Are The Steelers Expectations Based Too Much On Rookies
Photo Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
The 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers season has expectations like every other season in recent memory. Super Bowl Champion or bust. While the past seven seasons have gone without even a playoff victory, the goal always remains the same.
This season however, has a slight twist to it. Rookies have always been counted on to be contributors on every NFL roster. The level of said production often varies based on the overall quality of the roster. The Steelers will be counting on several rookies in key positions to be day one starters, which will make the season nerve racking for the organizations and fans alike. Is Pittsburgh depending on too many rookies? Let’s take a look.
It’s no secret the offensive line has been abysmal at times the last 4 seasons. While we saw a slight improvement in 2023, it still lacked ability at two key spots. Left Tackle and Center (Dan Moore Jr and Mason Cole) both performed near the bottom of the league the last two seasons. If the team from the Steel City is looking to get that first playoff win in 7 seasons, upgrades at both positions were necessary.
Insert Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier. Both were selected with the Steelers first two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft (Fautanu #20 Frazier #51). If we are being honest. This is an immediate upgrade at both positions.
While they are rookies that have never taken an NFL snap, they have more natural ability than their predecessors. Throw in the imagination of new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, and Pittsburgh’s offensive line jumps to a top 10 -15 unit in the league.
Wide receiver #2 became a problem when the Steelers finally decided that they no longer chose to deal with the shenanigans of Diontae Johnson and traded him to the Carolina Panthers this off-season. Many suspected they would rab a receiver in free agency or with their first pick of the draft. Instead, they waited until the third round to take Roman Wilson out of Michigan.
Wilson is a physically gifted wideout that loves the physicality of playing receiver. Almost in the mold of former Steeler great Hines Ward, only much faster. There are worse things than to be drafted in the 3rd round, however, his draft stock was hurt due to things beyond his control. He has short arms. If his arms were a half inch longer, he would have been a no doubt first round pick.
The Michigan product is currently penciled in at one of the starting wide receiver spots opposite George Pickens. Rumors have been flying all over the place that Pittsburgh is looking for a established #2 receiver. Whether they pull the trigger on a trade or not, Wilson will be a huge part of what the Steelers are trying to accomplish on offense.
Inside linebacker in the Steelers 3-4 defense has been a problem since Ryan Shazier’s tragic spinal injury in 2017. They thought they had it figured out when they traded up and drafted Devin Bush 10th overall in 2019. After a promising rookie season, Bush suffered a torn ACL and never recovered and was eventually not retained.
Jump to 2024, Payton Wilson was selected #98 overall in the 3rd round. The all-American out of North Carolina State comes with a vast injury history, but the play making on the field is undeniable.
He also won’t have to do it alone. He will be teaming up with 2nd team All-Pro Patrick Queen that the Steelers signed this off-season from the Baltimore Ravens.
The Black and Gold does return starters Elandon Roberts and Cole Holcomb, so there will be competition to get the starting nod. While Wilson lacks experience, he is a much more explosive and athletic player than both. Not to mention Holcomb is coming off a devastating knee injury suffered last season.
One thing to point out. Wilson is missing an ACL in one of his knees. That still didn’t stop him from being a consensus All-American in 2023. Former Pittsburgh greats Greg Lloyd and Ward both played without an ACL in one of their knees.
Rookies are always tricky to predict. Most don’t pan out the way teams believe they will. The Steelers have put their trust in four such rookies that very well might be the key to the season.
Universally, Pittsburgh was graded out as an A+ draft. If that holds true, the steelers arein for a very successful season.
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