National outlet names the big issue with Steelers' potential first-round pick Amarius Mims
One of the most difficult parts of the pre-draft process is determining a prospect's ceiling from their floor. And for Pittsburgh Steelers' potential first-round pick Amarius Mims, no one in his position has a higher ceiling. But recent developments from the league prove he may also have the lowest floor: Significant Injury Concerns Amarius Mims, […]
One of the most difficult parts of the pre-draft process is determining a prospect's ceiling from their floor.
And for Pittsburgh Steelers' potential first-round pick Amarius Mims, no one in his position has a higher ceiling.
But recent developments from the league prove he may also have the lowest floor:
Significant Injury Concerns
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia. In talking to scouts over the past two months, I've gathered that opinions are all over the place on Mims. The talent and physical traits are impossible to ignore. At 6-foot-8 and 340 pounds, Mims has the tools, and it doesn't take long to recognize his first-round talent when he's on the field. But "on the field" is the key here.
Mims battled durability concerns throughout the past two seasons, with only eight starts in 30 career games played. He underwent TightRope ankle surgery after three starts last season and even suffered a lower-body injury at the combine. If you told me that Mims would be the best offensive lineman from this class in five years, I'd believe you — but I'd also believe you if you said he would miss a significant amount of time with injuries as a pro. My No. 5 offensive tackle and No. 19 overall player on my board, Mims is a high-end talent, but the injury history could give some teams pause. -ESPN
This is largely the sentiment across the league, as when asking around about a potential fit between Mims and the Steelers, it almost makes too much sense, but could come with a catch:
Unbelievable athlete. Looks like he was built in a lab. Has natural power. Knee bend and foot quickness are great for his size. Tape was phenomenal against Ohio State in the playoff as a sophomore. If he stayed healthy this season he would have put himself in the top 10 conversation. Upside is higher than Alt and Fashanu. Getting a discount because of lack of playing time, but experience is big for offensive tackles. -Anonymous Scout
The clear problem is durability. Not only has Mims missing games left people questioning how long and how well he can play in the league, but it also leaves question marks about his development.
If you're not on the field, you can't become better, something a 21-year-old offensive tackle desperately needs, no matter how elite his athleticism is.
That being said, I doubt this dissuades Pittsburgh from taking Mims at 20, or even trading up for him.
Pittsburgh is known for being one of the more liberal drafting organizations, unafraid to take shots on players with character and or injury concerns given their belief in their culture and medical staff.
That much was proven last year when the team took Broderick Jones and Cory Trice Jr. both of whom were medically red-flagged by different teams.
So while the concern is valid, don't be surprised if Mims is the pick in less than three weeks.
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