Steelers Are Expected to Target “Girthy” Bulldozers Lineman

Although the NFL’s focus has gone to free agency, teams will still have the chance to address their needs in the NFL draft. Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda believes that Alabama’s JC Latham will help the Pittsburgh Steelers improve their offensive line in the first round.

Pauline projected the Steelers to select Latham at No. 20 overall in his most recent NFL mock draft.

Pauline commented, “Kool-Aid McKinstry will be given consideration here, but there isn’t enough information available about his injury.” “Latham is a better fit than [Amarius] Mims as a strong right tackle, allowing them to move their first-round pick from last year to the left side, Broderick Jones.”

The Steelers have been considering Amarius Mims at No. 20 or even as a potential trade up. However, it’s obvious that Pauline likes Latham’s strength.

Latham is a powerful man, measuring 6 feet 6 inches and 342 pounds.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein described it as a “bulldozer in human form with the upper- and lower-body power to forcibly evaluate run lanes and instantly upgrade a team’s ground attack.” Latham possesses a girthy build and exceptional drive-blocking ability.

“Latham has the potential to develop into a highly regarded right tackle or guard with Pro Bowl caliber due to his size, strength, and skill.”

Zierlein likened Latham to offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor, the No. 35 overall choice in 2019. Taylor has made 83 starts in five seasons.

The Steelers’ Possible Fit for Alabama’s JC Latham 

With the release of seasoned player Keanu Neal, the Steelers have a new need at safety. On March 8, Pittsburgh also parted ways with Patrick Peterson, which increased the need for a cornerback.

However, the widespread assumption is that general manager Omar Khan will acquire another important offensive line building block early in the 2024 NFL draft, presuming the Steelers find a backup starter and further depth in free agency.

Regarding the 2024 draft class, Latham is ranked as a top 6 offensive lineman prospect and a top 25 prospect by the draft big boards at ESPN, Pro Football Focus, and Bleacher Report. Latham is rated third among offensive tackles and 13th overall in Bleacher Report’s most recent big board.

“He has the tools, skill set, and runway to start in year one with Pro Bowl potential within his first contract, but he needs added patience to counterbalance his attacking play style,” Brandon Thorn of BR stated.

Also Read: Trade: The Steelers would send an NFC rival for $36.7 million.

PFF and BR had Latham ranked ahead of Mims, just like Pauline did, who had Mims going to the Philadelphia Eagles with the 22nd overall pick. On ESPN, Mims is ranked No. 18 overall, while Latham is ranked No. 25.

Pauline contended that the Steelers can move Broderick Jones back to left tackle with the addition of Latham. Khan told reporters at the NFL combine that will happen someday.

Dan Moore Jr., the starting left tackle for the Steelers, is about to enter his last season of contract in 2024.

A Different Offensive Lineman Could Be the Steelers’ Top Pick at No. 20? 

Offensive linemen have been the most frequently selected position group to be selected by the Steelers in the first round. It doesn’t have to be a tackle, though, if the Steelers choose that course.

This offseason, Mason Cole, a seasoned center, was released by the Steelers. The team’s offensive line now has a massive gap in the middle.

Pittsburgh, ranked No. 20 overall, may take care of that need.

Pauline stated, “According to what I’ve been told, Jackson Powers-Johnson might be the surprise pick at this slot.”

Not a one of the draft experts will be surprised. The Athletic predicted on February 27 that Powers-Johnson would be selected by the Steelers at pick No. 20 overall. Luke Easterling of SI.com also projected that Powers-Johnson would be selected by the Steelers in the first round of the mock draft in January.

What will be intriguing to watch is which player the Steelers prefer, if a lineman is the team’s first-round selection. Pittsburgh’s best chance is to have Latham, Mims, and Powers-Johnson available at No. 20 overall.