The 2024 NFL Draft is just a couple weeks away, and it’s time to decipher which players would be good fits for our Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers will be looking to add playmakers at several position groups throughout the selection process, and the good news is this Draft sets up well for their needs.

In this series, we’ll be looking at players at each of the Steelers top 5 positions of need that fit what the team is looking for to improve their roster. We already discussed the Wide Receiver position. Up next, a deep class of Offensive Tackles takes center stage. Let’s look at the best fits for the Steelers at OT.

TALIESE FUAGA | OREGON STATE

AGE: 22 | HT: 6’5″ | WT: 324 | JUNIOR (4TH YR)

Let’s start with a RT that could very well be the Steelers top player overall on their Big Board. Fuaga is an absolute mauler at a high-value position that is arguably the team’s biggest need this offseason. Starting with the measurables, Fuaga is an incredible physical specimen and a menace in the trenches. When you watch the tape, you quickly find out that he’s one of the few OL prospects in this draft who can single-handedly destroy an opposing defensive front. He is quick off the snap, a powerhouse in the run game, and an absolute anchor in pass pro. Though he’s not an elite puller at OT, once he gets on the move you don’t want to be in his way.

One of the best things the Steelers could do to really solidify the Offensive Line in 2024 would be to add a true RT prospect that would allow Broderick Jones to move back to his more natural LT position. Fuaga is hand-made for that role and would be a huge boost to the Steelers front 5 on offense if he were to fall into their laps at 20. Don’t be shocked, however, if the Steelers made a move up the draft board to secure Fuaga if he’s somehow still on the board in the mid-teens.

AMARIUS MIMS | GEORGIA

AGE: 21 | HT: 6’8″ | WT: 340 | JUNIOR

Another UGA tackle is on the Steelers wish list in 2024 in the form of the towering and imposing Amarius Mims. Mims is an ultra-athlete and can play either tackle position, although his more natural side is on the right. He’s another prospect who could be an incredible fit for Pittsburgh if he lasts until 20.

Mims is extremely fluid and bendy for his size, easily getting into position off the snap in pass pro without losing power or anchor. He has quick, but inconsistent footwork, which can sometimes force him into reach mode to make up for being out of position. Fortunately for Mims, he still often wins those reps with his long arms and powerful hands. Very raw technically, and also has a concerning injury history and lack of experience. However, Mims is still very young and has the traits you want in a potentially elite OT. With some refinement, he has the upside to be the best tackle in this entire class.

TROY FAUTANU | WASHINGTON

AGE: 22 | HT: 6’4″ | WT: 317 | SENIOR (5TH YR)

A lot of scouts have Fautanu moving inside to Guard at the next level, including draft-wiz Dane Brugler from The Athletic, who has the former Husky as his top overall IOL prospect in his 2024 NFL Draft Guide, aka “The Beast”. In my opinion, Fautanu has true 5-position flexibility along the OL and could easily handle OT duties on either side at the NFL level.

When he gets into position on time, Fautanu has an impenetrable base and silly smooth footwork which helps him out-leverage speed and power rushers on the edge. He’s extremely smart and displays instant reaction skills to pick up blitzes and stunts and keep the pocket clean. He can get you out of a jam at any position along the OL, and would contribute immediately as a swing tackle or guard, and could even push Dan Moore Jr. for a starting gig on Day 1. Fautanu would be a slam-dunk pick for the Steelers if he lasts until 20.

PATRICK PAUL | HOUSTON

AGE: 22 | HT: 6’7″ | WT: 331 | SENIOR

Patrick Paul is a Day 2 tackle prospect with incredible size and athleticism. More of a project than the first 3 guys on this board, Paul still has a solid skill-set and plenty of experience at the collegiate level. He has a quick first step and great length to out-leverage defenders at the point of attack. I view the Houston prospect as a potential powerhouse RT in the right system.

Paul is probably a better pass blocker than run blocker, which is the opposite of most young players. While he displays impressive technical prowess, he needs to embrace the physicality of the game more and use his gigantic frame to his advantage more often. If Arthur Smith and Pat Meyer could bring him out of his shell a little as a player, he can be a top OT in short order.

BLAKE FISHER | NOTRE DAME

AGE: 21 | HT: 6’6″ | WT: 310 | JUNIOR

The Steelers’ most recent “Top 30” visit, Fisher is a young prospect with a ton of upside, though he is extremely raw as a player. Fisher used his length and grit to win at Notre Dame and will need good coaching and some time to hone his craft early in his career. A potential late Day 2, early Day 3 selection, Fisher played bookend to Joe Alt for the Irish and was a solid contributor on a good OL.

Fisher is a good run blocker and knows how to work to the 2nd level on running plays, but poor footwork and inconsistent technique put him out of position in pass pro. Fisher is also best suited for the right side, but could be a solid swing tackle early, and he could slide inside at Guard in a pinch. The Steelers likely view him as a Redshirt-type player as a Rookie with the chance to slide into the RT gig after 2024 when Dan Moore Jr.’s contract is up.

JAVON FOSTER | MISSOURI

AGE: 24 | HT: 6’5″ | WT: 313 | SENIOR (6TH YR)

Foster is nothing if not experienced, and while his athletic upside might not be as high as his counterparts on this list, he is already fairly technically sound as he makes his way into the league. The former Mizzou Tiger plays with a mean streak and displays good power as a run blocker. In pass pro, he sets a good anchor and can hold firm against power rushers, but can be beaten by quicker Edge defenders if he doesn’t get into position fast enough.

Projected to be an early Day 3 pick, Foster won’t be looked at as a potential difference-maker at OT in year 1, and he has somewhat of a limited ceiling, but he projects as a solid player who would provide good depth and mid-level starting potential down the road. If the Steelers prioritize Center and Wide Receiver in this draft, they could still land a decent prospect like Foster in the 4th Round.

With Offensive Tackle being one of the Steelers top needs this offseason, the team will likely have many more prospects at this position on their radar, even outside of the 1st Round. If they do decide to go Tackle early, this class has a lot of potential Day 1 starters to choose from. If they decide to wait and address other needs, there is still some quality depth further down the board.

Stay tuned for another edition in my Steelers “Prospects of Interest” series, and don’t forget to check out the Steel Curtain Network Big Board as we compile scouting reports for every position leading up to the Draft on April 25-27.