With their 20th overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, there are a few routes the Pittsburgh Steelers could take. Based on their pre-draft activity, they are most likely to address their need at cornerback or offensive tackle with their first pick. Insert Georgia’s Amarius Mims. The offensive tackle with enormous potential is a very popular name to the Steelers in mock drafts. He is one of the players Pittsburgh has shown the most interest in during the pre-draft process. Below are some reasons why the Steelers should and should not draft Amarius Mims with their first round pick.
Why the Pittsburgh Steelers Should and Shouldn’t Draft Amarius Mims
Should: Enormous Upside
Amarius Mims has flown up the Steelers (and other teams’) draft boards because he has the potential to be a franchise-caliber tackle in the NFL. Starting out with his build, it’s like Mims was built in a lab to be a star offensive tackle. Mims stands 6’8″ tall and weighs 340 pounds with long arms and massive hands. While he didn’t complete all the testing drills at the NFL Combine, Mims was a strong performer in the drills he participated in. His combination of size and athleticism is the main reason Mims has gotten so much attention. It’s also the reason he may not be available when the Steelers make their selection.
Shouldn’t: Lack of Experience Creates a Risky Prospect
While there’s a long list of positive things to say about Amarius Mims, he is not a sure-thing. He only started eight games during his collegiate career. Mims was dominant when he was on the field, but he has never performed over the course of a full season. His technique, especially in pass blocking, is pretty good for his relative inexperience. But there is plenty room for refinement, particularly in the run game.
The building blocks are there for Mims to be a standout NFL player. However, there is also potential for him to really struggle adjusting to life in the NFL as a rookie. Pittsburgh has other holes on their roster that could be addressed with their first pick. The Steelers may not want to use such a high pick on Amarius Mims if they are not confident he’ll be ready to contribute early in his career.
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Should: Replace Their Offensive Line’s Weak Link
Technically, center could be considered the Steelers weakest link because they do not currently have one on their roster. Assuming they are able to sign or draft a starting-caliber center, that would leave left tackle Dan Moore Jr. as the weak link on the offensive line. Drafting Mims could provide Pittsburgh with an easy long-term solution. They can move 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones back to his natural left tackle position, and slide Mims in at right tackle.
The former Georgia Bulldog teammates could potentially bookend the offensive line for the next decade. Again, Mims may not be ready for this as a rookie. If the Steelers can deal with Moore in the starting lineup for one more season, Amarius Mims could join the starting lineup in his second season. This would be a step in the right direction for Pittsburgh to rebuild an offensive line which has been declining in quality since the mid-2010s.
Shouldn’t: Injury Concerns
Part of the reason Mims enters the draft with a lack of experience is an injury he suffered last season. After suffering an ankle injury, Mims had to undergo tightrope surgery. He returned for Georgia’s final three games, so at least he has played post-injury. However, with his massive frame, any lower body injuries could make teams skeptical of Mims. He also suffered a hamstring injury while running the 40-yard dash at the Combine. This injury prevented him from working out at Georgia’s pro day, but there are no long-term concerns. But a 340 pound man suffering two lower body injuries less than a year apart could be enough reason for NFL teams to be hesitant to draft him, especially in a draft class with plenty of other high-end offensive tackles.
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