In a shocking move, the Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly planning to trade up in the upcoming NFL draft. According to Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings, the team has set its sights on Alabama right tackle JC Latham. This unexpected development has sent shockwaves through the football world.
Latham, a highly talented prospect, has caught the attention of the Steelers’ management. With his impressive skills and potential, he could be a game-changer for the team’s offensive line. The Steelers are known for their strong emphasis on solidifying their offensive front, and Latham seems to be the perfect fit.
If this trade comes to fruition, it would be a major coup for the Steelers. Latham’s presence on the field would provide much-needed protection for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and open up new opportunities for the team’s running game. The Steelers’ offense would undoubtedly benefit from Latham’s arrival.
However, it remains to be seen how the draft will unfold and whether the Steelers can successfully execute this trade. The NFL draft is a highly unpredictable event, with many teams vying for top prospects. The Steelers will have to navigate through a competitive landscape to secure Latham’s services.
Fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this potential trade. The Steelers’ bold move has certainly added an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming draft. All eyes will be on the team as they make their move and reshape their roster for the future.
In conclusion, the Pittsburgh Steelers are making waves in the football world with their reported plans to trade up in the NFL draft. Alabama right tackle JC Latham is the target of their desire, and if the trade goes through, it could have a significant impact on the team’s fortunes. Stay tuned for more updates as the draft approaches.
There’s a hot new trend surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason, and it’s not about their quarterback situation. In a recent NFL mock draft, Ian Cummings from Pro Football Network suggested that the Steelers should make a trade to select Alabama right tackle JC Latham.
According to Cummings’ mock draft, the Steelers would give up their No. 20 overall pick, the No. 84 selection, and a 2025 fourth-round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for the No. 17 selection and a 2025 sixth-round choice. With the No. 17 pick, the Steelers would then be able to secure Latham.
Cummings explained, “Latham is a highly regarded prospect on my board, and his addition would be a double win for Pittsburgh. He’s a formidable blocker who would also allow Jones to switch to the left side.”
This isn’t the first mock draft in the past week that has predicted the Steelers to make a move up the draft board for an offensive tackle. Josh Edwards from CBS Sports projected that the Steelers would trade up four spots to select Taliese Fuaga from Oregon State.
According to Daniel Jeremiah from NFL Network, if the Steelers were able to land either Fuaga or Latham in the middle of the first round, it would be a great value for them. Fuaga is ranked as the 11th best prospect in the 2024 class, while Latham sits at No. 13 on Jeremiah’s big board.
Jeremiah described Latham as a “massive right tackle” with a strong power base in both the running and passing games. He acknowledged that Latham may not have the ideal foot quickness or awareness, but his size and physicality are incredibly enticing.
Given that the Steelers traded up in last year’s draft, it’s not surprising that they are once again being considered as a potential trade-up candidate for an offensive tackle in mock drafts. In the 2023 draft, the Steelers traded their No. 17 and No. 120 overall picks to the New England Patriots in order to secure the No. 14 overall pick.
This move allowed the Steelers to jump ahead of the New York Jets, who were rumored to have interest in Jones. Cummings’ proposed trade would have a similar effect, allowing the Steelers to leapfrog the Cincinnati Bengals, who may also be eyeing Latham.
By drafting Latham, the Steelers would not only repeat history from last year but also build upon their 2023 first-round choice. With both Jones and Latham on the team, the Steelers would have two franchise starting offensive tackles. Additionally, Latham’s presence would allow Jones to move back to his natural position at left tackle.
If the Steelers were to pick Latham, it would mean that the current starting left tackle, Dan Moore, would be relegated to a reserve role. Moore has been inconsistent in his three seasons as a starter, and his rookie contract is set to expire after 2024.
The Steelers have shown a willingness to be aggressive in filling their needs in the first round, as seen in their trades for Devin Bush in the 2019 NFL draft and Minkah Fitzpatrick in 2020. It wouldn’t be surprising if they made another move up the draft board this year. The question remains whether they will do it for Fuaga or Latham.
While Bleacher Report’s draft experts rate Latham higher than Fuaga, ESPN, PFF, and Jeremiah give Latham a slight edge. Both prospects are considered elite tackles, but it remains to be seen if the Steelers deem either one worthy of giving up additional draft capital to secure.
In addition to Latham and Fuaga, the Steelers have also been linked to other prospects such as Amarius Mims from Georgia, as well as centers Jackson Powers-Johnson and Sedrick Van Pran. Any of these options could potentially provide an upgrade to Pittsburgh’s offensive line.
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According to the Source heavy.com