Steelers Draft: Fourth Round Pick Jerald Hawkins

The Pittsburgh Steelers made their first offensive selection in the 2016 draft by selecting offensive tackle Jerald Hawkins.

Hailing from Louisiana State University, Hawkins is a versatile offensive tackle that has experience on both sides of the line. Hawkins started the entire 2014 season at right tackle, and moved to the left tackle spot after La’el Collins left for the NFL.

Standing 6’6″ and weighing in right above 300 lbs, Hawkins is the type of offensive lineman that the Steelers love: multi-positional. Quick-feet and fluid hips make him a lineman that can be developed into an athlete that can stand up to the most dangerous of defensive lineman and linebackers.

The Steelers’ selection of Hawkins comes as no surprise to many, as the loss of Kelvin Beachum in free-agency has left a temporary void at left tackle. Alejandro Villanueva filled in admirably for Beachum after the latter tore his ACL early in the Steelers’ 2015 season, but his future is not set in stone. Pittsburgh signed former Denver Bronco offensive lineman Ryan Harris during free agency in an attempt to add experienced depth to their offensive front, which was definitely needed with a lack of veteran presence at the position.

The Steelers also have former second-round draft pick Mike Adams on the roster, but the disappointing experiment that has been the lineman’s career in the Steel City has left many not expecting his career with the Steelers to last much longer.

Expect a battle royale between Villanueva, Harris, Hawkins, and Adams to occur during training camp and into the preseason. For now, the Steelers are slowly accumulating a nice set of skilled players for the depth of their offensive line to protect franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Next: Steelers News: Burns, Davis, Hargrave

Stay tuned to Still Curtain for further draft coverage leading into the six and seventh rounds of the draft.