Steelers mock draft: Connecting the dots with Pittsburgh's interests

Steelers mock draft round 2: IOL Steve Avila

I am completely surprised by how aggressive this team has been with the interior of their offensive line this off-season. I expected a name to be brought in to compete with Kevin Dotson, but this team has once again revamped this group. It doesn’t look like that is set to end either, as this team has been all over interior linemen in the draft as well.

I have them selecting Steve Avila because of this. While I don’t view the interior offensive line as a top need, this team is targeting their center of the future. Avila could be that, as he is a big mauler that plays from snap to whistle. He used his strength to bully defensive linemen, and he projects to continue doing that at the next level.

While his role would be as a backup early on, he could take some snaps at center as the eventual replacement for Mason Cole. Avila has some experience there in college and has the size and strength to profile well there. He won’t be on the field early given the depth along the interior, but this move could pay dividends in the future.