Mike Tomlin said recently he is comfortable redeploying the Steelers’ tackle tandem of the past two years — Dan Moore–Chukwuma Okorafor — but the team made efforts to upgrade its interior offensive line in free agency. Tackle appears a strong consideration in the draft.
The Steelers are interested in finding Kenny Pickett improved edge protection, with ESPN.com’s Todd McShay indicating the team has made inquiries about trading up from No. 17. Specifically, McShay names the Bears (No. 9) and Titans (No. 11) as teams the Steelers have contacted about a move up the board for a tackle. A tackle is indeed believed to be the reason the Steelers have been connected to moving up, Albert Breer of SI.com notes.
While the Steelers did not host Paris Johnson on a visit, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic adds the team met with the Ohio State tackle over dinner ahead of his pro day (subscription required). The Steelers, whom Kaboly notes dined with T.J. Watt and Artie Burns before selecting them in Round 1 during the 2010s, also met with other Buckeyes linemen.
This franchise does not have an extensive history in moving up, though such a move did take place for Devin Bush in 2019. The Steelers succeeded the other two times they have moved up in Round 1 (Troy Polamalu, Santonio Holmes) over the past 20 years. This is Omar Khan‘s first draft as Pittsburgh’s GM. He and assistant GM Andy Weidl have added some pieces up front, signing top guard Isaac Seumalo and adding Nate Herbig as well. The Steelers agreed to terms with tackle Le’Raven Clark, but that almost certainly is a depth-based acquisition. As of now, Moore and Okorafor should be considered Pittsburgh’s unquestioned starters at tackle.
Johnson has generated buzz to the point he might not be available at 9. The ex-Buckeyes standout has been connected to climbing into the top five, which would seemingly be out of the Steelers’ range due to the board jump required. But the likes of Peter Skoronski — who is seen by many as a guard — and Broderick Jones are also certain first-rounders-to-be. The Steelers did meet with Jones, a Georgia tackle, during the pre-draft visit window. Tennessee’s Darnell Wright may be available if the Steelers stick at No. 17.
The Steelers have not drafted a tackle in Round 1 since 1996 (Jamain Stephens) and have not selected an O-lineman in the first since David DeCastro 11 years ago. Okorafor (2018) and Moore (2021) each arrived as third-rounders. Both started all 17 games for the Steelers last season. Pro Football Focus rated each outside the top 55 at the position, however. Despite the Steelers enjoying steady health from their starting O-line, PFF ranked the unit 16th.
Pittsburgh has been connected to making a cornerback pick at No. 17 as well, and Breer adds Tomlin’s son, Dino, was in the same Maryland recruiting class as first-round prospect Deonte Banks. The ex-Terrapin, like Tomlin, visited the Steelers recently as well. But tackle has emerged as a position to watch regarding Pittsburgh’s first pick. Via the Chase Claypool trade, the Steelers also hold the No. 32 overall choice to bolster one of these areas as well.
Still hoping they can trade up for Carter if he makes it to 9. Avoid Porter and Tomlin child. Talent and need over nepotism
rather take care of OT
can get a Keion White etc round 2 for dline
Well, Porter is actually a good fit need wise and is a good player. If Pittsburgh drafts him, it wouldn’t be the worst. Nepotism? Possibly, but you also should avoid a player specifically because of who he’s related to if he is a fit.
only way I see them taking Porter is if they stay at 17..
but even then I’d rather them go with Kyle Van Ness or Kalijah Cancey, if no OTs avail.
.. I guess that kind of clashes with me not wanting Jalen Carter , but the difference is if u trade up for Carter, why not take an OT instead ?
Agreed on that, and Lukas Van Ness would fill a major need (Heyward won’t be there forever, either), but if the Steelers stand pat and draft Porter, I don’t think it’d be a bad move. Witherspoon and Gonzalez will both likely be gone-and to be honest, I’d not be the least bit surprised if Porter is gone, too. Pittsburgh could use a corner, even in spite of their other needs. So I wouldn’t be miffed if I were a fan, despite perhaps having a few other options.
There should be one of several interior offensive linemen available at that spot as well, if the Steelers don’t like their other options and still have a few players they like at that spot.
my guess is 17 and 32 get packaged to move up into the top 10 and get their highest rated LT
CANT WAIT FOR THIS DRAFT!
While that’s the rumor, I hope not, Goku. My simple logic says they need 2,3 or even 4 impact players to come out of this draft immediately. Don’t usually find those types in later rounds
I’d like to think that their free agency signings tip us off a bit about their intentions and I think it’s lent credence to the rumor you note here, but if trading up is the idea, why not shoot for a monster like Carter? After all, we’ve never seen running backs blowing through the lines for big chunks of yardage like this before. Is there really a bigger need, as they didn’t get the stud signing we’d hoped for from the veteran pool
see my initial point. can get a guy like Keoin White at 49 or Kyle Van Ness at 17.
but can’t find an impact LT even at 17, so after being gifted pick 32, now is the time to move up into the top 10.
if the team is going to contend with Kenny, then we don’t want to be anywhere near a top 10 pick in the next few years, so i do believe now is the time to go get that LT especially when Kenny can benefit immediately from it
also that definitely depends on how this draft board plays out.
maybe teams do think Pete is too small and he falls to 17.
maybe teams will take 17 & 49 for a top 10.
maybe steelers like Moore and aren’t even looking at OT early.
.. just a couple scenarios that could impact things, not necessarily ones I agree with
I’m sticking with Porter if he’s there at 17. Don’t think he’d be my personal first option but the Steelers seem to have this “thing” about bloodlines and Porter is a very good corner
The Robinson trade makes me think that they’re turning attention to other places
Linemen, edge rusher, secondary. All of that’s fine by me. Might as well take a punter while you’re at it
ya I can’t stand current punter. super inconsistent
Wright at #17
Bresee at #32
Best CB or LB available at #49
Its that simple. They will be there.
wRight Tackle not a need
Give me Porter at 17 (or Banks after a small trade down), Dawand Jones at 32, and Trenton Simpson at 49 (maybe moving up with capital obtained from Banks trade)
The rumors you hear around local talk shows is disconcerting. Trade up by giving away top picks? Jeez, free agency was nice but they still have a number of holes and you would think they need 2 or 3 guys in this draft who can provide immediate impact
That said, Banks isn’t in the same league as the top secondary guys in this draft.
I hope this is all just bad rumors floating around
Jamain Stephens…total waste of a draft choice.
Always wonder about these rumors. Chicago would love another bidder, real or imagined, for #9 if they’re talking to someone.
What could the Bears get for #9? 17, 32, & 49? I don’t know. Any guesses?
I’ve read 17 and 49. But I don’t know.
The “math” says 17+49, exactly.
You can find draft pick values online.
Dan Moore was a 4th round pick in the 2021 draft not a 3rd. In the 3rd that year they took Kendrick Green.
I’m ok with moving up with #17 + #49 to get a LT or CB. If we stick at #17, and there is no quality LT or CB…? Either take a plus talent that slid no matter the position OR (my preference) try to trade back into the mid-20s. Could get a 1st + 2nd (points work) from certain teams.
Dan Moore is underrated. The line improved a ton throughout the year. I wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t take a tackle at all. Porter, mlb, TE, Benton is my ideal draft
I think communication improved as the year progressed. That said, if we don’t go LT…I agree in CB, TE, DT, MLB…maybe WR/S…just depends on who is available where. As we have no true holes…we could grab a sliding talent at any position.
I’m most excited about #32. Who will be available to start day 2? Who will covet that pick…and overpay?
If you’re able, check out the PG’s Ray Fittipaldo and his “final mock draft” that appeared yesterday. Best one I’ve seen that addresses most of their needs (outside of punter)