Steelers host a duo of trench-men in latest set of top 30 visits
The Pittsburgh Steelers are letting it be known they will not have the same woes on the offensive and defensive lines they did in 2022. Injuries plagued the defensive front while underwhelming play on the offense's group of five tended to create stagnation in terms of ball movement. So with an active free agency period […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers are letting it be known they will not have the same woes on the offensive and defensive lines they did in 2022.
Injuries plagued the defensive front while underwhelming play on the offense's group of five tended to create stagnation in terms of ball movement.
So with an active free agency period in the trenches, and a number of visits slated to address these spots, the Steelers are giving us an inside look at their process.
According to Brooke Pryor of ESPN, the Steelers are playing host to both Siaki Ika and Anton Harrison amongst others today (April 5th)
Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
Ika is the perfect fit for what Pittsburgh looks for in their nose tackles.
When running a 3-4 defense, you have to have a plugger in the middle that can handle the dirty work including double teams and gap integrity.
At a confirmed 6'3 and 335 pounds, Ika was a handful for offensive lines across the Big 12 and will look to do the same in the NFL.
Sitting at 60th on the consensus board, I personally think using a top 50 pick on Ika is a little rich, but the Steelers may think otherwise, evident by their use of a top 30 visit.
Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
Harrison is the kind of player that embodies the tenacity that Pittsburgh Steeler linemen should play with.
He's an active mover, who once he has a head of steam, look out because he has bad intentions for those on the other side of the ball.
Now Harrison will need to refine his pass protection, something that the Steelers desperately need an upgrade in.
But Harrison has all the desirable attributes to become a franchise tackle.
At over 6'4 and 315 pounds, and with 34-inch arms, he checks the box when it comes to measurables.
The snippet of tape above is just a glimpse into the highlight tape that Harrison possesses, with displays of brute force littering his tenure at Oklahoma.
And from a testing standpoint?
Oh, he was only amongst the top eight of offensive linemen at the NFL Scouting Combine, running a sub-five second 40-yard dash (4.98) with a more pertinent, and impressive 1.77 ten-yard split.
Harrison currently sits at 31 on the consensus board, meaning he could be in play at the top of round two when the Steelers pick again.
If they address corner in round one at 17, I think their next best option could be offensive tackle and potentially Anton Harrison at 32.
