It’s unclear what the Pittsburgh Steelers will do with their first round selection in less than a week, when the NFL draft takes place.
But, they may have given away who they plan to pick in the pre-draft process by leaving clues.
Throughout the pre-draft phase, the team has decided to concentrate on those suggestions.
It appears that a select few players have drawn slightly more interest than any other prospect.
Only two players in the 2024 NFL Draft class had visits from Mike Tomlin or Omar Khan on Pro Day, visited with the team at the Combine, and were monitored by “Still Curtain” editor Tommy Jaggi’s pre-draft interest tracker.
These two guys are former Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins and offensive tackle Amarius Mims of Georgia.
Ideally Suited for the Steelers
It’s reasonable to argue that Mims is the Steelers’ top pick in the first round.
By selecting Mims, the squad would be able to improve both tackle positions, which are in dire need of upgrading.
Dan Moore Jr. was the team’s starting left tackle in the previous campaign, but he had trouble.
According to PFF, Moore gave up 8 sacks and 55 pressures in 535 pass-blocking snaps in the 2023 campaign.
Even though Broderick Jones improved, he wasn’t too good at right tackle. Throughout 405 pass block snaps, he gave up 4 sacks and 29 pressures.
Jones is a left tackle by nature, yet the stats still came.
Mims would become the Steelers’ right tackle if they draft him, which would free them up to move Jones back to the left.
Really, the only thing to ask is how long it would take.
At Georgia, Mims only made eight game starts. That may indicate that he won’t be prepared to line up across from his old college teammate for a long.
The lack of starting experience won’t be a problem, in his opinion. In an interview on NFL Total Access on April 18, Mims stated that “the film is all there” in case you are worried about his lack of starts.
The Steelers have made it clear during the pre-draft process that they are interested in Mims, despite the concerns. He appears to fit right in on the team’s offensive line and help them make a significant improvement in the trenches.
A Harder Argument for Wiggins
At the beginning of the pre-draft round, Wiggins appeared to be a perfect fit for the Steelers.
When they cut loose Patrick Peterson, they were in need of a corner who could play next to Joey Porter Jr.
Above all, they required someone who could move quickly. Miles Killebrew was the only defensive back they had on the roster when free agency opened that could complete the 40-yard sprint in under 4.5 seconds.
He is used less on defense and more on special teams.
In 4.28 seconds, Wiggins completed the 40.
They’ve now somewhat resolved their cornerback problem. In order to acquire Donte Jackson, they dealt Diontae Johnson to the Panthers.
Jackson, who completed the 40-yard dash in 4.32 seconds, will now serve as the team’s other cornerback, providing them some extra speed.
In addition to the fact that the post has been filled, there is one significant issue with him. Wiggins will be the NFL’s smallest cornerback at 173 pounds.
That might be a problem for a team like the Steelers, who are renowned for playing aggressive defense.
Although Wiggins will probably still be selected early in this selection due to other pressing needs on the squad, it would be unexpected if the Steelers selected him first.
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