The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the middle of their preparations for what is expected to be a very hectic, unpredictable draft. There is the possibility that most or all of their top choices are gone before they even get a chance to select, but there's also the potential of an elite prospect falling right into their laps. General Manager Omar Khan has so many plans to work though, as this is supposed to be one of the most chaotic drafts that the NFL has had in recent years. After Pick 1, there's no telling who goes where.
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The Steelers' NFL Draft war room in 2023.
While making an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, draft analyst Mike Mayock gave his theory on what would happen. If he ends up being right, it would be amazing news for the Steelers.
"I got seven offensive tackles up fairly high, but when they dry up -- there could be a run in the first round," Mayock said. "There could be seven tackles taken in the first round because after that, there is a fairly steep drop-off. I don't think I have a grade on a tackle until the third round after that... Once that run starts, teams are going to get nervous towards the middle to the end of the first round."
While offensive tackle is expected to be a very deep class with Mayock having seven of them going in the first round, there is the sense that some teams around where the Steelers will select will panic and a grab a top-flight player at that position before it's too late. It's highly unlikely that all seven get picked before Pick 21, but if a bunch of them do go before then like Mayock predicts, this would be amazing news for the Steelers.
Trevor Ruszkowski / USA Today
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan speaks to members of the media during a press conference at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, IN.
The more offensive tackles that get drafted in the first 20 selections, the higher the chances of an elite prospect falling directly into the Steelers' lap. Someone like Jordyn Tyson or Jermod McCoy would be available without the need for a trade-up. In what is projected to be a very top-heavy draft, it is important for Pittsburgh to find a top-tier player as opposed to just settling for a weaker player to fill a need.
The Steelers have shown very little intrigue in the top prospects at that position. They did not give offensive line a lot of love at the NFL Scouting Combine, and the only linemen that they have brought in for a Top 30 visit are project to be selected in the later rounds. Olaivavega Ioane is the only top lineman that Khan may have some interest in, due to him being local and already being known, but there have not been many reports on that front either.
Penn State Athletics / Mark Selders
Former Penn State offensive guard Olaivavega Ioane sets up as he begins pass blocking for his quarterback during a collegiate football game.
There are also a handful of edge rushers and a running back that are expected to go very high, as well as Ioane. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza is also going to be the first overall pick. There will likely be a ton of players being drafted that the Steelers do not have interest in. One of their pipe dream picks may end up becoming a reality if this goes as well as they hope.
Steelers Should Have Other Plans Ready Just In Case
If the opposite of what Mayock said happens, the Steelers will most likely be forced into a trade. It would be very underwhelming if they just stood pat and took a less intriguing option like KC Concepcion. With the state of the draft and the sheer amount of capital that Khan has, this is the time to go big game hunting. He needs to find a way to secure one of the elite prospects and raise the ceiling of the team as a whole.
What do you think about the Steelers possibly benefitting from a mass panic around the offensive tackle position? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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