Steelers' Rookies Who Will Make Instant Impact in 2024 Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers have, on paper, a much more complete roster than they had in 2023. Whether that translates to a deeper postseason run remains to be seen, but there's a lot to like about Pittsburgh's group coming out of the draft.

The Steelers should have an upgrade at quarterback in Russell Wilson, Justin Fields or some combination of the two. That's probably the biggest piece of the puzzle, as poor quarterback play was a constant issue a year ago.

The Steelers' inability to move the ball and produce points consistently cost them several games and any real shot at winning the AFC North.

However, Pittsburgh's improvements aren't contained in the quarterback room. A stellar draft class should provide several immediate contributors.

Here, we'll examine three incoming rookies with the talent and the opportunities needed to be early difference-makers in 2024.

Pittsburgh used the 20th overall pick in the draft on Washington's Troy Fautanu. While Fautanu was viewed by many as a future guard because of his lack of technique and archetypal tackle length (6'4", 317 lbs).

However, Fautanu played left tackle in college, and that's where Pittsburgh plans to place him. He's an athletic blocker with terrific play strength who should quickly oust Dan Moore Jr. from the starting lineup.

Moore was serviceable for the Steelers but was one of the larger liabilities on the line last season. He was responsible for three penalties and eight sacks allowed, according to Pro Football Focus.

While Fautanu will likely have his fair share of rookie ups and downs in pass protection, he'll be an immediate force in the ground game. He and 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones are the future, and the duo should be better than average right away.

"Jones and Fautanu give the Steelers the league's most athletic pair of offensive tackles," Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski wrote during the draft. "They'll both be used on the move to lead the way for a bruising run game."

The only real question is whether the Steelers make Fauntanu a Week 1 starter or ease him into the lineup, as they did with Jones last season.

Before the start of free agency, the Steelers released starting center Mason Cole. This created an obvious void along the line, one that Pittsburgh filled in the second round.

The selection of former West Virginia center Zach Frazier was one of the best examples of talent and value meeting need that we saw over draft weekend. With an abundance of physical ability and a high football IQ, Frazier should contribute early and possesses Pro Bowl upside.

Frazier was labeled the most "pro-ready" interior lineman in the draft and was ranked the 26th overall prospect by the Bleacher Report Scouting Department.

While a case could be made for allowing Fautanu to learn from the sideline early in the season, Frazier has a clear path to a starting job. Pittsburgh doesn't have a lot of attractive alternatives.

If Frazier doesn't take hold of the starting gig, the Steelers will have to rely on career backup Ryan McCollum, who last played in 2021, or consider moving Nate Herbig to center.

Barring a significant surprise, Frazier will be handling the snaps when the regular season kicks off.

Getting former Michigan receiver Roman Wilson in Round 3 was another great value for the Steelers. The seventh-ranked receiver on the B/R board, Wilson easily could have gone a round sooner.

While the Wolverines didn't rely heavily on the pass last season, Wilson still managed to tally 789 yards and 12 touchdowns on 48 receptions. He'll provide inside-outside versatility and should quickly replace Diontae Johnson, who was traded, as the No. 2 target behind George Pickens.

Wilson is polished enough to fill a starting role immediately.

"Wilson is among the best route-runners in the 2024 NFL draft class," Derrik Klassen of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "He uses his intense speed to put defensive backs on their back foot immediately and works from there."

Fellow third-round pick Payton Wilson could also have an early impact. While he has tremendous physical traits and proven production, though, the former N.C. State linebacker carries serious injury concerns.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport stated during the draft that one of Payton Wilson's knees lacks an intact ACL. The rookie has disputed this claim, though Pittsburgh may still exercise caution.

Due to Payton Wilson's injury history and the presence of veteran 'backers like Elandon Roberts and Patrick Queen, Roman Wilson is better positioned to see a substantial role early.

Don't be surprised, though, if both Wilsons make their presence felt throughout the 2024 campaign.