Despite their 2024 season not ending on a high note, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot to be happy about with their 2024 rookie class. Considered at the time to be a pretty strong group, the Steelers 2024 rookies delivered on their high expectations. While not every pick was a home run, the Steelers have to be optimistic about their 2024 rookies as they head into year 2 and beyond.
Grading the Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 Rookies
OT Troy Fautanu – Grade: Incomplete
Perhaps the most promising of the Steelers 2024 rookies, offensive tackle Troy Fautanu can’t be properly graded because he appeared in just one game. Fautanu was not a week 1 starter due to a knee injury suffered in the Steelers first preseason game. He was ready to go in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos and put together a very solid performance. Unfortunately, Fautanu re-injured his knee and ended up missing the remainder of the season. For the brief time he was on the field, Fautanu showed potential to be a cornerstone of the Steelers offensive line. But the sample size just wasn’t large enough to hand out a true grade.
The Steelers certainly hope Fautanu turns into a franchise player, because they passed on several other potential superstars when they selected Fautanu 20th overall in the 2024 draft. Two picks later, the Philadelphia Eagles drafted standout cornerback Quinyon Mitchell. One pick after that, the Jacksonville Jaguars chose explosive wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. With those positions two major weak spots for Pittsburgh, they would love a do-over if Fautanu doesn’t pan out.
C Zach Frazier – Grade: A+
There was an obvious theme when the Steelers selected their first two 2024 rookies – build the trenches. Because interior offensive linemen have become devalued in the modern NFL, Zach Frazier fell into Pittsburgh’s lap with the 51st pick. They entered the draft with a glaring hole at center, so they couldn’t possibly pass on Frazier. Based on his rookie season, the pick is even better in hindsight than it was at the time. Frazier looked like a seasoned veteran as he anchored the Steelers offensive line. He was great in the run game and in pass protection. Frazier has all the makings of a future All-Pro and he will be holding down the middle of the Steelers line for a long time.
Zach Frazier allowed pressure on 2.2% of his pass block snaps this season, the second lowest rate of any rookie OL since 2020
Only 3x Pro Bowler Creed Humphrey had a lower pressure rate as a rookie (1.3%)
(Regular season + playoffs, min. 250 pass block snaps) https://t.co/FN95T9KnQI pic.twitter.com/0f8DSt30Gu
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) January 15, 2025
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WR Roman Wilson – Grade: Incomplete
Like Fautanu, it’s hard to give Roman Wilson a grade because he played just five offensive snaps as a rookie. Wilson spent most of the year injured – first he hurt his ankle in training camp, then he hurt his hamstring after returning from the ankle injury. However, it is concerning that Wilson wasn’t really able to get on the field during the brief time he was healthy. Pittsburgh was desperate for better production from their receivers, but Wilson was still unable to make an impact. For that reason, if a grade was given to Roman Wilson, it would be no better than a “D.”
LB Payton Wilson – Grade: A
If Zach Frazier wasn’t the most promising player of the Steelers 2024 rookies, Payton Wilson was. Due to injury concerns, Wilson fell to the later part of the third round despite being arguably the most complete linebacker in the draft. When his number was called, Wilson quickly showed how good he is when healthy. As a rookie, Wilson became the Steelers “do it all” linebacker. Other than some early problems with missed tackles, Wilson really had no weaknesses. He has great play recognition, he’s strong in pass coverage, and he has legit sideline-to-sideline speed. Wilson will be an every down player and key piece of the Steelers defense in 2025 and beyond.
G Mason McCormick – Grade: B+
When the Steelers drafted Mason McCormick in the fourth round, it was a bit surprising. They had already drafted two offensive linemen, and guard wasn’t really considered a need for the team. That changed quickly, though, when James Daniels tore his Achilles in Week 4. McCormick had the tough task of stepping in and replacing the team’s best offensive lineman. For the most part, he did a good job. McCormick was especially strong as a run blocker. His play did drop off towards the end of the season, suggesting he may have hit a rookie wall. Unlike Frazier, McCormick can’t be called an obvious cornerstone of the Steelers offensive line moving forward. Despite that, he still had a quality rookie season.
DL Logan Lee – Grade: Incomplete
Similar to Roman Wilson, Logan Lee’s rookie season really can’t be graded because he essentially didn’t have a rookie season. Lee injured his hamstring in the preseason and didn’t play a snap in the regular season. As they are in serious need of defensive line talent, Lee will get a chance to prove his worth when training camp rolls around. For now, though, there’s not any analysis that can be done on Lee.
DB Ryan Watts – Grade: Incomplete
Ryan Watts rounds out the Steelers 2024 rookies with another incomplete grade. Watts suffered a scary head/neck injury in the Steelers final preseason game. He went to IR and just recently underwent surgery for the injury. With that type of injury, it’s impossible to know what’s in store for Watts in the future. Hopefully he is able to fully recover and return to playing football.
Overall Grade: B+
The Steelers 2024 rookie class essentially boils down to “the players who played are very promising.” Unfortunately for them, only three of the seven rookies saw the field enough to be evaluated. Still, Pittsburgh was able to land a franchise player at center, a guard with solid upside, and a linebacker with the potential to be their next Ryan Shazier. Mix in the promise Fautanu showed in his one appearance, and it’s easy to be extremely optimistic about this rookie class moving forward.
Main Photo: Eric Hartline – Imagn Images
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