Draft prospects Steelers can’t pass if they fall to pick 24
By Andrew Falce
Rashawn Slater
The Steelers biggest need this offseason is at center, but there isn’t a slam dunk first-round center in this draft. While there are a capable crop of mid-round options that have seemingly intrigued the team, perhaps they could take a different approach altogether. Rashawn Slater is listed at tackle, has the size of a guard, and reports are he may learn center at the NFL level.
In terms of talent, Slater is arguably the best offensive line prospect in this draft. He has elite athleticism, mixed in with a brutal style of blocking that should allow him to start from day one. The issue that has him dropping is his lack of a defined position. Tackles are supremely talented, but he is a little undersized for the position. Guards are typically undervalued and tend to fall in the draft. Such a case happened in 2012 when David DeCastro fell right into the Steelers lap.
If Slater can play center though, he could have an instant role with the team. While it may not be a perfect fit, Slater is talented enough to make the transition work. If he continues to see his stock fall due to his lack of a defined position, the Steelers may be the main benefactors. This offensive tackle class is so deep. If a team wants a natural tackle, Slater will be less valued due to his size. This could lead to a draft-day slide, one that the Steelers should stop if he falls to them.
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The Steelers have quite a few defined needs in the upcoming draft, but that shouldn’t stop them from targeting different positions if the value is right. If any of these four prospects make it to pick 24, the team has to pull the trigger. They are all far too talented to not be selected if they suffer a draft-day slide into the Steelers lap.