Steelers Targeting Pitt Lineman Matt Goncalves "Would Mean Everything" To Massive Tackle

The Pittsburgh Steelers are always looking to improve their offensive line, as it has been one of the team's weakest links over the last few seasons. Last year, they did that by drafting Broderick Jones in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, while also signing Isaac Seumalo in free agency. Slowly but surely, the offensive line has been improving, and the Steelers will look to continue that process this offseason. 

Steelers Could Select Pitt Panther In 2024 NFL Draft

The Steelers are in need of a new center and another tackle. A perfect candidate to fill the need at tackle is one that has been sharing the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex with the Steelers for the last five seasons. Matt Goncalves, who was a team captain at Pitt and was the Preseason All-ACC tackle for the 2023 season, recently shared his desire to play professional football in the same city he played his college ball. Goncalves is still recovering from a season-ending injury, but spoke with Steelers insider Nick Farabaugh at the Shrine Bowl about what it would be like to stay in Pittsburgh.

"It would mean everything. To play for the Steel City again, the way I ended it off this year, it just didn’t end off the way I wanted it to. The pride, passion, the love I have for the Steel City, I hope it doesn’t go unnoticed because I really do love that city. It would mean the absolute world if I could go win games at Acrisure Stadium once again.”

Goncalves ended his final season at Pitt by being sidelined for the remainder of the season after suffering a severe turf toe injury in Week 3. Not only does he want to stay in Pittsburgh because of the familiarity he has with the city, but also because he feels like he has unfinished business due to the way he ended his college career. 

There are still some questions about the Steelers offensive line going into the 2024 offseason, one of which being whether Jones will play left or right tackle. Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about this at his season ending press conference, and stated he had no clue what position he wanted Jones to play going forward. Goncalves has experience at both right and left tackle, but his natural position is right tackle. During his college career, Goncalves started 13 games on the right and 11 games protecting the quarterback's blind side, so he clearly has the versatility to play either end of the offensive line.  

If the Steelers decide to draft Goncalves, they will be reuniting him with his college quarterback, Kenny Pickett. Goncalves only started eight games while Pickett was under center for the Panthers, but when he did, the team had a lot of success. In 2021, which was Pickett's best season, the Panthers were 5-0 in games that Goncalves started. They were one of the best offenses in the nation, as they ranked third in scoring and eighth in total offense. 

In 2020, Goncalves started only three games as a redshirt-freshman. All three of his starts came at left tackle, and the offense saw a noticeable surge when he was on the field. In his first start, the Panthers won 47-14 and put up 556 yards of total offense. In his next start, Pitt rushed for 317 yards in a win over Georgia Tech. When Goncalves is on the field, good things happen. As long as he can stay healthy, he would be a valuable and interesting draft selection for Pittsburgh. 

As of now, prior to any Senior Bowls or combine testing, Goncalves is seen by most as a mid-round talent that could be picked anywhere from round three to round five. The Steelers have three picks that fall within that range, and with their needs along the offensive line, there is a strong possibility Goncalves may stay in the city of Pittsburgh.

What would you think about drafting Goncalves? Let us know in the comments below!

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