The Steelers traded up in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards believes they can do
it again this year in his most recent mock draft.
Pittsburgh currently has the 20th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but Edwards believes it might trade with the Seahawks
for the 16th pick. Following that pick, the Steelers will select Oregon State offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga.
Last year, Pittsburgh used a similar strategy, passing over the tackle-needy New York Jets for Georgia’s Broderick
Jones. The Steelers surrendered their 2023 first- and fourth-round picks to move up three positions.
The squad might follow suit once more, moving up four slots and passing its tackle-needy division foe. Pittsburgh
also has two fourth-round draft picks this year, owing to a trade with the Rams that sent guard Kevin Dotson to Los
Angeles before the season began.
Fuaga may be worth a trade-up after allowing no sacks on 339 pass-blocking snaps in 2023, ranking as the third-best
offensive tackle and No. 12 overall offensive tackle on Pro Football Focus’ big board.
The mammoth 6-foot-6, 334-pound bodyguard has mostly played right tackle throughout his collegiate career,
allowing Jones to return to his natural position of left tackle and demoting incumbent Dan Moore Jr., who allowed
eight sacks in 2023, according to PFF.
Seattle’s defense, which allowed the third most total yards per game (371.4) in 2023, will be strengthened by Illinois
defensive lineman Jer’Zhan Newton, according to Edwards.
If the Steelers want to avoid missing out on getting a top offensive tackle like Fuaga, they should see if the Seahawks
will accept a similar deal as the Patriots did a year ago to shore up their offensive line for many years to come.
