Pittsburgh Steelers predicted to draft a huge offensive lineman.
At the Senior Bowl, the Pittsburgh Steelers appeared to be focusing heavily on offensive linemen, who are among the most intriguing prospects in the 2024 draft class.
This appears to have been particularly true for centers.
They even claim to “absolutely love” one of the centers in the upcoming draft.
However, a recent mock draft showed them looking in a different direction for their first-round pick.
In his February 4 mock draft, CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards predicted that the Steelers would select Tyler Guyton from Oklahoma with the 20th pick.
Guyton is a massive right tackle who has started for the Sooners for two years. Guyton stands 6’7″ tall and weighs 328 pounds, making him the largest player on the Steelers’ offensive line if drafted.
Oklahoma’s Impressive Offense
Guyton struggled to break into the TCU lineup during his first few years of college.
Then, a transfer to Oklahoma provided him with the opportunity he had been waiting for.
Guyton has been a member of an offensive line that has consistently kept Oklahoma’s rushing attack among the best in college football over the last two seasons.
In 2022, the Sooners averaged 219.4 rushing yards per game and had the nation’s 33rd-best scoring average.
They followed that up with 182.2 rushing yards per game and the fourth-highest scoring average in the country.
They also allowed just 1.5 sacks per game.
Guyton’s size and speed, combined with the success of the Sooners’ offense, have him projected to be drafted in the first round of the 2024 draft.
Guyton’s Fit With the Steelers
Throughout the 2023 season, the Steelers struggled on the offensive line.
It became clear throughout the season that they needed to replace Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle and Mason Cole at center.
Broderick Jones also struggled in his rookie season as he transitioned from left to right tackle.
If they do not improve the offensive line, they may face significant challenges in 2024.
The offense is expected to rely heavily on the run next season, now that Arthur Smith is the offensive coordinator. For that strategy to work, the Steelers must be able to win at the line of scrimmage.
Guyton’s size would provide the Steelers with the necessary leverage on the offensive line, as well as another benefit.
Putting Guyton at right tackle would allow Jones to return to his natural position at left tackle, hopefully improving his performance in his second season in the league.
It will not solve all of the Steelers’ offensive problems, but drafting Guyton could help them improve at two positions in one move and increase their chances of success in Smith’s offense.
With free agency more than a month away, a lot can change before the draft, but if tackle is still a need heading into the draft, Guyton could be a good fit in Pittsburgh.
Regardless of how they go about it, the Steelers must address their offensive line.