It’s that time of the year again where players start to declare for the NFL Draft. But if you’re not formular with who can declare here who can.
Any college player that has completed four years of college eligibility, as distinguished from those who had a redshirt year, will be considered eligible for the 2024 draft unless a player submits a request to not be considered for the draft to the league by Feb. 2. Underclassmen must be out of high school for at least three seasons before they can request the NFL’s approval for special draft eligibility.
The Steelers have had a few tough losses this season. And a lot of injuries have been stacking up over the last couple of weeks. With injuries to key positions groups like inside linebacker, quarterback, and in the secondary.
The Steelers are in a position to right now to keep building the team using both free agency and the draft. But it’s starting to get to the time when the draft is going to be more important than free agency. Since QB Kenny Pickett and WR George Pickens will be entering the third year of their contracts. Also, TE Pat Freiermuth will be entering the final year of his contract.
Let’s get into the mock draft.
Round 1 Pick 18: Nate Wiggins, CB Clemson
Round 2 Pick 50: Rod Moore, S Michigan
Round 3 Pick 82: Sedrick Van Pran, C Georgia
Round 4 Pick 116: Danny Stutsmann, LB Oklahoma Pick 118: Rick Pearsall, WR Florida
The Steelers are coming into this game with a 7-4 record and the healthiest they have been this season. It’s going to be interesting to see if they can continue to what they did on offense against the Bengals last week. Which looked to be one of Kenny Pickett’s best game of his career.
The Steelers are coming into this game the healthiest they may have been all season. And with that they are getting a key member back in their secondary, with the return of Minkah Fitzpatrick. The Cardinals on the other hand are coming into this game pretty beat up.
I know it’s early for a mock draft since the steelers are in hunt for the playoffs. And it’s only week 12 of the season. But it’s never too early to look at where the prospects are going right now.
The Steelers could use help on both sides of the ball, but they especially need secondary help on defense.
Let’s get into the mock draft.
Round 1 Pick 23: Kamren Kinchens, S Miami (FL)
Round 2 Pick 54: Quinyon Mitchell, CB Toledo
Round 3 Pick 87: T’Vondre Sweat, DT Texas
Round 4 Pick 105: Johnny Wilson, WR Florida State Pick 118: Danny Stutsman, ILB Oklahoma State