Steelers Mock Draft 2024: Experts Predict OL Picks

The Consensus Builds: Pittsburgh's Draft Focus Sharpens

National mock draft projections have crystallized around a single, unambiguous need for the Pittsburgh Steelers: offensive line. With the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the franchise is overwhelmingly predicted to address a unit that allowed 48 sacks last season. A TRENDNET analysis of 50 recent mocks from major outlets shows 36, or 72%, slotting an offensive tackle or interior lineman to Pittsburgh. This represents a significant shift from early draft season, when cornerback and wide receiver were frequent projections.

The consensus is driven by clear roster deficiencies and a new offensive philosophy. The Steelers' 2023 pass-block win rate of 54% ranked 29th in the NFL, per ESPN Analytics. The free agency departures of starting center Mason Cole and guard James Daniels, who signed with the Carolina Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders respectively, created two immediate starting vacancies. New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's outside-zone run scheme also demands specific athletic profiles that the current roster lacks, making a first-round investment not just likely, but necessary.

The Prospect Targets: Fautanu, Mims, and Barton

The name appearing most frequently in Steelers mock drafts is Troy Fautanu, the left tackle from Washington. Fautanu, who won the 2023 Morris Trophy as the Pac-12's best offensive lineman, is seen as a scheme-versatile weapon. At 6'4" and 317 pounds, he started 28 games at left tackle for the Huskies but has the powerful lower body and aggressive temperament that scouts project could allow him to slide immediately to guard, filling one of Pittsburgh's open spots. NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah has mocked Fautanu to Pittsburgh in his last two updates, citing his "nasty demeanor" as a perfect fit for the Steelers' identity.

The second-most common projection is Georgia's Amarius Mims, a physical marvel with a rare combination of size (6'8", 340 lbs) and athleticism. Mims started only eight games at right tackle for the Bulldogs due to injuries, which makes him a higher-risk, higher-reward selection. His potential, however, is undeniable; he did not allow a single sack in his collegiate career. Duke's Graham Barton represents the interior option. A four-year starter at left tackle, Barton is widely viewed as a plug-and-play center at the NFL level, a direct replacement for Mason Cole. His 90.1 PFF grade in 2023 and exceptional football IQ make him a safe, high-floor pick for a team needing immediate contributors.

The Strategic Calculus Behind the Pick

Selecting an offensive lineman at 20 is not merely about patching holes; it's a foundational investment in the team's new offensive infrastructure. The Steelers acquired quarterback Justin Fields via trade from the Chicago Bears and signed Russell Wilson in free agency. Both are mobile quarterbacks who can extend plays, but both have also been prone to pressure throughout their careers. Wilson was sacked 45 times in 2023, and Fields led the NFL in sacks taken (55) in 2022. Protecting whichever quarterback starts is paramount to executing Arthur Smith's play-action heavy system.

Furthermore, this pick would break a significant drought. The Steelers have not selected an offensive lineman in the first round since taking guard David DeCastro with the 24th pick in 2012. That pick became a cornerstone of a Super Bowl-winning line. The franchise's historical draft trends show a preference for building lines through mid-round picks, but the current combination of draft capital (picking 20th), glaring need, and prospect talent has created a perfect storm for a first-round investment. General Manager Omar Khan, in his second year running the draft, has emphasized "best player available," but the convergence of need and talent at the top of the offensive line class aligns that philosophy with necessity.

What to Watch Next

The Steelers' draft strategy will come into sharper focus after the first 19 picks. A run on quarterbacks or wide receivers early could push a top-tier offensive tackle like Oregon State's Taliese Fuaga down the board, presenting Pittsburgh with a difficult choice. Conversely, if Fautanu and Mims are both gone, the team could pivot to cornerback (like Alabama's Terrion Arnold) or trade back to accumulate more picks to address multiple roster needs. The team's pre-draft visits, which have included formal meetings with Fautanu, Barton, and Oklahoma tackle Tyler Guyton, provide the strongest clues. For continuous updates on prospect visits and shifting draft odds, check availability on premium draft analysis services.