Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 Best picks at No. 24 in 2021 NFL Draft
What the Pittsburgh Steelers decide to do with the No. 24 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft could have a massive impact on this season and the future.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a variety of needs going into the 2021 NFL Draft. With Ben Roethlisberger coming back for one last run at a third Lombardi Trophy, you can bet on Pittsburgh being all in this season.
The Steelers will have their options in terms of what they see to be their biggest need when they first come on the clock in the draft with the 24th pick. What they do with that selection, however, remains to be seen.
Whether they go with a running back or add some help in the secondary, there are three players that would all be quality picks when they are on the clock at No. 24 overall.
Best Pittsburgh Steelers targets at No. 24 in 2021 NFL Draft
3. CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech
If not for his back surgery, there is a great chance that Caleb Farley would have been the first cornerback drafted. He is fantastic in man coverage and possesses great speed and ball skills that make him a nuisance for receivers.
Having him play opposite of Joe Haden for a year before making him the unquestioned CB1 would give Pittsburgh a lockdown corner for the foreseeable future.
2. OT Samuel Cosmi, Texas
The Steelers offensive line is getting quite the facelift in 2021. Along with the retirement of All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey, the Steelers lost guard Matt Feiler to free agency and decided not to bring back left tackle Alejandro Villanueva. The Steelers signed B.J. Finney, who will be in his second stint with the team at center — but they need a left tackle.
Samuel Cosmi played on both ends of the offensive line at Texas and his massive 6-7, 300-pound frame would help open outside running lanes, along with keeping pass rushers off of Roethlisberger.
1. RB Travis Etienne, Clemson
The Steelers rushing offense was the worst in the NFL in 2020. Looking at their current depth at running back, to call it lackluster would be putting it lightly. Etienne had over 1,600 yards from scrimmage in his final season at Clemson. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield makes him a perfect fit for a pass-happy Steelers offense.
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On top of that, Etienne is a big play waiting to happen out of the backfield. A total package running back is what Pittsburgh needs. If Etienne is available when they pick at No. 24, don’t be surprised if they select the Clemson standout.