The NFL's focus has moved to free agency, but teams will still have the chance to address their needs in the NFL draft. Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda predicts the Pittsburgh Steelers will likely target their offensive line in the first round by selecting Alabama's JC Latham.
In his most recent NFL mock draft, Pauline projected the Steelers to aim for Latham at No. 20 overall.
"Kool-Aid McKinstry will be considered here, but his injury raises concerns," stated Pauline. "Latham is a better fit than [Amarius] Mims as a strong right tackle, which would allow them to move Broderick Jones, last year's first-round pick, to the left side."
Amarius Mims has been a popular choice for the Steelers at No. 20 or even as a trade up possibility. However, Pauline clearly prefers Latham for his strength.
Measuring at 6-foot-6 and 342 pounds, there's no denying that Latham possesses significant power.
"Bulldozer in human form with the upper- and lower-body power to forcefully create run lanes and immediately enhance a team's ground attack," stated NFL.com's Lance Zierlein. "Latham's body type is substantial, and he has exceptional drive-blocking talent.
"Latham's size, strength, and talent give him the potential to become a highly regarded right tackle or a Pro Bowl-caliber guard."
Zierlein compared Latham to 2019 No. 35 overall pick offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor. In five seasons, Taylor has initiated 83 matchups.
How Alabama's JC Latham May Fit With the Steelers
The Steelers have a new requirement at safety following releasing veteran Keanu Neal. Pittsburgh also parting ways with with Patrick Peterson on March 8, thereby increasing the need for a cornerback.
Assuming the Steelers secure a starting player and additional depth in free agency, it's widely anticipated that general manager Omar Khan will add another significant piece to the offensive line early in the 2024 NFL draft.
The draft rankings at ESPN, Pro Football Focus and Bleacher Report all view Latham as a top 25 prospect and a top 6 offensive tackle in the 2024 draft class. Bleacher Report's most recent rankings have Latham placed at No. 13 overall and third among offensive tackles.
"He needs to exhibit more patience to balance his aggressive style of play, but he possesses the tools, skill set, and potential to start in his first year with the potential to reach Pro Bowl status during his initial contract," stated BR's Brandon Thorn.
Similar to Pauline, who had Mims going 22nd overall to the Philadelphia Eagles, both PFF and BR ranked Latham ahead of Mims. However, ESPN has Mims was ranked at No. 18 overall, with Latham at No. 25.
As Pauline argued, bringing in Latham will allow the Steelers to move Broderick Jones back to left tackle. During the NFL combine, Khan informed reporters that this shift will eventually occur.
Steelers current left tackle Dan Moore Jr. is entering the final year of his contract in 2024.
Could the Steelers Focus on a Different Offensive Lineman at No. 20?
The most common projection for the Steelers in the first round has been offensive line. However, If the Steelers choose this path, it is not necessary for it to be a tackle.
The Steelers let go of veteran center Mason Cole this offseason, leaving a significant gap in the middle of the team's offensive line.
Pittsburgh might meet that requirement at No. 20 overall.
“I've heard that the unexpected choice at this position might be Jackson Powers-Johnson,” wrote Pauline.
It won’t catch all draft experts off guard. On February 27, The Athletic suggested the Steelers to focus on Powers-Johnson at No. 20 overall. SI.com’s Luke Easterling also anticipated the Steelers to pick Powers-Johnson in the first round of a mock draft in January.
If a lineman is their first-round pick, it will be interesting to see which one the Steelers favor. The best situation for Pittsburgh would be if Latham, Mims and Powers-Johnson are all still on the board at No. 20 overall.
