Unusual First-Round Option Ships Steelers in Blockbuster Trade Proposal
The Pittsburgh Steelers have only selected in the top 10 once in the previous 23 NFL drafts. That occurred following the Steelers’ 2019 trade-up from No. 20 to No. 10. In an ironic turn of events, Pittsburgh will again own the No. 20 pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Joe Tansey of Bleacher Report suggested that the Steelers package this pick in order to get into the top 10 and select Georgia offensive tackle Amarius Mims.
Following a trade up into the top 10, Tansey also mentioned offensive tackle prospects Joe Alt and Olu Fashanu as possible targets for the Steelers in the draft.
“Unless Olu Fashanu of Penn State or Joe Alt of Notre Dame falls out of the top 10, Mims should be the target of a possible trade into the top 10.”
“Pickett needs a long-term protector, and the draft might be the best way to accomplish that goal this offseason.”
Tansey mentioned that Mims was predicted by Bleacher Report to be the No. 10 pick by the New York Jets. Alt and Fashanu were the first two offensive tackles off the board according to Bleacher Report, going to No. 5 and No. 6 overall, respectively.
The Steelers have advanced in the first round in two of the previous five drafts, including the 2019 trade. However, Pittsburgh might still make history if they rise into the top 10.
Since 2000, the Steelers have not selected higher than No. 10. Plaxico Buress, a wide receiver, was chosen by them that year at No. 8 overall.
Growing Momentum for a Potential Steelers Trade Up in the NFL Draft
The NFL is perceived as a league of imitators. The Steelers are reportedly being courted by the copycats as a trade up option in the 2024 NFL draft this offseason.
Three analysts have suggested the Steelers could move up in the draft to choose an offensive tackle in just the last week alone.
Josh Edwards of CBS Sports suggested on February 15 that Mike Tomlin’s team trade the No. 20 pick in order to move up to No. 16 overall. The Steelers were then projected by Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network to go from No. 20 to No. 17 overall in his most recent mock draft on February 17.
The most audacious trade suggestion came from Tansey, who wanted Pittsburgh to move up into the top 10.
Experts in mock drafts have good reason to recommend the Steelers as a trade up option. The New England Patriots received the Steelers’ No. 17 and No. 120 overall picks last year in exchange for the No. 14 pick. Broderick Jones, an offensive tackle, was then selected by Pittsburgh.
The first-round picks from 2019 and 2020 were also traded by the Steelers.
How the Steelers Could Use Amarius Mims
The Steelers are only now starting to gather steam as they move up in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. However, since the regular season ended, experts who specialize in mock drafts have connected Mims to Pittsburgh.
Mims and Jones were Georgia teammates. When Georgia won back-to-back national titles in 2021 and 2022, both players were on the team. When the program defended its championship at the conclusion of the 2022–2023 season, each got their start during the College Football Playoffs.
Mims is an intriguing possible draft pick for the Steelers based only on that.
Pittsburgh might have its two starting offensive tackles for the foreseeable future if Mims and Jones are paired together.
Although left tackle is Jones’ more natural position, he began the 2023 season at right tackle. Jones could switch back to left tackle, and Mims could start at right tackle for Pittsburgh. Georgia was positioned there for the 2023 College Football Playoffs.
For the last three seasons, Dan Moore has started at left tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers. But he’s not always reliable, especially when it comes to pass protection. The 2024 season marks the expiration of his rookie contract as well.
