Steelers: Identifying top draft fits at offensive tackle
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a need at one of the most important positions in the sport, seeking to upgrade their situation at left tackle. While Dan Moore has been serviceable, especially given his draft status, Pittsbrugh needs to add a franchise player, one that will protect their young quarterback for years to come. Situated at […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a need at one of the most important positions in the sport, seeking to upgrade their situation at left tackle.
While Dan Moore has been serviceable, especially given his draft status, Pittsbrugh needs to add a franchise player, one that will protect their young quarterback for years to come.
Situated at 17 and 32 when it comes to draft selections, Pittsburgh will likely address the position with one of these two picks, so let's take a look at which prospects fit best.
Steelers: Identifying top draft fits at offensive tackle
Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
Jones is my favorite tackle in this class, his mixture of size and athleticism is something rarely seen in prospects.
Still young and a little raw in his pass protection, he has a tendency to drop his head too much when pass setting, but it's nothing a little coaching can't fix.
Jones would immediately become one of, if not the best run blocker on the line, opening holes for Najee Harris that rival the grand canyon.
His measurables are literally like that of someone built in a lab and include:
- 6'4 height
- 311 pounds
- 34-inch arms
- 10 5/8 inch hands
But his frame is reminiscent of a big tight end, with little to no bad weight and an athletic profile that proves it, per his second overall ranking in athletic testing at the NFL Combine.
If available at 17, I believe this is a no-brainer for Pittsburgh, and it could be a reality given his 19th overall ranking on the consensus board.
Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
Johnson is thought of by many to be the best pure left tackle in this class. He is a smooth pass protector that can set at any angle to oppose speed, with the frame and power to anchor against strength.
At over 6'6 and 313 pounds, Johnson is a tall drink of water on the edge of the line, with textbook fundamentals that tie his footwork and hand placement together.
Now, his run blocking needs work, as he tends to go head over toes at times, bending at the waist and allowing defenders to win based on leverage alone.
Sitting at 13 on the consensus board, there is a good chance that Johnson Jr. is gone by the Steelers selection at 17 but if Broderick Jones is no longer available, I think Pittsburgh won't think twice.
Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
Harrison is a special pass protector with perfect fundamentals, and textbook body control in his pass set.
While he's my third choice because I believe most of what he does is good but not great, he could provide instant upgrades at the left tackle position.
Per Next Gen Stats at the NFL Combine, Harrison ranked in the top 10 of both his production and athleticism score, giving him a combined score of 82, which ranked 5th amongst all offensive tackles.
I think 17 would be a little rich for Harrison, but you're taking a risk if you wait until 32 with the talented tackle slated at 33 on the consensus board.
While the tackle class is obviously deeper than the aforementioned prospects, these three are all plug-and-play left tackles, that fit Pittsburgh's scheme, are worth a considerable selection and fall within a reasonable range of pick 17 and 32.
Hopefully one of these three becomes a Steeler sooner than later.
