NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Steelers' desperation for OL upgrades can't be ignored

We are still several weeks from the start of free agency, but it's become increasingly clear which direction the Pittsburgh Steelers could be headed in the 2024 NFL Draft. While it's essential that Mike Tomlin and the front office find a cornerback who can play opposite Joey Porter Jr. in the secondary, it would be hard to ignore addressing an offense in the first round that averaged roughly 17 points per game last season.

Where this team decides to spend their money in free agency will give us a much clearer picture of their plan this April. As of now, NFL Draft experts seem to be on the same page when it comes to what Omar Khan will do with the 20th overall pick.

Steelers mock draft roundup: Experts jump on the O-line train

Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network: Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington

Prominent NFL analyst, Daniel Jeremiah, has the Steelers going with Troy Fautanu in the second version of his full first-round mock draft. Fautanu was a left tackle for the Washington Huskies and he may be able to hold up at this position in the NFL. However, based on his size profile, he projects best as an interior offensive lineman at the next level with quick feet and good power.

The Athletic Staff and more, The Athletic: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

Tyler Guyton feels like one of the bigger boom-or-bust prospects set to enter the 2024 NFL Draft. The staff from The Athletic thinks he would be a good fit with Pittsburgh. This would give the Steelers a pair of exceptional athletes at the tackle position (Broderick Jones being the other). However, they would also have an extremely raw pairing of OTs who still have a long way to go when it comes to their mechanics.

Josh Edwards, CBS Sports: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Amarius Mims is becoming one of the most frequently mocked players to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Just last April, Omar Khan traded up from pick 17 to pick 14 to select a Georgia offensive tackle, and this is a football program that Mike Tomlin really likes (they took two Georgia players in the top three rounds last year). Mims doesn't have the quickest feet, but he could be an anchor at right tackle -- allowing Broderick to kick back over to left tackle in Year 2.

Joe Broback, Pro Football Network: Graham Barton OG/C, Duke

Some NFL Draft analysts think that Graham Barton projects best as a guard at the next level, but if the Steelers are selecting him, we can assume that it's going to be to play center. Barton was an excellent player at Duke, but he simply doesn't have the length to be a tackle in the NFL. Some believe that, with a switch to center, Barton could be the best center from the 2024 draft class. His mobility would fit with what Arthur Smith wants to do on offense if he can make the transition.

Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

Most experts believe that Tailese Fuaga will be off the board before the Steelers are on the clock with the 20th overall pick. This seems likely to be the case, as Fuaga has an outstanding blend of size and movement skills to go with good technique. He projects best as a right tackle in the NFL.