The Pittsburgh Steelers moved up three spots to draft offensive tackle Broderick Jones last year. CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards projected the Steelers to do the same thing again to select Oregon State offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga this spring.
Edwards projected that the Steelers would move up four spots in order to acquire the Seattle Seahawks’ No. 16 overall pick. Then, in Edward’s NFL mock draft, which was made public on February 15, the Steelers selected Fuaga at No. 16 overall.
“Especially with Cincinnati and Los Angeles ahead of Mike Tomlin’s team, Pittsburgh can ill afford to wait until its first pick to see if an offensive tackle is still available,” Edwards said. “The Steelers advance to select Taliese Fuaga, who could provide years of valuable bookend depth opposite Broderick Jones.”
What the Steelers would deliver to Seattle in exchange for the draft pick was not made clear by Edwards. However, the Steelers traded the New England Patriots their No. 17 and No. 120 overall picks last season in order to advance to the No. 14 spot.
To move up from No. 20 to No. 16 this year, a similar proposal would probably be required.
At 6 feet 6 inches tall and 334 pounds, Fuaga is a formidable offensive lineman who might play alongside Jones. Fuaga was rated by Edwards as the 2024 class’s 13th overall player and fourth-best tackle prospect.
Steelers’ Most Recent Trade History
In the initial round of the NFL Draft, the Steelers are known for picking the top prospect available.
However, the organisation has moved up much more aggressively in recent years to address needs.
The Steelers have made two trade-ups in the first round since 2018. Pittsburgh not only moved up for Jones but also jumped from No. 20 to No. 10 overall in 2018 to choose linebacker Devin Bush.
Then, in order to get safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in 2019, the Steelers completely swapped their first-round pick.
The Steelers have selected at their original position in the first round just twice in the last five years. In 2024, it shouldn’t come as a surprise if the Steelers resume their aggressive style.
It’s likely that they will be for an offensive tackle if they are.
How the Steelers Could Use Taliese Fuaga
The Oregon State tackle might make a fantastic addition to the Steelers. By selecting Fuaga, Pittsburgh may have its two starting tackles for the ensuing ten years, with Jones manning the other tackle position.
Fuaga spent the previous two seasons at Oregon State as a right tackle. Thus, the Steelers’ decision to choose him would suggest that they want to move Jones back to left tackle.
In his debut season, Jones started 10 of his 11 games at right tackle. However, at Georgia, he played left tackle, which is his more natural position.
Dan Moore Jr. would shift to the bench with Fuaga’s arrival. Over the last three seasons, Moore has started 49 games for the Steelers at left tackle. Especially in pass protection, he has been competent but by no means exceptional.
Moore’s rookie contract expires in one year.
Fuaga is ranked as the third-best offensive tackle available in the 2024 class by Pro Football Focus. Similar to Edwards, Fuaga was rated No. 4 at his position by the ESPN draft consensus.
Ian Cummings of the Pro Football Network is a huge supporter of Fuaga. Fuaga might emerge from the selection process as the class’s top tackle prospect, according to Cummings.
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