Steelers Land Illinois DL Johnny Newton in New Mock Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers could use more help along their defensive line, and while they have lined up visits with multiple day two talents, could it there be a chance they take a guy in the first round? NFL Insider Adam Caplan mocked them Illinois DL Johnny Newton in his latest mock draft.

“The Pittsburgh Steelers need to address the future of their defensive line, and Johnny Newton, known in scouting circles as one of the best available in the 2024 NFL Draft, is the call here,’ Caplan wrote.

Steelers director of college scouting Mark Sadowski attended Illinois pro day back early in the circuit, Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot first noticed. Of course, Newton did not work out due to a fracture in his foot and will have a personal pro day on the side to test during the process.

An explosive athlete, Newton has a special burst right out of his stance. And while there are bigger needs on paper, Newton would be excellent value with the 20th overall pick, and in my opinion, is the best defensive tackle in the class despite some questions about his overall size.

Given the fact that the Steelers have been mocked wide receiver, offensive tackle, and center the most recently, defensive tackle is a swerve from an NFL insider such as Caplan. And the team has not shown a ton of outright interest in Newton, so this would be surprising. But regardless, his tape is first-round worthy, and he would certainly end up being a monster of an addition to the unit.