Steelers Eager to See ‘Redshirt’ Draft Picks Return for 2025: ‘They Could Have Helped Us Last Year’

The Pittsburgh Steelers received solid contributions from half of their rookie class, but the rest dealt with injuries throughout the 2024 season. Four of their seven draft picks were placed on the Reserve/Injured List for most of the year, and only two were active on the 53-man roster, both playing in one game each.

However, the Steelers haven’t forgotten about them. This group includes first-round OT Troy Fautanu, who was on track to start before a season-ending injury, and third-round WR Roman Wilson, who could become a key player in 2025.

With the unusually high number of injuries, the Steelers are likely to treat this offseason as an additional half-draft class. In past years, when a prominent rookie missed a season due to injury, they would describe the situation similarly. After Senquez Golson’s rookie injury, they referred to him as part of the 2016 draft class.

The Steelers now have four additional draft picks this year in that sense, including a couple of significant ones. Fautanu and Wilson are expected to be starters or potential starters, while DB Ryan Watts, who piqued the Steelers’ interest, and DL Logan Lee, who fills a position of need, also stand out.

“It’s like a redshirt year for those guys,” Khan told Rob King for the Steelers’ website when discussing the injured rookies. “It’s unfortunate they got injured, because we felt all of them could have helped us last year. Injuries happen, and unfortunately, some of our draft picks were affected. But I’m happy we’ll have them for 2025.”

The 2024 season marked the second consecutive year the Steelers kept all their draft picks. Lee and Watts were placed on IR before the season even started. Fautanu began in Week 2 but suffered a dislocated kneecap. Wilson spent much of his time recovering from an ankle injury sustained during training camp. After making his debut in Week 6, he suffered a hamstring injury, eventually landing on IR two weeks later.

However, the Steelers still benefited from the rookies who were able to play. Second-round pick Zach Frazier was a reliable center, and Khan praised him in multiple interviews. Another third-round pick, ILB Payton Wilson, played a key role on defense, with more responsibility expected in the future. While it wasn’t the plan, fourth-round OG Mason McCormick ended up starting for most of the season due to injuries.

The Steelers drafted McCormick last year with hopes that he could develop into a starter by 2025. While he may not secure the starting role, Khan consistently praised him in several interviews on Tuesday.

The 2024 draft class is expected to have a significant impact on the upcoming season and possibly beyond. It could form three-fifths of the starting offensive line, with both Wilsons, Roman and Payton, potentially becoming long-term starters. The player who intrigues me the most is Ryan Watts, assuming he remains healthy enough to play.