Steelers' Top 5 Best Options To Draft In Round 2

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant move in the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting Washington offensive tackle Troy Fautanu with their 20th overall pick. Notably, this pick earned a commendable 86 score from Next Gen Stats, setting a promising tone for their draft strategy. With their first-round choice unveiled, attention now turns to the Steelers' prospects for round two.

Positioned at 51 in the second round, assuming they don't trade up or down, the Steelers face the challenge of securing top talent amid the flurry of picks preceding theirs. With the opening round concluded, it's evident that many coveted prospects will have been claimed before the Steelers return to the draft board.

In this article, we'll take a pragmatic approach, offering informed speculation on potential prospects while taking into account the Steelers' positional needs. By blending analysis of likely available players with an understanding of the team's requirements, we'll explore the Steelers' options as they prepare to make their mark in the second round of the draft.

1. Zach Frazier

Frazier has been a popular pick for the Steelers in pre-draft mock drafts, and NFL.com currently ranks him as the 37th best prospect available. Despite his high ranking, the demand for centers across the league seems relatively low, which could work in the Steelers' favor. If Frazier is still on the board when the Steelers are on the clock, selecting him would address their pressing need at center. 

With a standout collegiate career at West Virginia, Frazier has demonstrated the talent and readiness to step into a starting role from day one in the NFL. While his draft stock has seen a recent uptick, there's a chance he could still be available for the Steelers to snag.

2. Jackson Powers-Johnson

If the Steelers opt to address the center position in the second round, Powers-Johnson emerges as another viable option. The standout center from Oregon showcased his prowess in college, excelling at both protecting the quarterback and leading the offensive line. While the Steelers initially showed interest in Powers-Johnson, the focus seemed to shift towards Frazier as the draft approached. Despite a slight dip in his draft stock, landing Powers-Johnson at pick 51 would undoubtedly be a win for the Steelers.

3. Ladd McConkey

While it's somewhat of a long shot for him to drop to the Steelers, McConkey is currently ranked as the 30th best prospect and is anticipated to be off the board early in round two. However, there are some lingering question marks surrounding him that could potentially lead to his slide down the draft board.

Landing McConkey at pick 51 would be an absolute coup for the Steelers, although the likelihood of this scenario unfolding is slim. With a standout career at Georgia, McConkey established himself as a dependable wide receiver, with some pundits even touting him as the fourth best wideout in the draft.

4. Ennis Rakestraw Jr.

Rakestraw Jr. is a cornerback whose reliability and skill set have garnered attention from pundits, who anticipate a smooth transition to the NFL and a strong presence as a lockdown defensive back. Known for his tenacity and adeptness at tracking wide receivers, particularly in press coverage situations, Rakestraw Jr. is ranked as the 32nd overall prospect. While his availability at pick 51 is not guaranteed, he aligns perfectly with the Steelers' positional need at cornerback and offers significant potential for growth and impact.

5. Keon Coleman

Wrapping up the list is Coleman, a standout wide receiver who remains one of the top prospects available at his position. Should the wide receiver market slow down somewhat, the Steelers might just strike gold by snagging him at pick 51. Securing Coleman at this spot would fulfill their need for a wide receiver two, providing an immediate impact player who could seamlessly slot in alongside George Pickens from day one.

Steelers Could Trade Up In Round 2

Omar Khan's draft strategy has been transparent: if he opts for a trade, it's usually to move up in the draft rather than back. With several promising prospects on this list potentially being snatched up before the Steelers' second-round pick, speculation abounds about the possibility of the team trading up. Steelers fans will be on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting news of their team's draft moves.

In this round, the Steelers' primary needs seem to revolve around wide receiver and center, although cornerback remains a viable option as well. As the draft unfolds, all eyes will be on Pittsburgh to see how they address these key positions.