In the buildup to the 2024 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a favorable position due to their busy offseason. Head coach Mike Tomlin expressed their comfort level during Monday's pre-draft news conference, stating that their active involvement in free agency has addressed many needs and allows them to focus on selecting the best player available in the first round on Thursday night.

The Steelers made several significant moves during the offseason, including the signings of Russell Wilson and Patrick Queen, as well as trading for Kenny Pickett and Justin Fields. They also bolstered their roster by acquiring Donte Jackson and adding depth in Cordarrelle Patterson, Van Jefferson, and Quez Watkins. The only noticeable position of need for the Steelers is a starting center, although there are offensive linemen on the roster who could make a full-time switch.

With the 20th overall pick in the draft, Pittsburgh has an intriguing spot to make a valuable selection. However, Coach Tomlin hinted at a potential ploy to throw teams and the media off their trail, stating that he sometimes attends pro days of players he has no interest in, fully aware of the attention his actions garner.

As the draft approaches, one intriguing question remains: Who will be the first defensive player selected? NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport highlighted several prospects vying for that honor, including pass rusher Dallas Turner, cornerback Terrion Arnold, and defensive tackle Byron Murphy II, who has drawn comparisons to Aaron Donald. The Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears have both been linked to Turner, potentially making him a top-10 pick.

Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers, led by general manager Brian Gutekunst, possess the most draft picks in the league with a total of 11. Gutekunst expressed his desire to acquire even more picks, emphasizing the importance of competition and the impact it has on a team's growth. After boasting the league's youngest roster and making a strong late-season push in the previous year, the Packers aim to continue their momentum by fostering a culture of competition.

In contrast, the Las Vegas Raiders, under the guidance of GM Tom Telesco, are keeping their options open for the 13th overall pick. Telesco joked about the commonality of GMs stating their openness to various draft strategies but revealed the Raiders have plans to trade up, stick with their pick, or even trade back within a certain range. The team remains open to deals that align with their overall draft strategy.

As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers, and Las Vegas Raiders navigate their individual paths, ensuring they make the right moves to bolster their rosters. With the draft set to kick off on Thursday night, anticipation runs high as teams prepare to select the future stars of the league.