Chuks Okorafor could be switching sides.
He's currently penciled in as the Steelers' starting left tackle for 2021, Mike Tomlin disclosed at the team's annual pre-draft press conference Monday morning at Heinz Field. He's played only right tackle since entering the NFL three years ago, including all but one game of last season as the starter.
Almost in the same breath, though, Tomlin added, “And it means absolutely nothing. You can quote me on that.”
Tomlin had been asked to identify his starting left tackle and starting right cornerback, and he named Okorafor the former, Cam Sutton the latter, though Sutton had made his status known a month ago after signing an extension. Tomlin clarified that Sutton "will start out" in the position vacated by Steven Nelson's cap-related release, but it's expected Sutton will continue to see extensive duty in the slot in sub-package defenses.
Although there'd been no hint from the inside about Okorafor's switch, it makes sense:
• A third-round pick in the 2018 draft, he's still only 23, so the adjustment shouldn't be as challenging as it would be for a more experienced veteran.
• Maybe more relevant, even if Tomlin never mentioned his name, Zach Banner beat Okorafor in a two-man competition at right tackle in training camp last summer and, like Okorafor, has only worked on the right side. But Banner was lost for the season in the opener in East Rutherford, N.J., because of a knee injury, so he's taken far fewer snaps in general and, thus, might not be as well equipped to trust with Ben Roethlisberger's blind side.
• Okorafor played both tackle positions at Western Michigan.
• Okorafor's shown more quickness with his 6-foot-6, 320-pound frame, while Banner's shown to be a superior run blocker, more befitting the power profile associated with the right side.
Alejandro Villanueva, the previous starting left tackle, remains available in free agency, though he's been reported to be in talks with the Ravens.
So, as things now stand -- and keep Tomlin's quote in mind -- the offensive line now aligns, left to right, as follows: Okorafor, Kevin Dotson, B.J. Finney, David DeCastro and Banner. But there were multiple remarks made by Tomlin and Kevin Colbert at this press conference that strongly suggested they'll use this draft to add to the line, possibly at center, where a void was left by Maurkice Pouncey's retirement.
The first round of the draft is Thursday.