Analyst has high praise for Steelers' NFL Draft picks

Teams have a decent track record of finding players later in the draft (Tom Brady, anyone?), but most NFL Draft experts would tell you that the meat and potatoes of any draft are the top 100 picks.

These are the projected top 100 players about to enter the NFL. Whether they be first-rounders or third-rounders, these top 100 generally have the chance to make the biggest impact right away.

That's exciting news for the Pittsburgh Steelers, at least, because general manager Omar Khan had four cracks at it in the top 100 of this year's draft.

He came away with offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (Washington) at pick No. 20, center Zach Frazier (West Virginia) at pick No. 51, wide receiver Roman Wilson (Michigan) at pick No. 84 and linebacker Payton Wilson (NC State) at pick No. 98.

The Steelers had seven selections in total, four of which came in the top 100.

"All four were home runs," Dane Brugler of The Athletic said of Khan's first four picks. "Michigan receiver Roman Wilson is a tough cover because of his speed, and linebacker Payton Wilson will fill up the stat sheet (as long as he stays healthy). It also was difficult not to choose center Zach Frazier here, not only because he was a steal at No. 51, but also because he’s a perfect fit for this team. But I have to go with Fautanu, my ninth-ranked player overall. He will be a Band-Aid for the Pittsburgh offensive line with his ability to play either tackle or guard."

Pittsburgh has always been a hard-nosed franchise, so it's not surprising to see Khan go with two offensive lineman with his first and second round picks.

The Steelers also drafted a guard Mason McCormick (South Dakota State) in the fourth round, meaning three of Pittsburgh's first five picks will go toward the offensive trenches.

"Pittsburgh remade its offensive line in this draft class. Although not a slam-dunk starter, McCormick adds immediate depth on the interior and will push for early playing time," Brugler said.