The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to get high praise for their work done in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Several have named the Steelers’ class as the best in the NFL, as they landed four top names on the draft’s first two days without having to trade up. Not only are their first four picks getting universal love, they may have also landed a gem in the fourth round.
Doug Farrar of USA Today’s Touchdown Wire named Steelers’ fourth-round pick Mason McCormick as one of the best sleeper picks of the draft.
“The Steelers made it abundantly clear in this draft that they’re sick and tired of being behind the 8-ball when it comes to their offensive line. They selected Washington tackle Troy Fautanu with the 20th overall pick in the first round, West Virginia center Zach Frazier with the 51st overall pick in the second round, and South Dakota State guard Mason McCormick with the 119th overall pick in the fourth round. Work that in with Broderick Jones, last year’s 14th overall pick in the first round, and there’s a changing of the guard, and tackle, and center in the Steel City.
McCormick was a no-star recruit, and the Sioux Falls, South Dakota native went with the only school who offered him anything. Over the next six seasons for the Jackrabbits, he allowed just three sacks, four quarterback hits, and 20 quarterback hurries in 1,605 pass-blocking reps. And his tape is full of power pulls and gap-scheme blocks that speak to his efficient power. After starring at the East-West Shrine game and the combine and training with O-line guru Duke Manyweather, McCormick found himself much more wanted than he had ever been before.” – Doug Farrar, USA Today
Needless to say that the Steelers have a potential starter who will be able to step right in should the team not re-sign James Daniels after this season. While many were hoping Pittsburgh would go with a defensive back in the fourth round, or use the pick to acquire a veteran receiver, having McCormick in-house for a year before having him step in as a starter is a good plan to have.
