As the Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft progresses towards the pivotal moment when the Detroit Lions make their selection at 29, we find ourselves firmly in the 20s with the Pittsburgh Steelers now on the clock. This draft is essential for the Steelers as they look to reshape their future and reclaim their status among the elite in the NFL.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have undergone significant changes at the quarterback position, including the acquisition of Russell Wilson and the trade of Kenny Pickett. However, their challenges extend far beyond just the quarterback situation. Despite reaching the postseason last year, the team has found itself increasingly outmatched in the highly competitive AFC, raising questions about their overall strategy and execution.

In this mock draft scenario, Piotr S steps into the role of acting general manager for the Pittsburgh Steelers. His insights and decisions will be critical in shaping the team’s trajectory as they aim to rebuild and strengthen their roster.

Curious about the choices made in the earlier rounds of this mock draft? Be sure to visit our 2024 POD Community Mock Tracker for complete details.

With their 20th pick in the Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers have chosen Amarius Mims, an offensive tackle from Georgia. This selection reflects their commitment to fortifying their offensive line as they navigate a critical rebuilding phase.

Here’s what Piotr S had to say about this strategic choice:

“The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a crossroads as a franchise. Last season, their defense was the backbone that carried them to the playoffs, while the offense struggled. Most of their defensive core is returning, but they are facing a significant overhaul on offense with the departure of Kenny Pickett and offensive coordinator Matt Canada. The team will now experiment with a dual-quarterback setup featuring Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, both of whom will be guided by former Falcons coach Arthur Smith as the new offensive coordinator.

“The hard truth is that the Steelers must acknowledge the limitations of their current quarterback options. With Wilson aging and Fields not yet demonstrating franchise-level talent, the team is in a precarious position. Smith’s offensive strategy has historically favored passes over the middle, a challenging area for both quarterbacks. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, they ranked poorly in time to throw last season, highlighting their need for improved anticipation. Additionally, the recent trade of top receiver Diontae Johnson to the Panthers complicates matters further, making the situation more challenging for the quarterbacks.”

“Considering all these factors, the Steelers are left with a strong defense and an offense shrouded in uncertainty. Ideally, they would have been in a position to select one of the top four quarterbacks, but that opportunity has passed. Instead, the priority now is to establish a solid foundation for the offense that can support either of these quarterbacks or whoever takes the reins in 2025. Given the 20th pick, this is a tall order, which is why I predict a bold move for a truly exceptional talent.”

“Standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing a formidable 340 pounds, with over 36-inch arms and impressive athleticism, Amarius Mims is a unique prospect. Although his production numbers may not be overwhelming, the limited game tape and outstanding physical attributes make him an enticing choice. The NFL continues to be a game dominated by size and strength, and drafting Mims allows the Steelers to upgrade their left tackle position, currently held by Dan Moore Jr.. By pairing him with fellow Georgia Bulldog Broderick Jones, the Steelers could establish a formidable offensive line that could dominate for the next decade or more. As the saying goes, ‘build the trenches and good things tend to happen.’

“And he also accomplished this incredible feat:

”…which is just absurd.”