The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into the 2024 offseason. With free agency as the next big event to shape next season’s roster, it will be followed by the NFL draft in April. The Steelers will have a number of decisions with players who were on the 2023 roster and will have the opportunity to add some free agent acquisitions before making their first draft selection. The NFL combine and player pro days will also shape the team’s big boards before the draft.

When talking about mock drafts or NFL free agency, one first has to first identify the team’s main needs for the offseason. Before any gains or losses in free agency, there are some who would like to see the Steelers go with either offensive line or defensive line with their first-round pick. Others feel inside linebacker or cornerback could be on top of the list. With plenty of chances for the Steelers to shape their roster prior to April, their goal is usually to get into position to draft the best player available rather than target a specific position. When it comes to what position the team will select with their first pick, it is certainly up for debate.

In the latest one-round mock draft by NFL.com, they have the Steelers addressing the offensive tackle position again this season before anything else. Although the Steelers went with offensive tackle in the first round last season, which was the first time in more than 25 years, it does not take it off the table to be a place to look for someone else to bookend the position. Since the Steelers could go in any number of directions with their first selection, it is important to look at all the possibilities presented by various mock draft outlets.

Check out the Steelers 20th pick:

20. Pittsburgh Steelers | Amarius Mims | OT | Georgia | JR |

Being early in the draft process, there may be some players most fans are not familiar with. If this is the case, here is a breakdown of Mims according to thedraftnetwork.com:

Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Size:

• Height: 6’7” | Weight: 340 lbs

Accomplishments:

• 5-star recruit 

Strengths:

• Athletic ability
• Outstanding functional strength
• Lateral agility and movement skills
• High upside

Concerns:

• Limited playing experience
• Stopping feet during blocks
• Two-handed puncher

Film Analysis:

Amarius Mims is alert and aware from snap to snap. Mims’ vision helps to identify and pass off twists and stunts well. Blitz pick-up is a positive check mark in his book. He is rarely caught off guard by delayed blitzes and free runners. 

Mims possesses the foot speed and quickness to pop out of his stance in pass pro. He will meet edge defenders at the apex of their rush to quickly take the wind/air out of their set. He is an impressive mover for his size/stature. His lateral agility is outstanding—Mims can mirror rushers with little wasted or segmented movements. He is skilled in closing both inside and outside rush lanes. With the aforementioned foot speed, Mims does not have to drift or overset to protect his outside shoulder. 

He does a good job with his set points to the quarterback’s pass drop. He uses quick pass sets and an understanding of the defender’s alignment to eliminate easy access to the backfield. His hand/latch strength is suffocating. Mims’ punches can stifle forward momentum and hold defenders in their tracks. His outstanding arm length creates and maintains separation between him and the defender, rarely giving access to his chest. 

In the run game, Mims can quickly explode off the ball to reach a defensive lineman in a further gap. When his hands are engaged, he can control the rep and overpower his defender. His power is overwhelming. 

The biggest concern with Mims is the lack of starting experience and reps. After seeing more snaps toward the end of 2022, Mims was set to start all of 2023 but battled a nagging injury. His ceiling is high but it could take some time to get there. Patience through the process will be key.

Mims can improve on running his feet when engaged in run blocking. He will battle to a stalemate and stop his feet. Against high-motor NFL defenders, this can cause issues with extended plays. Mims relies on two-handed punches in pass protection. I would like to see more nuance grow with more playing time. He needs to alternate his punches based on the leveraging and positioning of the defender.

Mims projects as an athletic and physically gifted starting OT. He has an extremely high ceiling to develop into a franchise OT. There is potential to play both left and right tackle. He has the skill set to become a cornerstone OT. He is a good fit for zone-blocking offenses.

Prospect Projection: Day 1 — Pro Bowl Caliber

For all you who are preparing yourself for the draft, what do you think of the selection? Would you be on board with the Steelers taking Mims with their first pick? Or do you feel there is a better player at this position, a different one who may still be available, or that Mims will not make it to the 20th pick? Personally, I would be fine with the Steelers bolstering the offensive line with their first pick again this year. When it comes specifically to Mims, it appears early in the process where I could see him move up team’s boards due to his potential, or plummet down them due to the injury issues and lack of experience. I also have to admit that having both Broderick Jones and Amarius Mims in back-to-back drafts would be an interesting story. But because it’s so early, it’s hard to say exactly what the interest will be in Mims by teams picking ahead of the Steelers.