The next step for the Steelers after the NFL Draft is rookie minicamp, and there will be plenty of youngsters for coach Mike Tomlin and his staff to sort through.
The Steelers drafted three offensive linemen: Tackle Troy Fautanu in the first round, center Zach Frazier in the second round, and guard Mason McCormick in the fourth. They also had two picks in the third round and used them on wide receiver Roman Wilson and inside linebacker Payton Wilson. They took defensive end Logan Lee and defensive back Ryan Watts in the sixth.
Coach Mike Tomlin likes the look of the guys the Steelers drafted.
Tomlin says the Steelers had options to sort through when it came time to make their picks, and he was happy to select three offensive linemen they had targeted, in the first, second, and fourth rounds.
Tomlin anticipates more polish from the Steelers draft picks, since they are all older players with some extra college experience.
General manager Omar Khan says there were plenty of chances to improve their draft position, but the Steelers liked what they had available when it came their time to pick.
The Steelers restructured linebacker Alex Highsmith’s contract last week to free up more salary cap space, and Khan may use that extra money to find a free agent veteran wide receiver or defensive back.
Immediately after the draft, the Steelers signed five undrafted free agents, including quarterback John Rhys Plumlee of Central Florida. Rookie minicamp will also include some undrafted free agent invitees looking for a contract, some of whom will be working out with more than one team.
The dates for the rookie minicamp haven’t been announced but they will be sometime this week or next.
