Every time a new draft class is brought into the world, NFL general managers and coaches can’t help but gush about their picks. It’s like the response of proud parents when asked about their newborn. The recent 2024 NFL Draft was no exception for General Manager Omar Khan and Coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a 20-minute media session, their words were genuine and filled with excitement.
The Steelers added 7 players to their roster through the draft: Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, Roman Wilson, Payton Wilson, Mason McCormick, Logan Lee, and Ryan Watts. While each player possesses unique skills, they all share the common traits of toughness, a love for football, physicality, and a mean streak. They are the kind of players who enjoy imposing their will on others.
Fautanu, the Steelers’ first-round pick, believes in playing the game with a nasty and violent approach. He stated, “There’s only one way to play, and that’s nasty and violent. You have to enjoy imposing your will on someone.” Payton Wilson echoed this sentiment, expressing his desire to be out on the field for every down and looking to “rip someone’s head off” on each play. Roman Wilson, a speedy receiver, lives by the motto “No block, no rock” when it comes to doing the gritty, physical work of a wide receiver.
Frazier, a four-time heavyweight champion wrestler in high school, understands the similarities between wrestling and playing offensive line. He stated, “It helps a lot, because every snap is some form of either hand-to-hand combat or just using leverage, which is why wrestling is so similar, from using hands to understanding leverage and how to move people. That’s really what offensive linemen do.”
Logan Lee, a Steelers fan since childhood, expressed his love for the team and the Steel Curtain era. He mentioned watching Mel Blount’s aggressive style of play, saying, “I loved watching Mel Blount slam people on their heads. I was always a big Steelers fan growing up.” McCormick, when asked about his approach as a run blocker, emphasized his pride in bringing intensity and effort to every snap, fueling the offense and creating an exciting environment.
Looking at the Steelers’ past two draft classes and their moves in free agency, it’s evident they are focused on building a physical and tough football team. Khan, the general manager, emphasized the importance of the offensive and defensive lines, stating, “the offensive line, defensive line, those are big priorities. The big men. That’s where it starts. We want to be a physical football team, and it’s got to start up there.” The goal is to create an offensive line with the same playing demeanor as their defensive teammates.
Moving forward from their 10-7 finish in the regular season of 2023, the Steelers have been actively re-making their offense. They’ve hired a new coordinator, made changes at quarterback and wide receiver, and now added a group of mobile, agile, and hostile offensive linemen. Under Coach Tomlin’s tenure, opponents have always struggled against the Steelers’ defense, and now the offense is aiming to be equally formidable.
However, despite the positive additions, there are still areas that need improvement. The Steelers are missing a starting-capable cornerback, and another wide receiver would be comforting. They have some flexibility in their budget after restructuring a contract to create additional cap savings. This gives them room to make further moves if an opportunity arises.
The Steelers’ management has always been open to improving the roster and finding realistic paths to minimize risk. While the goal is not to replicate the greatest draft in NFL history, which the Steelers accomplished 50 years ago, they aim to return to the style of play that made those teams successful. Building a roster filled with passionate and competitive players who love the sport can create a winning environment in the current NFL landscape.
Troy Fautanu, the Steelers’ most recent first-round pick, embodies the commitment and passion for the game. Coach Tomlin described Fautanu as someone with a calling card of passion and tremendous athletic talent. The Steelers’ management deserves praise for their well-executed plan in the draft. However, there is still much work to be done in the next phase.
Looking to the future, the implications of these draft picks and the Steelers’ focus on physicality indicate a potential trend in the NFL. As the league continues to evolve, teams may prioritize players with a mean streak, a love for the game, and physicality. Building an offensive line that matches the intensity of the defense can create a balanced and formidable team.
Furthermore, the emphasis on passionate and competitive players may inspire other teams to prioritize those qualities as well. The Steelers have shown that a roster filled with individuals who love the sport can yield positive results. As the NFL moves forward, teams may seek players who not only possess physical talent but also have a genuine passion for the game.
In conclusion, the Steelers’ 2024 draft class and their focus on physicality and passion present potential future trends in the NFL. Building a team with players who enjoy imposing their will on opponents can create an intimidating and successful environment. The Steelers’ management has executed their plan effectively, but there is still room for improvement. As the league evolves, other teams may take inspiration from the Steelers’ approach, prioritizing players with a mean streak and genuine passion for the game. The future of the NFL may see a shift towards teams valuing the intangible qualities that make players not only skilled but also passionate competitors.