Value in the draft
It seems safe to say that this offensive tackle class is one of the deeper positions in the upcoming draft. While the top of the class is relatively set with Oregon’s Penei Sewell, the middle of the first round features some talent that could potentially start from day one. The likes of Alex Leatherwood, Jaylen Mayfield, and Samuel Cosmi could all be available at pick 24. With such a talented class though, this means even more talent falls to the middle of the draft.
The likes of Jackson Carman, Walker Little, and the intriguing Spencer Brown should all go sometime on day two of the draft, and there are a few names that could even fall into the early fourth. While these names aren’t as pro-ready as some of the top names in the class, that doesn’t mean they are lacking in potential. It may take them a year before they are fully ready to start, but that shouldn’t be a huge deal for the Steelers (more on that below).
If the Steelers can wait until the second, third, or fourth round to draft their tackle, it opens up the beginning of the draft to other needs that have less value throughout the draft. Again, this assumes what seems likely right now, the middle of the pack tackles are the ones available. While they would be better off starting year one, the Steelers could get better value later on in the draft. Tackle is one of the deepest positions in the draft, so the team should make use of that and look elsewhere in the first.