The Pittsburgh Steelers have been diligently working to enhance their offensive line over the past few seasons. Although significant strides have been made, there remains room for improvement. Ranked 27th in the NFL by Pro Football Network in the 2023 season, the release of Mason Cole leaves a void at center, necessitating a pivotal addition to stabilize the unit upfront.
Amidst these considerations, the emergence and hopeful improvements of Broderick Jones as a potential leader offers hope for the unit's progression into 2024, with some advocating for further investment by selecting an offensive tackle in the first round.
Among the touted prospects linked to the Steelers in numerous mock drafts is Georgia offensive tackle, Amarius Mims, whose desire to reunite with former college teammate Jones and join the Steelers is palpable. Recently, Dane Brugler's insights on The Athletic NFL podcast, suggesting his thoughts on Mims as a top 20 draft pick, adds intrigue, given the Steelers' 20th overall selection in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.
"I think he's more inexperienced than he is truly raw because I think there's a lot of natural ability there. It's just, but again, it does take a leap of faith when you're talking about a guy with eight starts. But just the fact when you throw on the Ohio State game from last year and his first career start ever, and he was that good. I can't eliminate that from my mind. And it's like, okay, I want to bet on this in the right situation. If I need a tackle tomorrow, I'm not drafting him top 20."
Standing tall at 6'7" and weighing in at 340 pounds, Mims is a formidable force at tackle. Throughout his college career, Mims demonstrated his influence on Georgia's offensive line, contributing significantly to their top-ranking in the SEC and national acclaim for offensive prowess. When he was healthy enough to play.
Despite facing injury setbacks, his remarkable skill garnered recognition of NFL scouts. Mims was named to the prestigious spot on the Preseason Media Days All-SEC First Team before the season started.
"If I can be willing to be a little bit patient and — hopefully he starts for me. I mean, think about Broderick Jones last year for the Steelers. They drafted him 14th overall in the draft last year, and he got some action, but he wasn't a down-to-down starter for them the entire year. And so Mims is even, maybe even a little bit more time than that. So you have to be comfortable with that aspect of, I'm not quite sure how many games he's gonna start for us as a rookie, but long-term thinking, really excited about what he's gonna be for us."
Concerns surrounding Mims arise from his history of injuries and relatively limited starting experience in college. As noted by Brugler, Mims is characterized more by his raw potential than immediate readiness. If the Steelers were to deviate from addressing needs at center and wide receiver, it would suggest their selection either embodies immediate impact or is held in exceptionally high esteem. While Mims showcases exceptional athleticism and raw talent, Brugler views him as a project player with immense potential for growth and a remarkably high ceiling.
Steelers’ Offensive Line Must Get Better Fast
While the spotlight often shines on Pittsburgh's quarterback struggles, seasoned football analysts recognize that success begins in the trenches. Over the past few seasons, the Steelers have grappled with challenges on the offensive line, emphasizing the critical need for improvement in 2024. With Russell Wilson now in Pittsburgh, renowned for his ability to extend plays, the offensive line must excel in blocking to facilitate his style of play and avoid a challenging season.
Drafting a center or tackle in the first round aligns with the Steelers' needs, although the requirement for a wide receiver remains. However, this may be addressed in later rounds. Should the Steelers select Mims, it promises an intriguing addition to their offensive line, adding another vital piece to the team's foundation.
As anticipation builds for the draft, the Steelers' choices in the first round are poised to captivate Steeler Nation, marking another exciting chapter in their journey. The countdown to the draft continues for Pittsburgh.
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