The 2024 NFL Draft is loaded with talented offensive tackle prospects. There are nimble-footed left tackle prospects like Olu Fashanu and Troy Fautanu or powerful right tackles like Taliese Fuaga and JC Latham. Notre Dame's Joe Alt is considered the cream of the crop this year. But what about a polarizing prospect like Amarius Mims?
With so many first-round-graded tackles, the order in which they are drafted could largely come down to preference. Certain teams will have specific things that they will look for in an offensive tackle, and factors like offensive scheme or OT arm length could play a pivotal role in determining their oder on the draft board.
The Pittsburgh Steelers just so happen to have a massive need at right tackle. While Broderick Jones shows promise, Dan Moore Jr. has been one of the worst starting tackles over the past three years, and Chukwuma Okorafor was released early in the 2024 offseason.
When it comes to Georgia's Amarius Mims, there is a range of opinions. Some draft analysts gush over his outstanding size, length, and physical traits. He certainly looks the part. Others, however, are concerned about his nagging injury history and his limited college experience.
Mims is a player who has been frequently linked to the Steelers throughout the pre-draft process, but will he be there when Pittsburgh is on the clock with the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft?
Where is Amarius Mims projected to be drafted?
According to NFL Mock Draft Database, Amarius Mims is the 23rd overall ranked player in the 2024 draft and he is projected to land with the Dallas Cowboys at pick 24 in the first round.
Mims' draft stock has fluctuated, and he was as high as the 9th overall player back on January 9th. Since this spike, Mims has leveled out between pick 20 and pick 25.
Will Amarius Mims be an option for the Steelers in Round 1?
Based on this projection from NFL Mock Draft Database, Mims is likely to be on the board when the Steelers make their selection with the 20th overall pick in the draft. Obviously, we won't know until we see how things fall on draft day, but projections suggest that there is a very good chance he will be available to Pittsburgh in Round 1.
It's worth noting that, throughout the process, Mims has been the second-most frequently mocked player to the Steelers in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He trails only Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson.
Is Amarius Mims a fit with the Steelers?
There's an argument to be made that the Pittsburgh Steelers could be looking for a different type of offensive tackle in 2024. Now that Arthur Smith is the new offensive coordinator, an OT who fits a wide zone scheme could be a priority.
However, based on Pittsburgh's pre-draft visits, that doesn't seem to be the case. Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin have been at the Pro Days of big offensive tackles like Mims and JC Latham, while bringing in players like Taliese Fuaga and Travis Glover for a visit.
What all of these players have in common is that they all stand over 6'5'' and weigh at least 330 pounds. This is the type of OT they could be looking for, and at 6 7 3/4'' and 340 pounds, Amarius Mims fits the description of what this team is looking for at the position.