Tim Benz: Subtle nuggets for each Steelers draft choice that could help them make an impact

We’ve spent a lot of time getting to know the Steelers’ new draft class based on how they performed at the college football level. But what will make them good fits in Pittsburgh, specifically with the current roster constructed as it is?

Let’s go pick-by-pick with some subtleties and nuggets about how each player may make a positive impact here — this year or in the future.

First-rounder Troy Fautanu (OT/Washington)

Some have pointed out that Fautanu didn’t even protect the blindside of his quarterback as a left tackle at the University of Washington. Since Michael Penix is left-handed, that duty fell to right tackle Roger Rosengarten, who was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the second round.

But Steelers coach Mike Tomlin made a good point while discussing Fautanu this weekend about how dominant the run-action, wide receiver screen game and pocket movement were to the left side in the Huskies’ scheme.

“Their perimeter game was very left-handed,” Tomlin said. “Watching it from a spectator’s perspective lets you know that the left tackle was a special player in their eyes just by play selection. Not often do you watch the tape and see plays called to highlight a guy who is not an eligible (receiver/ball carrier), but that is what it looked like watching UW tape.”

There is every reason to assume that he should be able to translate to the right side with right-handers Russell Wilson and Justin Fields at quarterback if the decision is made to shift Broderick Jones over to his more natural left side.

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Second-rounder Zach Frazier (C/West Virginia)

Like Fautanu, Frazier is a little shorter than average for an NFL offensive lineman. If you look at Dane Brugler’s pre-draft guide at The Athletic, Frazier (6-foot-2) is the shortest of the top 15 centers. Of Brugler’s top 30 offensive tackles, none was shorter than 6-foot-4. Fautanu is slightly shorter than that at 6-3 and some change.

That’s why Brugler and some others project Fautanu as a guard. That’s an assessment Fautanu dislikes, by the way.

But in the case of the Steelers, having two shorter offensive linemen may not be such a bad thing. After all, Wilson stands in the pocket at only 5-11. Having 6-5 guys across the O-line may not be exactly what he wants anyway.

Third-rounder Roman Wilson (WR/Michigan)

At Michigan, he proved to be a true red zone threat, despite measuring a shade under 5-11 at the combine. During his senior year at Michigan, Wilson caught 12 touchdown passes. He was one of just 10 FBS players in 2023 to hit that mark.

Of those 12 TDs, seven were in the red zone and nine were from within 25 yards.

TOUCHDOWN @UMichFootball!! ???? #GoBlue

????: @Peacock pic.twitter.com/6IZVPOpbWI

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) September 2, 2023

If the Steelers don’t trade for a big-name receiver to start opposite George Pickens, Wilson might be a sleeper fantasy football draft choice in touchdown-heavy scoring leagues.

Third-rounder Payton Wilson (ILB/N.C. State)

One thing that really allowed Patrick Queen to ascend during the last year-and-a-half of his career with the Ravens was his increased usage in the blitz game.

Via NextGen Stats, “Queen led all linebackers with 20 quick pressures last season despite blitzing at just the 23rd-highest rate among LBs (minimum 500 snaps). Queen also generated a 25.5% pressure rate in 2023, the sixth-highest among linebackers (min. 50 pass rushes).”

Having Roquan Smith as a running partner certainly aided in that regard.

Wilson is not going to be Smith. But if he can prove capable of getting reps in nickel situations with Queen, he may be able to patrol the middle of the field at the second level and allow Queen to attack the quarterback.

Not to mention that Wilson is a pretty good blitzer himself.

Payton Wilson / #11 / LBer

6'4 / 238lbs / Senior

23'- 138 tacks, 6 sacks, 1 FF, 2 FR, 3 INTs, 1 TD, and 6 PDs.
22'- 83 tacks, 4.5sacks, 1 INT, 3 PDs

Payton "Machete" Wilson is a prospect used all over the field, is violent, fast, but light. Here we see PW sack the QB.#HTTC pic.twitter.com/Gx7MYMdRrx

— The Podfather (@TheBurgundyZone) February 19, 2024

Wilson totaled 10.5 sacks during his last two years at N.C. State.

Fourth-rounder Mason McCormick (OL/South Dakota State)

This is the one pick from the Steelers draft I really didn’t like. It’s got nothing to do with McCormick as a player. I just wanted to see the club address their obvious slot corner need in this round instead of grabbing a third offensive lineman.

Especially one who is unlikely to start this year.

However, having McCormick on the roster could prove important if the Steelers try to acquire a veteran receiver or defensive back sometime between now and the start of the season. If coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan deem him capable of replacing Nate Herbig on the roster, the Steelers could save $4 million in cap space.

Also, Herbig and fellow guard James Daniels are both free agents after 2024 ends.

Sixth-rounder Logan Lee (DL/Iowa)

One important trait that Lee brings to the Steelers’ defensive line is durability.

He started every game for the Hawkeyes (41) over the past three seasons.

Steelers land the big DL Logan Lee. pic.twitter.com/YtPsXglIQr

— Steel Legends (@Steel_Legends) April 27, 2024

Given how much time Cameron Heyward, Montravius Adams and DeMarvin Leal have missed over the past two years, a player with that much consistent availability could come in handy.

Sixth-rounder Ryan Watts (DB/Texas)

At 6-2, 208 pounds, Watts played corner at Texas and Ohio State. Most analysts think he is a safety in the NFL.

Until he proves capable of being either at the NFL level, Watts definitely has the potential to help on special teams. Especially with the new kickoff rules, special teams coach Danny Smith is going to want as many people with as much versatility as possible as he surfs through the nuances of who to play and in which particular spots.

Watts has long arms (34½ inches). That should help him disengage and fend off blockers in the new, tighter confines of kick coverage expected as a result of the new alignment rules.

Not to mention that the Steelers have lost some important special teams players. James Pierre signed with Washington. Miles Boykin went to the New York Giants. Chandon Sullivan and Elijah Riley are both free agents.

LISTEN: Tim Benz, Joe Rutter and Chris Adamski take a look at the Steelers’ 2024 NFL Draft class