The additions that the Pittsburgh Steelers made in the offseason have made a major impact for the team this season.
Pittsburgh sits stop the AFC North at 8-3. After losing in the first-round of the playoffs last season, Pittsburgh added players like Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Patrick Queen in the offseason. The Steelers also made impactful additions through the draft.
In a re-ranking of the top ten classes from the 2024 National Football League draft, Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski ranked the Steelers fourth.
“The Pittsburgh Steelers knew they had a problem and addressed it during the draft. General manager Omar Khan sunk three of the franchise’s first five selections into offensive linemen,” Sobleski said. “Zach Frazier immediately worked his way into the lineup and excelled as, arguably, the game’s best rookie blocker. The second-round pick already looks like a long-term cornerstone for an organization that knows all about top-notch center play.”
“Mason McCormick was selected in the fourth round and entered the starting lineup in Week 4. In a bit of a twist, this year’s first-round pick, offensive tackle Troy Fautanu, will eventually become a bonus. Beyond the previous two blockers, linebacker Payton Wilson looks like he fits right in with the Steelers defense.”
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The Steelers drafting multiple lineman has paid off, as they currently rank in the top ten in total rushing yards and rushing yards per game. The fact that they have performed this well without first-round pick offensive tackle Troy Fautanu for most of the season is promising. Pittsburgh will look to these young players to help them bounce back after losing to the Cleveland Browns last week.
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