PFF Tabs Steelers as Day 2 Draft Winners

Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan’s 2023 draft haul was widely considered one of the best in the league. And, so far, his 2024 draft class of Washington offensive tackle Troy Fautanu, West Virginia center Zach Frazier, Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson, and NC State linebacker Payton Wilson has garnered high praise from analysts and media outlets.

Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus named the Steelers, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson and the New York Giants secondary as Day 2 winners of the draft.

The biggest Day 2 winners, per @TampaBayTre pic.twitter.com/PUn1CgCdvP

— PFF (@PFF) April 27, 2024

PFF categorized Frazier and Roman Wilson as “elite” picks.

“Frazier was a four-time state high school wrestling champion, and that background has led to great handwork and body control. His 84.6 PFF grade since 2021 ranks third among FBS centers, and he owns just a 2.27% pressure percentage allowed over the same span,” PFF wrote.

“Wilson was projected to be an early second-rounder. He is an effortless separator with great hands, as evidenced by his one drop on 67 targets and 90th-percentile separation percentage. He easily slots in as a replacement for Diontae Johnson to create explosive plays downfield.”

NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah thinks Payton Wilson would have been a first-round pick if it wasn’t for a lengthy injury history. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network also revealed that Wilson doesn’t have an ACL in one of his knees.

Despite the durability red flags, PFF thinks labeled Wilson as a “very good” pick.

“The news of Wilson not having an ACL in one knee explains the fall for a first-round talent. If it weren’t for that recent news, this would be an elite grade. Wilson’s grading profile was excellent in 2023, as he put up an 89.9 overall grade and a 90.4 coverage grade. If the lack of an ACL doesn’t prevent him from playing in the NFL, Wilson has everything a team would want in a linebacker: length, intelligence and athleticism. His health is the biggest question mark,” PFF wrote.