Pittsburgh Steelers take future starting offensive lineman in latest mock draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have a need on their offensive line after 2020. Here’s why the latest mock draft has them taking an offensive tackle.

The Steelers don’t currently have a lot of holes on their team. They could use a more dimensional linebacker next to Devin Bush and there are some question marks at nose tackle. However, the position that will likely be most commonly mocked to the Steelers in 2021 is an offensive tackle.

Recently, ESPN’s Todd McShay completed a 2021 first-round mock draft. In it, he had the Steelers going with Tennessee offensive tackle, Trey Smith. Here’s what McShay had to say about  the selection:

"Pittsburgh could go in a lot of different directions with this pick, including edge rushing, defensive tackle, linebacker, safety or running back. Quarterback is not out of the question either. But zero starting offensive linemen are under contract beyond the 2021 season. Both tackles are actually hitting free agency after the 2020 season, though Smith is better projected at guard in the NFL. Smith is a plug-and-play starter who could be a long-term replacement at left guard for Stefen Wisniewski, with the versatility to move around, despite a bit of injury history to consider."

This selection is somewhat interesting, as McShay admits that Smith would be best suited to play guard at the NFL level. However, beefing up the offensive line in a Steelers mock draft is hardly a surprise – regardless of which position we are talking about.

Pittsburgh is in a tricky situation heading into next season. Alejandro Villanueva, Matt Feiler, and Zach Banner all have expiring contracts, and based on the salary cap situation, the Steelers may be able to retain just one of these players. It’s also been rumored that Villanueva could retire after the 2020 season.

Even if the Steelers somehow are able to re-sign Feiler, the veteran offensive lineman appears to be making the transition to guard this year. With Banner and Chukwuma Okorafor both still very much unproven and with three starters age 30 or over, Pittsburgh needs to find the future on the offensive line fast.

The Steelers haven’t spent more than a 3rd round pick on an offensive lineman since drafting David DeCastro and Mike Adams with back-to-back picks in 2012. Since then, Okorafor has been the only offensive lineman selected on the first two days of the draft.

Pittsburgh’s two All-Pro offensive linemen, David DeCastro and Maurkice Pouncey were both former first-round draft choices. Without the expertise of offensive line coach, Mike Munchak, the Steelers will no longer be able to get the job done with the developmental, undrafted offensive lineman.

The Steelers have done well when drafting offensive linemen, but they haven’t invested high in the position in eight years. I wouldn’t bat an eye if they elected to go with an offensive lineman with their first pick in 2021 NFL Draft. It’s something that will certainly be on their radar.