Steelers News: Troy Fautanu pre-draft visit, Hines Ward's new job, PFF mock draft

We've nearly reached the calm before the storm of the NFL Draft. As NFL teams wrap up their Top 30 pre-draft visits, roster moves will be practically non-existent as general managers and front offices put the finishing touches on their draft boards. The Pittsburgh Steelers are covering all of their bases ahead of the 2024 draft.

Over the past few weeks, Pittsburgh has hosted new names for pre-draft visits. The latest Steelers news revolves around a first-round offensive line prospect and a legendary Steelers receiver.

Steelers meet with OT Troy Fautanu

The Pittsburgh Steelers continue their search to improve the offensive tackle position. On April 15th, they officially held their Top 30 pre-draft visit with Washington offensive tackle, Troy Fautanu, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Fautanu made an Instagram post with the caption "Dreams turn reality." Fautanu is a long-time fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Washington product has been considered a first-round prospect since early in the pre-draft process, and he only improved his draft stock with a stellar performance at the 2024 NFL Combine. Because of a lack of height and mass ( 6'3 3/4'', 317 lbs), some teams view Fautanu as a guard at the next level despite playing left tackle for the Huskies. Pittsburgh has major needs at offensive tackle and center entering the NFL Draft.

Fautanu isn't guaranteed to be on the board when the Steelers are on the clock, but this pre-draft visit puts him firmly on the map as an option in Round 1.

Hines Ward earns new job with Arizona State

Hines Ward is moving up the coaching ranks. Since being a former assistant coach with the New York Jets, Ward has taken jobs as an XFL head coach and the wide receivers coach of Florida Atlantic. Now the former Steelers receiver has earned a job with Arizona State as the wide receivers coach.

Ward was incredibly grateful for this opportunity. Here's what he had to say about his new role, via Pete Thamel of ESPN.

"I am truly honored to join Arizona State University football as wide receivers coach. It's an incredible opportunity to share my passion for the game with a group of talented young men and help them reach their full potential. The culture and energy here in the Valley is special and I can't wait to be part of it."

- Hines Ward, via ESPN

Ward, a former Pro Bowl receiver and two-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers, will look to build his coaching resume with a fresh start at Arizona State.

PFF mock draft pegs Amarius Mims to the Steelers

Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus released his latest NFL mock draft. With the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Monson has the Steelers selecting Georgia offensive tackle, Amarius Mims.

This mock draft selection has become commonplace, as Pittsburgh makes no effort to hide their interest in the impressive offensive tackle prospect. There are concerns about Mims' ability to stay on the football field after hamstring injuries and tightrope surgery, but he's a brick wall in pass protection.

The Steelers are looking for a move that would kick Dan Moore Jr. off the starting lineup and allow Broderick Jones to move back over to left tackle. Mims projects as a long-time starting right tackle in the NFL if injuries don't get in the way.