Steelers Make Move for OT in Latest Mock Draft

In preparation for the 2024 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers maintain flexibility, yet with notable gaps in the offensive line, there’s a likelihood the front office will seek to ascend in the draft to secure a potential starter in the initial round.

According to ESPN NFL Draft analyst Jordan Reid, this is the direction the Steelers are poised to take. In Reid’s latest seven-round mock draft, he envisions the Steelers trading up to the 16th pick to acquire Alabama’s JC Latham, while relinquishing picks 20 and 84 to the Seattle Seahawks.

“Jones demonstrated significant potential after assuming the starting right tackle position in Week 9, but his optimal fit may be on the left side,” Reid noted. “By upgrading from Dan Moore Jr., transitioning Jones to LT, and drafting Latham, the Steelers would fortify their offensive line with two formidable bookends. Latham’s style aligns with the Pittsburgh offense; he’s a robust and aggressive blocker who excels at initiating movement at the line of scrimmage.”

Following Latham in the first round, Reid projects the Steelers to select Roman Wilson, the wide receiver from Michigan, at pick No. 51 in the second round. Reid suggests that Wilson could swiftly establish himself as the secondary option opposite George Pickens upon joining Pittsburgh.

Subsequently, at pick No. 98, Reid foresees the Steelers addressing another significant offensive line requirement by drafting Georgia center Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, lauding him as “a paragon of consistency at the center position.”

In Reid’s mock draft, the Steelers further bolster their roster by selecting D.J. James, a cornerback from Auburn, at No. 119, aimed at fortifying the defensive backfield. Following a fifth-round hiatus, the Steelers return to the draft to secure Florida State defensive tackle Fabian Lovett with their second pick in the sixth round, alongside Javon Solomon, an edge defender from Troy. Reid expresses particular enthusiasm about Lovett’s potential contribution to Pittsburgh, describing him as “arguably the most robust interior defender in this class,” highlighting his readiness as a run defender and his formidable presence at the line of scrimmage, despite his likelihood as a two-down player.