Steelers Are Expected to Target Girhty Lineman for Bulldozers
Tony Pauline of GettySportskeeda projected that the Pittsburgh Steelers would choose offensive tackle JC Latham of Alabama with the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
While free agency has taken center stage in the NFL, teams will have another chance to address their issues in the NFL draft. Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda believes that Alabama’s JC Latham will help the Pittsburgh Steelers improve their offensive line in the first round.
Pauline projected that the Steelers would select Latham at No. 20 overall in his most recent NFL mock draft.
Pauline commented, Kool-Aid McKinstry will be taken care of here, but there isn’t enough information available concerning his injury. Latham is a better fit than [Amarius] Mims as a strong right tackle, allowing them to transfer their first-round pick from last year to the left side, Broderick Jones.
The Steelers have often considered selecting Amarius Mims at No. 20 or even as a potential trade-up pick. However, it’s obvious that Pauline likes Latham’s strength.
Latham is a powerful man, measuring 6 feet, 6 inches, and 342 pounds.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein described it as a bulldozer in human form with the upper- and lower-body power to forcibly evaluate run lanes and instantly boost a team’s ground attack. Latham possesses a girthy build and exceptional drive-blocking ability.
Latham has the potential to develop into a highly regarded right tackle or guard with Pro Bowl caliber due to his size, strength, and skill.
Zierlein likened Latham to offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor, the No. 35 overall choice in 2019. Taylor has made 83 starts in five seasons.
The Steelers and Alabama’s JC Latham: A Potential Fit
After cutting veteran Keanu Neal, the Steelers now need to prioritize safety. On March 8, Pittsburgh also let go of Patrick Peterson, which increased the need for a cornerback.
However, the widespread assumption is that general manager Omar Khan will acquire another important offensive line-building brick early in the 2024 NFL draft, providing the Steelers with a backup starter and further depth in free agency.
Latham is ranked as a top-6 offensive lineman and a top-25 prospect by the major boards at ESPN, Pro Football Focus, and Bleacher Report for the 2024 draft class. Latham is ranked third among offensive tackles and 13th overall on Bleacher Report’s most recent big board.
According to Brandon Thorn of BR, he has the tools, skill set, and runway to start in year one with Pro Bowl potential inside his first deal, but he needs more patience to temper his attacking play style.
PFF and BR had Latham ranked ahead of Mims, just like Pauline did, who had Mims going to the Philadelphia Eagles with the 22nd overall pick. Mims is ranked No. 18 overall by ESPN, while Latham is ranked No. 25.
Pauline contended that the Steelers can move Broderick Jones back to left tackle with the addition of Latham. Khan told reporters at the NFL combine that it would happen someday. Dan Moore Jr., the starting left tackle for the Steelers, is approaching the end of his deal in 2024.At No. 20, may the Steelers choose to target a different offensive lineman?
Offensive linemen have been the most frequently selected position group to be selected by the Steelers in the first round. It doesn’t have to be a tackle, though, if the Steelers choose that course.
Mason Cole, a seasoned center, was cut by the Steelers this offseason. The team’s offensive line now has a massive gap in the middle.Pittsburgh, ranked No. 20 overall, may take care of that need.Pauline stated that Jackson Powers-Johnson could be the surprise pick at this slot, based on what I’ve been informed.
Not one of the draft experts will be surprised. The Athletic predicted on February 27 that Powers-Johnson would be selected by the Steelers at pick No. 20 overall.Luke Easterling of SI.com also projected that Powers-Johnson would be selected by the Steelers in the first round of the mock draft in January.
What will be intriguing to watch is which player the Steelers prefer, if a lineman is the team’s first-round selection. Pittsburgh’s best chance is to have Latham, Mims, and Powers-Johnson available at No. 20 overall.
Tony Pauline of GettySportskeeda projected that the Pittsburgh Steelers would choose offensive tackle JC Latham of Alabama with the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
While free agency has taken center stage in the NFL, teams will have another chance to address their issues in the NFL draft. Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda believes that Alabama’s JC Latham will help the Pittsburgh Steelers improve their offensive line in the first round.Pauline projected that the Steelers would select Latham at No. 20 overall in his most recent NFL mock draft.
Pauline commented, Kool-Aid McKinstry will be taken care of here, but there isn’t enough information available concerning his injury. Latham is a better fit than [Amarius] Mims as a strong right tackle, allowing them to transfer their first-round pick from last year to the left side, Broderick Jones.
The Steelers have often considered selecting Amarius Mims at No. 20 or even as a potential trade-up pick. However, it’s obvious that Pauline likes Latham’s strength.
Latham is a powerful man, measuring 6 feet, 6 inches, and 342 pounds.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein described it as a bulldozer in human form with the upper- and lower-body power to forcibly evaluate run lanes and instantly boost a team’s ground attack.Latham possesses a girthy build and exceptional drive-blocking ability.
Latham has the potential to develop into a highly regarded right tackle or guard with Pro Bowl caliber due to his size, strength, and skill.
Zierlein likened Latham to offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor, the No. 35 overall choice in 2019. Taylor has made 83 starts in five seasons.
The Steelers and Alabama’s JC Latham: A Potential Fit
After cutting veteran Keanu Neal, the Steelers now need to prioritize safety. On March 8, Pittsburgh also let go of Patrick Peterson, which increased the need for a cornerback.
However, the widespread assumption is that general manager Omar Khan will acquire another important offensive line-building brick early in the 2024 NFL draft, providing the Steelers with a backup starter and further depth in free agency.
Latham is ranked as a top-6 offensive lineman and a top-25 prospect by the major boards at ESPN, Pro Football Focus, and Bleacher Report for the 2024 draft class. Latham is ranked third among offensive tackles and 13th overall on Bleacher Report’s most recent big board.
According to Brandon Thorn of BR, he has the tools, skill set, and runway to start in year one with Pro Bowl potential inside his first deal, but he needs more patience to temper his attacking play style.
PFF and BR had Latham ranked ahead of Mims, just like Pauline did, who had Mims going to the Philadelphia Eagles with the 22nd overall pick. Mims is ranked No. 18 overall by ESPN, while Latham is ranked No. 25.
Pauline contended that the Steelers can move Broderick Jones back to left tackle with the addition of Latham. Khan told reporters at the NFL combine that it would happen someday.
Dan Moore Jr., the starting left tackle for the Steelers, is approaching the end of his deal in 2024.
At No. 20, may the Steelers choose to target a different offensive lineman?
Offensive linemen have been the most frequently selected position group to be selected by the Steelers in the first round. It doesn’t have to be a tackle, though, if the Steelers choose that course.
Mason Cole, a seasoned center, was cut by the Steelers this offseason. The team’s offensive line now has a massive gap in the middle.
Pittsburgh, ranked No. 20 overall, may take care of that need.
Pauline stated that Jackson Powers-Johnson could be the surprise pick at this slot, based on what I’ve been informed.
Not one of the draft experts will be surprised. The Athletic predicted on February 27 that Powers-Johnson would be selected by the Steelers at pick No. 20 overall.Luke Easterling of SI.com also projected that Powers-Johnson would be selected by the Steelers in the first round of the mock draft in January.
What will be intriguing to watch is which player the Steelers prefer, if a lineman is the team’s first-round selection. Pittsburgh’s best chance is to have Latham, Mims, and Powers-Johnson available at No. 20 overall.
