After an aggressive offseason, here are three targets for the Steelers in the NFL Draft as they look to become a Super Bowl contender.
The Pittsburgh Steelers were unusually proactive this offseason after years of cautious construction and strategic decisions. The team also traded for Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields, released Mitch Trubisky, hired veteran Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year, $1.21 million deal, and allowed Mason Rudolph to depart in free agency. And that only included the quarterback’s movements.
In addition, the Steelers traded wide receiver Diontae Johnson and released underachievers Pressley Harvin III, Chukwuma Okorafor, and Mason Cole. They also spent money on high-level free agents Patrick Queen and Cameron Johnston. After frequent playoff frustration in recent seasons, Pittsburgh is shifting to win-now mode. With the 2024 NFL Draft a month away, here are three players for the Steelers to target as they look to become a Super Bowl contender this season.
Amarius Mims (Offensive Tackle), Georgia
The most immediate need for the Steelers is on the offensive line. Dan Moore Jr. gave up eight sacks this season and has allowed 23 sacks in his three years in the league. The team also released Chukwuma Okorafor, who started 55 games at right tackle over the last four seasons.
Amarius Mims is the next talented offensive tackle to come out of Georgia and could soon be playing opposite 2023 first-rounder Broderick Jones. Per NFL Draft Buzz: “Amarius Mims is a standout OT prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft, showcasing a rare blend of size, athleticism, and strength.” Mims is a Pro Bowl candidate the Steelers should seriously consider in the first round.
Jackson Powers-Johnson (Center), Oregon
The Pittsburgh o-line’s next position of need is center, behind left tackle. Center Mason Cole fell into the “below-average” group with a Pro Football Focus Player Grade of 57.7. Cole’s release by the Steelers in February created a significant void in the center of the offensive line.
As a member of an outstanding Oregon offensive line that surrendered only four sacks for the season, center Jackson Powers-Johnson allowed just one pressure and gave up no sacks in 2023. Also, Powers-Johnson is a powerful and explosive blocker in the run game. The 2023 Rimington Award winner for the best center in college football, Jackson Powers-Johnson is another offensive lineman that Pittsburgh will look at with its first-round pick.
