SCB Steelers Quick Hitters: The ‘Helluva 24 Hours’ Edition

Good Wednesday to you Steelers fans.

In the words of one Mr. Ron Burgandy, “that escalated quickly.”

We were still processing the addition of linebacker Patrick Queen when the news broke that the Pittsburgh Steelers had traded Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. This of course followed the news earlier this week that Russell Wilson would be coming aboard and now we are dealing with the “Kenny Pickett wants to be traded” rumors.  I addressed both the Patrick Queen acquisition and the DJ trade yesterday in separate posts but let me add this. Omar Khan is not perfect and he’s going to make poor decisions as the general manager of the Steelers. All GMs have their ups and downs but Khan is already far ahead of his predecessor Kevin Colbert in terms of making moves. This isn’t a knock on Colbert. He was the right GM at the right time for the Steelers and for the way the league was structured. But Khan is displaying a willingness to think outside the box a bit and to sign guys that Colbert would have likely never considered. I don’t know if these decisions will result in a Super Bowl or even a division title but I appreciate the fact he’s doing things “his way.” All in all, as we begin the new league year today, yesterday was one helluva 24 hours.

More on Queen

Do you realize that Patrick Queen is just 24 years old and has now played four seasons in the NFL? The knock on him was that he really didn’t produce the way Baltimore thought he would and that’s why he didn’t get his fifth year option. Others credit playing alongside Roquan Smith as to why he had a breakout season in 2023. That could very well be the case but the fact that he started out so young could also factor into this as well. As for his contract, it’s very team friendly. He’s going to make over $13 million this season in signing bonus and contract money but then next year the Steelers can get “out” pretty easily should they want to do so.

New Draft Focus

If you wondered why the Steelers were spending a lot of time with some of the top receivers in this Draft at the Combine, now you know. They met with Rome Odunze of Washington, Keon Coleman of Florida State and Troy Franklin of Oregon to name a few. I have to believe they will take a receiver in round two. That’s my best guess.

Pro Days

Offensive Line Coach Pat Meyer was at the Oregon Pro Day yesterday no doubt keeping his eyes fixed on center Jackson Powers-Johnson. Despite not formally meeting with him at the Combine, I have to believe he’s a major first round target. Here are today’s Pro Days:

• Air Force Falcons
• Arizona State Sun Devils
• Arkansas Razorbacks
• Georgia Bulldogs
• Michigan State Spartans

I have ZERO doubts that we will have a strong contingent at Georgia. Both Amarius Mims and Sedrick Van Pran will get lots of attention from the Steelers as will some other positions like safety.

Speaking of Safety

Keanu Neal has already been released which takes me to Damontae Kazee. The Steelers like Kazee and I do too but I think we all agree he’s best suited in a backup role. Keep in mind he’s also on the NFL’s “list” now too after being suspended for the last three games for his ‘unnecessary roughness’ penalties. I really think the Steelers need a starting level guy here who can allow Minkah Fitzpatrick to do what he does best which is play free safety.

Draft Prep

Click on this link which will take you to all of our Draft Profiles and Mock Drafts. We’ll start rolling out more profiles later this week.