The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2024 offseason has already been one for the books. The most talked about subject has been related to the quarterback position. Kenny Pickett was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, Mitchell Trubisky was released and signed with the Buffalo Bills, while Mason Rudolph tested free agency and inked a deal with the Tennessee Titans. General Manager Omar Khan also dealt Diontae Johnson. Overall, several moves have been made, but a key area that has yet to be addressed is the offensive line. Center is pivotal after the release of Mason Cole, but the team needs to get Broderick Jones over to left tackle.
Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman, Broderick Jones (#77) sets up at the line of scrimmage and prepares to block during a 2023 preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Khan traded up on the first day of the 2023 NFL Draft in order to select the University of Georgia product in Jones. He didn’t start at the beginning of his rookie season, but stepped up to replace Chukwuma Okorafor on the right side of the Steelers’ offensive line. Jones belongs on the left, but the lack of a true right tackle has to be a topic of conversation, especially because Dan Moore Jr. is unable to truly swing to the right. Here are the best options for the Steelers as the draft inches closer.
1.) Amarius Mims - University of Georgia
The free agency class is weak on the right side. Pittsburgh needs help at cornerback, wide receiver, center, and the defensive line, but Mims could be the perfect fit for the Steelers. There are several other tackles like Taliese Fuaga, JC Latham and Troy Fautanu that are all options in the first round, but Mims coming in at a massive 6'8" just makes sense. It doesn't hurt that he is a former Bulldog, just like Jones.
2.) Mekhi Becton - New York Jets
The other rookie options would be great as mentioned above, but if a first-round pick is being used, Mims is the way to go. That leaves free agent Mekhi Becton as the next best option if Mims isn't selected in round one. At 24 years old, he is a popular choice to join the Steelers. He has experience on both sides, but after injury issues, would come in with at least a chance to compete with Moore.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers offensive lineman, Dan Moore Jr. (#65) walks on the field at St. Vincent College during a 2022 training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
3.) Dominick Puni - University of Kansas
The University of Kansas was a laughingstock of college football for a long time, but turned it around with a 5-4 record in 2023. Dominick Puni is a potential third-round pick and a 2023 First Team All-Big 12 member.
At 6'5" and over 300 pounds, he doesn't necessarily project as a massive lineman, but he is athletic and has an extremely high motor with the ability to pull. He isn't the first-rounder fans are hoping for, but is a target to go after if the first couple of rounds focus on other areas of need.
Charlie Neibergall / ap photo
University of Kansas offensive lineman Dominick Puni (#67) gets set for a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Ames, Iowa.
Steelers May Keep Jones On The Right Side In His Second Year
What? Really? Could the Steelers actually stick with Moore at the left tackle spot and leave Jones on the right for 2024? It's not as likely as the first three options, but no one should be ruling it out. Pittsburgh needs a center more than anything, and if that area is addressed early in the draft, the organization might be fine with Moore, Isaac Seumalo, James Daniels and Jones working with the new snapper. This is way more possible than many think.
Who do you want to see take over the right side of the offensive line for the Steelers so Jones can move on over to the left? Let us know in the comments below!
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