Steelers Challenged to Consider ‘Doubling Down’ in the Trenches

NFL mock draft experts have linked the Pittsburgh Steelers to multiple offensive linemen in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. But Steelers Now’s Derrick Bell went another step further, predicting the Steelers to target offensive linemen Amarius Mims and Zach Frazier in each of the first two rounds of the 2024 draft.

Bell slotted Mims to the Steelers at No. 20 overall. He then had the team landing Frazier at No. 51 during the second round of his seven-round mock draft on February 19.

“Doubling down in the trenches and grabbing a more proven offensive lineman in Zach Frazier would be a wise decision in the second round,” Bell wrote. “Unlike Mims, Frazier’s physical appearance may not be as fearsome but everything about his play screams the look of an old-school Steelers lineman.”

Really, the Steelers drafting any offensive linemen in the first round would be “doubling down.” Pittsburgh traded up in the first round for offensive tackle Broderick Jones in the 2023 NFL draft.

---

What Amarius Mims Could Bring to the Steelers

Several mock draft experts have linked the Steelers to Mims. On February 14, Bleacher Report’s Joe Tansey proposed the Steelers trading up into the top 10 for the right to draft the Georgia offensive tackle.

Bell, though, had Pittsburgh nabbing Mims at No. 20 overall.

Moving up for Mims could be considered risky because he’s not a Pro-ready prospect. But his size and strength will likely make him an obvious choice at No. 20.

“Despite being extremely inexperienced, his complete athletic profile and flashes of elite play warrant this type of investment,” Bell wrote. “At 6-7, 340 pounds with plus length, Mims flashes excellent foot quickness to get out of his stance and redirection skills that few his size can match.”

Drafting Mims would allow Jones to move back to his more natural position of left tackle. Jones and Mims started together at the two tackle spots for Georgia during the 2022-23 College Football Playoffs.

Georgia defended its national championship that postseason.

Dan Moore has started the past three seasons at left tackle for the Steelers. But the team could hunt for an upgrade with Moore showing inconsistencies, especially in pass protection.

Moore’s rookie contract expires after the 2024 season.

“It won’t be easy for Pittsburgh to develop two young tackles on the fly but the reward for successfully doing so would be tremendous,” wrote Bell.

---

How Zach Frazier Fits as a Potential Steelers Second-Round Pick

Mims and Frazier would be an intriguing first two picks for Pittsburgh. Together, they could greatly transform the team’s offensive line in a year.

But Mims and Frazier are also an interesting match because they are polar opposite types of prospects.

Frazier doesn’t have the same natural athleticism or size as Mims, but he is more technically sound and more pro ready.

“Frazier’s physical appearance may not be as fearsome but everything about his play screams the look of an old-school Steelers lineman,” wrote Bell.

“He’s not the biggest, nor the most athletic, but he has the look a pro-ready center destined for an eight-year run as a starting center.”

The last time the Steelers drafted two offensive linemen with their first two picks was 2012. That year, they grabbed guard David DeCastro at No. 24 overall and then tackle Mike Adams in the second round.

0 Comments