash, a 4.69-second shuttle, 7.85-second three-cone drill, an 8-foot-4 broad jump and a 28 1/2-inch vertical jump. So, he’s not the athlete that Jackson Powers-Johnson or Graham Barton are, but he is such a steady hand, this is an obvious pick.
Round 3, Pick 84: Andru Phillips, CB, Kentucky
One change to the mock draft is a cornerback coming in here rather than the fourth round. More on wide receiver in a second, but Andru Phillips is someone who the Steelers will love as a feisty player who can play downhill and make an impact in the run game from the slot. He’s a right away starter from the slot, and even though his tape is rocky at times in coverage, he does compete and has upside with his athleticism.
So, a perfect player? Nope. But he does bring a fierceness and physicality that the team completely lacks in the secondary, specifically out of the slot. Phillips will mesh well with Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson and give the Steelers an extremely athletic back half to their defense.
Round 3, Pick 98: Steelers Trade for Broncos WR Courtland Sutton
Deal Details: Steelers trade No. 98 for Courtland Sutton and Pick No. 121
Not changing this one. The smoke around a potential deal for a wide receiver, combined with the Alex Highsmith restructure at an exciting time, makes me think something is coming for the Steelers. I have detailed a few times why I feel Courtland Sutton makes sense, and it’s exactly why, in this scenario, it does not cost that much. In reality, this pick swap values Sutton as a fourth-round pick, which feels right for him. He is not a superstar, but he is a solid complementary receiver. With Wilson into the fold along with Pickens, the Steelers have suddenly rebuilt their entire offense, aside from truly upgrading at tackle. But the Sutton deal makes sense to add a big body who can play outside, give them consistency across the board, and become the hoss blocker the team needed.
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