The 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers rookies have completed their second season. It\u2019s time to see how Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, Roman Wilson and Payton Wilson stacked up against their draft class contemporaries. I\u2019ll also comment on the rest of the rookie class.<\/p>\n
Here is the link to their rookie year review<\/a> if you want to compare the statistical change from last season.<\/p>\n I\u2019ll be recapping the Steelers rookie classes from 2021 to 2025. Here are the recaps already posted:<\/p>\n 2025 Rookie Draft Class<\/a>. The latest rookie class after one season of play.<\/p>\n All statistics were extracted from the Pro Football Reference (PFR) unless otherwise noted. Here is how the Steelers picks in the first three rounds of the 2024 draft stack up statistically against their contemporaries after two regular seasons of play.<\/p>\n Offensive TACKLE<\/p>\n Name Joe Alt<\/a> JC Latham<\/a> Olumuyiwa Fashanu<\/a> Taliese Fuaga<\/a> Amarius Mims<\/a> Troy Fautanu<\/a> Tyler Guyton<\/a> Roger Rosengarten<\/a> Stats from Pro Football Reference Except Sacks from Pro Football Focus<\/p>\n Tackle Summary<\/p>\n The Steelers\u2019 Troy Fautanu climbed impressively from the bottom to the middle of the pack (fourth) among first-round offensive tackles in his second season. He started all 18 games for Pittsburgh, playing 1086 offensive snaps with remarkable cleanliness: just 3 total penalties (1 hold, 1 false start, 1 other) and only 3 sacks allowed. By prioritizing durability and efficiency \u2014 Fautanu leads the group with 362 offensive snaps per sack allowed and roughly 362 snaps per accepted penalty \u2014 he stands out as one of the most reliable performers. But only 18 games in two seasons hurts his durability.<\/p>\n Baltimore Ravens second-round pick Roger Rosengarten tops the list. He took over as the starting right tackle in Week 4 and held the job through all 17 regular-season games plus two playoff appearances, earning PFWA All-Rookie honors alongside Joe Alt. In two seasons, his 1948 total snaps with 8 penalties and 7 sacks allowed reflect solid, consistent play over heavy volume. Cincinnati Bengals\u2019 Amarius Mims ranks third. He started all 17 games in 2025, logged near-max snaps (1887) and posted very low rates (7 penalties, 8 sacks allowed).<\/p>\n Rising to third is New York Jets\u2019 Olumuyiwa Fashanu, who started all 17 games in 2025 with strong discipline (10 penalties, 7 sacks allowed). I have him just ahead of Fautanu.<\/p>\n Tennessee Titans\u2019 JC Latham ranks fifth. He started 30 games across two seasons with massive volume (1885 snaps) but committed 23 penalties (including 14 false starts) and allowed 15 sacks. The Chargers\u2019 Joe Alt, the No. 5 overall pick and a 2025 Pro Bowler, started all 22 games he appeared in across his first two seasons but was limited to just 6 games in 2025 due to a severe ankle injury (initial high ankle sprain in Week 4, followed by a season-ending reinjury requiring surgery). He slips to sixth in this ranking, with his per-snap efficiency weak (penalty every ~147 snaps, sack every ~189 snaps). Seventh is Dallas Cowboys\u2019 Tyler Guyton started 21 games but landed on IR in December 2025 after injury issues.<\/p>\n New Orleans Saints\u2019 Taliese Fuaga started all 30 games played but sits last here due to higher penalties (17 total) and sacks (10) relative to his lower snap count.<\/p>\n I place a premium on snaps between accepted penalties and sacks allowed as a measure of reliability. Fautanu 362-plus snaps per negative event edges out Mims (287 per penalty) and Rosengarten (278 per sack). If Fautanu stays healthy and maintains this clean, efficient play, he could emerge as the best in this talented group long-term. Solid progress in Year 2 for the Steelers\u2019 first-round investment.<\/p>\n CENTER<\/p>\n Stats from Pro Football Reference Except Sacks from Pro Football Focus<\/p>\n Center Summary<\/p>\n The Steelers\u2019 Zach Frazier edges into the top of this 2024 draft class group after two years. He started 31 of 32 games (including playoffs), logging 2,002 offensive snaps with elite discipline: only 5 total penalties and 2 sacks allowed. His rates shine \u2014 400.4 snaps per penalty and 1001 per sack \u2014 placing him second in both categories despite high volume. Aaron Rodgers praised Frazier\u2019s intelligence, and his arrow is pointing up. If he stays healthy and continues quarterbacking the line, he could become the Steelers\u2019 next great center.<\/p>\n Indianapolis Colts\u2019 Tanor Bortolini ranks second despite leading in both penalties per snap (658) and sacks per snap (1288), allowing zero sacks across 1288 offensive snaps. He started 16 games in 2025 delivering a breakout sophomore season. But his late rookie start has him just behind Frazier.<\/p>\n Tampa Bay Buccaneers\u2019 Graham Barton falls from the top to third. He played the most snaps (2199 total) and 100% of offensive snaps in games played, but 14 penalties (including 9 holds\/false starts) drag his rate down to 163.6 per penalty and 366.5 per sack \u2014 still steady for a high-volume starter.<\/p>\n The gap widens below them. Las Vegas Raiders\u2019 Jackson Powers-Johnson (2023 Rimington Trophy winner) played guard as a rookie but shifted back to center in 2025, starting 7 of 8 games before an ankle injury ended his season on IR. Buffalo Bills\u2019 Sedrick Van Pran has 2 starts and more special teams work, allowing zero sacks but on just 217 offensive snaps. Kansas City Chiefs\u2019 Hunter Nourzad, a versatile lineman, started only 1 game (at guard) in 28 games, serving mostly as a special teams\/utility player with zero penalties and sacks in limited action.<\/p>\n Frazier\u2019s clean, high-volume play in Year 2 shows strong progress and long-term potential for Pittsburgh. Solid development from this center class overall.<\/p>\n WIDE RECEIVER<\/p>\n Name Malachi Corley<\/a> Jermaine Burton<\/a> Roman Wilson<\/a> Jalen McMillan<\/a> Luke McCaffrey<\/a> Troy Franklin<\/a> Javon Baker<\/a> Devontez Walker Stats from Pro Football Reference<\/p>\n Wide Receiver Summary<\/p>\n The Denver Broncos\u2019 Troy Franklin leapfrogs the Tampa Bay Buccaneers\u2019 Jalen McMillan for the top spot in this 2024 draft class after two seasons. Franklin scored 42 points in 2024 and added 54 in 2025, leading with 93 receptions for 972 yards on 157 targets. McMillan slips to second despite strong efficiency (49 rec, 639 yds), limited by only four games in 2025 due to a preseason neck injury against the Steelers.<\/p>\n Washington Commanders\u2019 Luke McCaffrey ranks third. He was closing the gap before a Week 9 collarbone break ended his season, finishing with solid production (29 rec, 371 yds) and special teams snaps.<\/p>\n Baltimore Ravens\u2019 Devontez Walker in fourth. Targeted sparingly (11 targets), he capitalized big-time\u2014scoring touchdowns on 4 of 7 receptions (127 yds, 24 points). With more opportunities, he looks poised to climb higher next season. Pittsburgh Steelers\u2019 Roman Wilson ranks fifth. He leaped from last into the middle of the pack, benefiting from full-season availability (12 rec, 166 yds on 21 targets, 12 points). Not a breakout year, but steady play sets up potential growth in Mike McCarthy\u2019s offense.<\/p>\n New York Jets\u2019 Malachi Corley was cut after one season. Cleveland signed him and he played 13 games in 2025. He ran almost as often as he was targeted (13 rushes vs. 14 targets), averaging 10.2 yards per carry.<\/p>\n Cincinnati Bengals\u2019 Jermaine Burton did not play in 2025. Suspended for a game in December for unspecified reasons, waived the next day, and later arrested in a domestic dispute \u2014 his career hangs in the balance. New England Patriots\u2019 Javon Baker appeared in 11 games as a rookie but was released after 2025 training camp. Philadelphia and San Francisco added him to practice squads but released him without activations.<\/p>\n Franklin and McMillan remain the clear standouts, while Walker flashes upside and Wilson may benefit from new coaching staff. The bottom half battled injuries, releases, or serious off-field issues.<\/p>\n LINEBACKER<\/p>\n Stats from Pro Football Reference<\/p>\n Linebacker Summary<\/p>\n Pittsburgh Steelers\u2019 Payton Wilson dominates this 2024 draft class group after two seasons. Though not necessarily an every-down starter, he easily leads in scoring plays, fumble recoveries (3), tackles for loss (9), QB hits (6), total tackles (204), INTs (2), and passes defensed (4). His 1224 defensive snaps and 632 special teams snaps show heavy usage and big-play impact.<\/p>\n Carolina Panthers\u2019 Trevin Wallace and Tennessee Titans\u2019 Cedric Gray tie for second. Wallace started 12 games in 2025 before a season-ending shoulder injury, finishing with 125 tackles, 7 TFLs, 5 QB hits, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 1 recovery. Gray returned from a rookie-year injury to become a full-time starter for the Titans, ranking fourth in the NFL with 164 tackles in 2025 (plus 4 PDs, 2 FRs, 1 sack).<\/p>\n Seattle Seahawks\u2019 Tyrice Knight sits just behind them in fourth. He started only four games in 2025 but made a major impact: 3.5 sacks (group leader), 145 tackles, 5 TFLs, 2 forced fumbles (both returned for TDs by Seattle), and strong efficiency (5.2% missed tackle rate). Dallas Cowboys\u2019 Marist Liufau ranks fifth. He leads the group with three forced fumbles and saw heavy action on both defense (723 snaps) and special teams (530 snaps), delivering consistent production (80 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 FR). Green Bay Packers\u2019 Ty\u2019Ron Hopper appeared in all 34 games (regular season + playoffs) but primarily as a special teams contributor (493 ST snaps), tallying 33 tackles and 1 FF.<\/p>\n The top pick of the group, Los Angeles Chargers\u2019 Junior Colson, struggled with injuries: he missed four games as a rookie due to an ankle issue and then missed the entire 2025 season after shoulder surgery.<\/p>\n Payton Wilson stands out as the clear class leader with disruptive, playmaking ability. Wallace, Gray and Knight provide strong starting-caliber depth, while the rest offer solid special teams or situational value. We\u2019ll see how Payton develops under DC Patrick Graham.<\/p>\n Day Three Selections and Undrafted Free Agents<\/p>\n Three Day 3 selections plus one undrafted free agent (UDFA) made contributions for the Steelers in 2024-25, though injuries and roster turnover limited long-term impact. Sixth-round DB Ryan Watts suffered a career-ending neck injury in the 2024 preseason, landing on IR August 27 and forcing early retirement \u2014 an unfortunate loss for the secondary depth.<\/p>\n Name Draft<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Remarks<\/p>\n Mason McCormick<\/a> Logan Lee<\/a> Ryan Watts<\/a> Beanie Bishop<\/a> Stats from Pro Football Reference<\/p>\n Mason McCormick (fourth round, G) stands out as the clear success story. He started 31 of 34 games (plus 2026 playoff) across his first two seasons, playing 1970 offensive snaps and 148 on special teams. In 2025, he manned right guard at 100% of the Steelers\u2019 offensive snaps, looking solid and reliable in the trenches.<\/p>\n Logan Lee (sixth round, DL) missed most of his rookie year (2024) with a calf injury and debuted in 2025, appearing in seven games with limited action: 47 defensive snaps and 25 on special teams. He\u2019ll need noticeable improvement to carve out a consistent role on the 2026 roster.<\/p>\n UDFA Beanie Bishop (CB) was the lone undrafted rookie to make the 53-man roster in 2024 and delivered early flashes. He intercepted Aaron Rodgers twice in a 37-15 win over the Jets, then sealed a game-ending pick against the Giants the next week. Named Defensive Rookie of the Month for October (16 tackles, 5 PDs, 3 INTs, 2 TFLs), he showed real ball skills. However, he failed to make the roster in 2025. He started on the practice squad, released in November, then signed to the New Orleans Saints practice squad in December. He\u2019s currently on their futures contract as of Jan. 6, 2026.<\/p>\n Overall, McCormick provides legitimate starting value on the offensive line, while Lee and Bishop offered brief upside hampered by injury and roster decisions. Watts\u2019 early exit remains the biggest what-if of the group. Solid late-round find in McCormick gives reason for optimism heading into Year 3.<\/p>\n STEELERS DEPOT ROOKIE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Here are links to recent Steelers Depot Articles on the Steelers 2024 rookies:<\/p>\n Troy Fautanu: \u2018Troy Fautanu Exit Meeting\u2019<\/a> by Matthew Marczi<\/p>\n Zach Frazier: \u2018Slap a Deal on Frazier, Rodgers Says\u2019<\/a> by Jake Brockoff<\/p>\n Roman Wilson: \u2018Roman Wilsom May Not be If Happy Rodgers Returns\u2019<\/a> by Ross McCorkle<\/p>\n Payton Wilson: \u2018Draft Prospect Modeling Game After Payton Wilson\u2019<\/a> by Josh Carney<\/p>\n Mason McCormick: \u2018Mason McCormick Exit Meeting\u2019<\/a> by Matthew Marczi<\/p>\n Logan Lee:\u00a0 \u2018Logan Lee\u2019s Last Chance?\u2019<\/a> by Alex Kozora<\/p>\n Ryan Watts:\u00a0 \u2018Watts Medically Retired\u2019<\/a> by Alex Kozora<\/p>\n
\nG\/GS
\nO\/ST Snaps
\nHold
\nFalse Start
\nOther
\nDeclined or offset
\nTotal Pens
\nSacks Allowed
\nSnaps Per Pen
\nSnaps Per Sack<\/p>\n
\n22\/22
\n1324\/99
\n5
\n4
\n0
\n0
\n9
\n7
\n147.2
\n189.1<\/p>\n
\n30\/30
\n1885\/101
\n5
\n14
\n4
\n0
\n23
\n15
\n86.3
\n125.7<\/p>\n
\n32\/24
\n1573\/104
\n6
\n2
\n2
\n1
\n10
\n7
\n167.7
\n224.7<\/p>\n
\n30\/30
\n1071\/63
\n4
\n7
\n6
\n2
\n17
\n10
\n66.7
\n107.1<\/p>\n
\n32\/30
\n1887\/124
\n1
\n3
\n3
\n2
\n7
\n8
\n287.3
\n235.9<\/p>\n
\n18\/18
\n1086\/19
\n1
\n1
\n1
\n1
\n3
\n3
\n368.3
\n362<\/p>\n
\n25\/21
\n1320\/86
\n6
\n9
\n6
\n2
\n21
\n8
\n67
\n165<\/p>\n
\n34\/31
\n1948\/97
\n1
\n5
\n2
\n1
\n8
\n7
\n255.6
\n278.3<\/p>\n
\nG
\nSnaps D\/ST
\nTGTs
\nRECs
\nYds
\nSuc%
\nY\/R
\nY\/G
\nCatch %
\nDrop%
\nPoints<\/p>\n
\n22
\n277\/55
\n20
\n14
\n95
\n35.0
\n6.8
\n4.3
\n70.0
\n0.0
\n0<\/p>\n
\n14
\n131\/37
\n14
\n4
\n107
\n28.6
\n26.8
\n7.6
\n28.6
\n7.1
\n0<\/p>\n
\n14
\n258\/11
\n21
\n12
\n166
\n47.6
\n13.8
\n11.9
\n57.1
\n0.0
\n12<\/p>\n
\n17
\n764\/6
\n73
\n49
\n639
\n57.5
\n13.0
\n37.6
\n67.1
\n6.8
\n48<\/p>\n
\n26
\n593\/145
\n39
\n29
\n371
\n56.4
\n12.8
\n14.3
\n74.4
\n2.6
\n20<\/p>\n
\n33
\n1056\/0
\n157
\n93
\n972
\n43.9
\n10.5
\n29.5
\n59.2
\n4.5
\n54<\/p>\n
\n11
\n90\/28
\n4
\n1
\n12
\n25.0
\n12.0
\n1.1
\n25.0
\n0.0
\n0<\/p>\n
\n21
\n220\/323
\n11
\n7
\n127
\n63.6
\n22.4
\n7.5
\n63.6
\n9.1
\n24<\/p>\n
\nPOS
\nG\/GS
\nO or D Snaps
\nST Snap
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nG
\n34\/31
\n1970
\n148
\n4\/119
\nStarting right guard.<\/p>\n
\nDL
\n7\/0
\n47
\n25
\n6\/178
\nInjured 2024. Debuted in 2025.<\/p>\n
\nDB
\n0\/0
\n0
\n0
\n6\/195
\nPlaced on IR 8\/27\/2024. Career ending neck injury.<\/p>\n
\nCB
\n17\/6
\n548
\n175
\nUDFA
\n4 INTs 2024. DNP 2025. Saints signed futures 1\/6\/2026.<\/p>\n