How Steelers can make franchise history in first round of 2024 NFL Draft

The Steelers could go several different ways with their first-round pick (No. 20) in the 2024 NFL Draft with needs at wide receiver, offensive tackle, center and cornerback. 

With that in mind, Pittsburgh has a good chance to make history on Day 1.

If the Steelers select an offensive lineman in the first round on April 25, it will mark the first time in franchise history that they've drafted offensive linemen in the first round of consecutive drafts.

Last year, Pittsburgh traded up in the first round to land Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones and now the team has shown strong interest in reuniting him with his former teammate, Amarius Mims.

Mims is one of only two prospects (Clemson CB Nate Wiggins is the other) whom the team has hosted on a pre-draft visit, met formally at the NFL Scouting Combine and attended the pro day of (after taking him out to dinner the previous night).

The massive 6-foot-7, 340-pound offensive tackle has primarily played right tackle and would allow Jones, who spent his rookie season on the right side, to move back to his primary position of left tackle.

If Mims is gone by the time the Steelers are on the clock, however, there's still a good chance they take another offensive lineman. As of Monday, they have hosted 11 offensive linemen as part of their 30 pre-draft visits.

Pittsburgh also has a glaring need at center, having not added one since releasing 2023 starter Mason Cole earlier this offseason. Although some experts believe the draft stocks of the top center prospects are dropping, the team may still opt to draft the position depending on how the board falls.

Oregon's Jackson Powers-Johnson and West Virginia's Zach Frazier are among those the Steelers have showed the most interest in.

Either way, two of Pittsburgh's biggest needs are on the offensive line, making it very likely the team makes franchise history in less than two weeks.