Steelers Select Bengals’ Newest Star in Re-Draft
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2024 NFL Draft class would look significantly different in a re-draft scenario.
While the results of the Steelers’ 2024 rookie class were mostly positive, particularly for the healthy players, how would things play out if teams had the benefit of hindsight? ESPN explored this very idea, analyzing the first two rounds and projecting how teams would approach the draft with the new information at their disposal.
In the original draft, Pittsburgh selected Washington offensive tackle Troy Fautanu with their first-round pick at No. 20 overall. Unfortunately, Fautanu’s season was marred by injuries, including a sprained MCL during the preseason opener against the Houston Texans and a dislocated kneecap in practice before the Week 3 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. As a result, he only played in one regular-season game, logging just 55 snaps.
However, in the re-draft, Fautanu was still available when the Steelers were on the clock, but ESPN’s Brooke Pryor opted to pick Georgia tackle Amarius Mims instead, a player who originally went No. 18 to the Cincinnati Bengals. Mims, who dealt with injuries but had a solid season, especially in pass-blocking situations, could have allowed the Steelers to shift Broderick Jones to the left side and slot Mims in at right tackle. Mims started 13 games for the Bengals, allowing 33 pressures and four sacks, according to Pro Football Focus.
Meanwhile, Fautanu dropped down to the New England Patriots in the re-draft at No. 34 overall, near the top of the second round.
Pittsburgh’s actual second-round pick at No. 51 was Zach Frazier, who became one of the league’s best centers, starting 15 games, allowing only 12 pressures, and being a dominant force as a run blocker. However, in the re-draft, Frazier had already been selected by the San Francisco 49ers at No. 31. With Frazier off the board, Pryor pivoted and chose defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro, who was originally picked by the Atlanta Falcons at No. 35 in the actual draft.
Pryor suggested that, given the Steelers’ need to reload their defensive line and Cam Heyward’s aging status, Orhorhoro could offer great value. The 23-year-old, who missed part of his rookie season due to an ankle injury, displayed versatility and potential. Despite being a healthy inactive early in the season, Orhorhoro contributed 11 tackles and six pressures in the eight games he played.
Both Payton Wilson and Mason McCormick, who had notable playing time and performed well, were not selected in the re-draft.
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