Halicke: Six most likely candidates to be taken in first round

The crown jewel of the NFL offseason is finally upon us. In just a few short days, the NFL Draft will begin Thursday night and span over the course of three days. During that time, Omar Khan, Mike Tomlin and Co. will be making decisions based on years of homework by coaches, executives and scouts alike, hoping to add more impactful players to the roster.

It's fair to expect certain things to play out, though much of the draft is very unpredictable. The first round is the easiest to forecast, but with the Steelers picking 20th overall, there's a multitude of scenarios that can play out and affect who the Steelers end up taking during the first night of the draft.

To be better prepared for what could play out in the first round, we need to have a handle on the Steelers' strategy going into the draft. First, offensive tackle is the priority for this team. That doesn't necessarily mean that's the most pressing need. But, the direction has been made clear throughout the homework being done on this year's draft class.

For example, to reinforce what I wrote two weeks ago, team sources have told me coaches such as offensive line coach Pat Meyer were instructed to heavily scout right tackles during the pro day circuit. In their 30 allotted pre-draft visits, the Steelers hosted four tackles that are projected to go in the first round. I have every reason to believe that tackle is the priority in the first round.

Of course, things don't always go the team's way during the draft. The Steelers can't be so fixated on one position in any round of the draft. Thus, I'm going to give you the six most likely players the Steelers could select Thursday night.

AMARIUS MIMS
OT, Georgia

Amarius Mims might be the most likely player the Steelers take should they stand pat at 20th overall. And since trades are never guaranteed, this feels like the appropriate choice to start things off.

While Mims was a five-star recruit out of high school, there's a bit of uncertainty regarding his game as he prepares to make the leap from college to the NFL. However, he may have the highest ceiling of the entire class.

Mims is built like an NFL tackle, standing 6-foot-8 and weighing 340 pounds with 36 1/8-inch arms. He couples that great size and elite length with eye-popping athleticism, strength and decent technique with his hands.

Here's a cut up of some exceptional reps, displaying his abilities in a variety of ways:

My personal favorite is the second play where he's able to get out in space quickly and lay a punishing block. Somebody who's that large who can move like that is worth consideration. Even with that athleticism, I like Mims more in gap/man schemes over zone. He's stronger on his blocks in gap/man while he is a bit inconsistent at getting to the second level while moving laterally.

Mims is intriguing for a lot of very valid reasons. The biggest reason for any hesitation is a significant lack of experience. He only started eight games for Georgia, logging only 682 snaps. Even though he played in the SEC, that lack of experience cannot be overlooked. 

Because of the lack of experience, Mims is not a polished product by any means. One thing that really leapt out at me while watching his tape is some clunky footwork in pass protection. For as smooth as he is while running in space, the footwork in pass protection needs to be refined. He's very combative with his hands, but he still needs some work in that area, too.

There's work to be done. There's no doubt about that. But, it's also a bit unfair to call Mims a full-blown project. These issues could be coached out of him. He is only 21 years old, so there's a decent chance he could turn into something really special. If the technique ever catches up to his physical tools, Mims could far and away become the best tackle in this class.

But, Mims' lack of experience puts him atop my second-tier of tackles in this class. My first tier includes Joe Alt, Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Taliese Fuaga, Troy Fautanu and JC Latham. When there's a significant level of uncertainty with a prospect, that puts him further down the draft board. In addition, there's a very good chance all of these tackles are gone by the time the Steelers are on the clock at 20th overall.

Just because I wouldn't put Mims in the first tier of tackles in this class, that doesn't mean Mims isn't worth a first-round pick. If the Steelers are confident they can coach this kid up, then he may be the best choice of the bunch. And, the Steelers have done their due diligence on Mims. Tomlin, Khan and Arthur Smith were all at Georgia's pro day, and the Steelers hosted Mims for a pre-draft visit. Reasonable expectations for Mims is that he takes some time to develop into his potential.

Mims should be available at 20th overall, unless some team in the first 19 picks is head-over-heels in love with him. Should all the other tackles be off the board at this point, Mims might be the best choice, depending on what other players are available at receiver, center, cornerback or defensive line.

COOPER DEJEAN
CB, Iowa

As we dive into the only cornerback on this list, allow me to remind you of the specific traits the Steelers value most at the position:

• The Steelers want more guys who can do more "from the neck down." Of course, that doesn't mean the Steelers want guys with a low football IQ. But, it's clear this organization puts a lot of value in athleticism and physical traits.

• Among the list of things players have from the neck down, game speed and being able to run with receivers is the top characteristic the Steelers value. That doesn't mean the guy with the fastest 40-yard dash is an automatic lock to be high on the Steelers' board. Sure, foot speed is part of that, but so is positioning and the ability to react and move with receivers in coverage.

• Tackling. Coaches can clean up technique, as we saw with Joey Porter Jr. last season. But, this organization puts a big emphasis on tackling, which makes a ton of sense given the division the Steelers play in.

• Last but certainly not least, the Steelers value ball skills and the ability to take the ball away. That goes without saying. Tomlin loves splash plays from his defense.

When considering players that can do a lot from the neck down, there might not be a better player to fit that mold that Cooper DeJean. Not only does he possess great size at 6-foot-1 and 207 pounds, DeJean is a very versatile player that can play all over a defense and contribute with a ton of splash as a returner on special teams.

You don't have to get deep into this highlight package to see what I mean:

DeJean played primarily outside at cornerback for Iowa, but played as many as 130 snaps in the slot in 2022. He's got plenty of versatility. He's also got plenty of ball skills, recording seven interceptions over the last two seasons. And, when he wasn't making plays on the ball, quarterbacks didn't find much success throwing in his direction. Quarterbacks posted a lowly 37.8 passer rating when throwing in DeJean's direction.

In addition to versatility and ball skills, DeJean is a strong tackler and does a great job supporting in run defense. He recorded 57 tackles in 2022 and 30 tackles in 2023, showing he doesn't shy away from contact. As you can see, a lot of DeJean's traits match up well with what the Steelers value at cornerback.

However, if there's any drawback, DeJean's skill set fits more in zone defenses. DeJean uses his athleticism and quickness well reading the quarterback and reacting while defending the zone he's covering. That athleticism and quickness is slowed a bit in press man coverage due to some stiff hips and iffy footwork. Now, that doesn't mean DeJean can't fit in Pittsburgh's defense. Porter can be the guy who follows top receivers and plays the majority of press man coverage while DeJean can play a different role opposite Porter or even move around a little bit.

There is a league-wide concern that DeJean is best suited to play in the slot or at safety. And even though slot cornerback is more valuable than it's ever been -- the Steelers actually play in their nickel defense most often -- a first-round pick seems awfully high for this position when there are two positions to address on the offensive line.

DeJean will likely be a first-round pick, but there's also a chance he's not available when the Steelers pick at No. 20 overall. But, if he is still available, he'll fit very well into a "best player available" strategy. He's a phenomenal athlete and a natural playmaker. Those guys don't grow on trees.

GRAHAM BARTON
OL, Duke

However, if all of the tackles that the Steelers like are gone by the time they're on the clock, that likely means there's a greater chance Graham Barton will be available for the taking.

Barton played left tackle exclusively over the past three seasons at Duke, but he's viewed by many teams as an interior lineman, specifically at center, where he logged 430 snaps as a freshman. The NFL's website even lists Barton as a center. Barton has good size at 6-5 and 313 pounds, but with only 32 7/8-inch arms, he lacks the necessary length to stay put at tackle at the NFL level. His future is anchoring offensive lines in the middle.

If you're concerned about Barton's transition from tackle to center, don't be. Barton might be the best center prospect in this class. Barton really is the complete package when it comes to strength, tenacity, technique, football IQ and athleticism. Watch this cut up of Barton's reps, which shows his wide range of ability to wall off defenders:

One thing that really stands out is once he's engaged in a block, he doesn't lose. That remains consistent throughout his tape. Over the past two seasons playing left tackle, Barton logged 1,392 snaps and only allowed four sacks. Barton's a finisher, and that's a great trait to have at center.

But, my personal favorite trait of Barton's is his athleticism. He might be the best pure athlete among all offensive linemen in this class. Barton posted a 4.55 shuttle time and a 7.31 in the three-cone drill, both of which are phenomenal marks.

With his superb athleticism and ability to finish blocks, Barton makes a great fit in a zone-based rushing system. Should Smith run a similar wide zone system to what he had in Tennessee or Atlanta, Barton would give the Steelers a center that can do just about anything required out of a center. Wide zone systems require centers to be very athletic, and Barton fits that mold.

Any concern over Barton should be his ability to remain consistent in pass protection, even after moving to center. Barton's lack of length could challenge him as an NFL center. But, his upside far outweighs any concerns.

Tackle is the priority for the Steelers. But, should things not work out there, taking Barton in the first round would be a solid choice in terms of adding to the offensive line. It not only addresses a position of need, it's also not reaching for a player either. He'd be one of the best players remaining at 20th overall. 

TALIESE FUAGA
OT, Oregon State

Alt is the consensus pick for the best tackle in the draft, but he's played exclusively on the left side. Thus, that makes Fuaga the top-ranked right tackle on Pro Football Focus' big board, and pretty much one of the best tackles in the entire class.

Fuaga is a seasoned player, starting exclusively at right tackle for the past two seasons at Oregon State, along with 14 games as a reserve in 2020-21. In 2022, his first season as a starter, Fuaga was named second-team All-Pac-12 while starting all 13 games. He followed that up with an even better performance in 2023, being named second-team AP All-American, first-team All-Pac-12 and was named as a finalist for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year. During those two seasons, Fuaga played 1,510 snaps and didn't allow any sacks.

On the surface, Fuaga fits the Steelers' mold in a lot of ways. He's an imposing figure, standing 6-6 and weighing 334 pounds. And, he plays with a disposition that anyone who dons the black and gold would love. He's most accomplished as a run blocker and has a true finisher’s mentality. In other words, he's a bully in the running game:

Fuaga possesses exceptional athleticism for a man his size, which allows him to be versatile in either gap/man or zone concepts. Above, Fuaga shows his ability to move laterally and make a punishing block in outside zone, which meshes with Smith's wide zone system in Tennessee and Atlanta.

In pass protection, Fuaga doesn't have ideal length and his stride length is limited, but his athleticism and sound footwork really makes up for it. He has very sound technique in pass protection, perhaps even better than Jones had coming out of Georgia a season ago. He has a strong anchor and a wide base, which helps combat bull rushes. He's also quite good with his hands in pass protection. 

Fuaga can be a bit overaggressive in both run blocking and pass protection, the latter of which can leave him vulnerable and scrambling in recovery mode. But, he's improved in this area.

Beyond the surface, Fuaga made quite an impression when the Steelers hosted him for one of their 30 allotted pre-draft visits. Per a team source, the Steelers were thoroughly impressed by Fuaga, which makes him a favorite in the first round.

The problem is that Fuaga could very well be off the board by the time the Steelers are on the clock at 20th overall. The current over/under for when Fuaga will be drafted is 13 1/2, according to BetOnline. There's a good chance Alt and Fashanu are selected before Fuaga, but there are no guarantees after that.

Most likely, any chance the Steelers have of drafting Fuaga will require a trade up. But, as we saw with Jones last year, Khan might be more than willing to part with the necessary assets to get a player they truly love. Should Fuaga be anywhere within the Steelers' range, don't be surprised if a trade up happens. It's one of the reasons why I've remained adamant for weeks that a trade up is more likely than trading down.

ADONAI MITCHELL
WR, Texas

I feel compelled to put a receiver among these candidates, even though the offensive line is a much higher priority for the Steelers in the first round. Of the receivers that will most likely be available at 20th overall, perhaps the most likely choice for the Steelers is Adonai Mitchell.

On paper and on film, Mitchell can make football junkies stumble over words when trying to find ways to describe him. Mitchell's got great size at 6-2, 205 pounds with 32 3/8-inch arms, along with eye-popping athleticism that includes a 39 1/2-inch vertical and 4.34 40-yard dash.

Then, there's the actual football ability:

Mitchell has the potential to be a truly special receiver. His catch radius is ridiculous. He's got some room to grow with his route running, but possesses enough burst and agility to gain separation out of breaks. He attacks the football and wins jump balls. Should the Steelers somehow get Mitchell, the Steelers would be adding another George Pickens-type of receiver, and I mean that in the most positive way possible. Two freaks of nature at receiver is a good thing to have in today's NFL.

There are, however, two big concerns surrounding Mitchell. The first is his blocking in the running game. The Steelers are a run-first team and need receivers to be willing blockers. That is not something that Mitchell displayed while he was at Georgia or while he was at Texas in 2023.

But, perhaps the larger concern is Mitchell's health. He has Type I diabetes, which obviously requires a lot of maintenance. There have been some concerns that have made the rounds that Mitchell has some serious maturity issues off the field, including the way he handles his diabetes. 

One of the listed weaknesses on Mitchell's draft profile is his intensity fluctuating from game to game. One anonymous scout publicly said of Mitchell's handling of his diabetes: "You're going to have to assign somebody to be next to him for his first few years because his issues are all about his diabetes and his blood sugar. When his blood sugar's off, he's rude, he's abrasive, he doesn't pay attention in meetings."

Now, the Steelers have done quite a bit of homework on Mitchell. New wide receiver coach Zach Azzanni visited with Mitchell during his pro day, and the Steelers hosted him for one of their 30 pre-draft visits. From what I've heard, the Steelers like Mitchell, as well as LSU's Brian Thomas Jr., who's another receiver that could be available in the Steelers' range. But, only a few people really know how those meetings with Mitchell have gone.

I don't expect receiver to be addressed in the first round just because offensive line is getting the bulk of the attention. However, it's impossible to predict how the draft will go. Maybe the Steelers can't trade up for a tackle. Maybe all the tackles they want at 20 are gone. Maybe DeJean and Barton are gone, too. That's where the Steelers could pivot and decide to address receiver. It's a rich class of receivers, and it just so happens that the team desperately needs a WR2 in a bad way.

JACKSON POWERS-JOHNSON
C, Oregon

As previously stated, trading down is still an option. That's where a prospect such as Jackson Powers-Johnson comes into play.

At one point during this draft season, Powers-Johnson was the highest-rated center in a pretty good class of interior linemen. Also, he won the Rimington Trophy, which is given to the best center in the country. That's truly impressive considering the 2023 season, his junior year, was his first as a full-time starter and his first playing the center position exclusively.

Not many centers get first-round consideration, but Powers-Johnson provides a lot of reasons why he could sneak into the latter stages of the first round. He's got great size at 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 334 pounds at the Senior Bowl. He couples that great size with phenomenal athleticism:

Watch Powers-Johnson make the run from the center spot all the way to the perimeter to send a defensive back flying on a screen play. That is not easy for any offensive lineman, and he makes it look effortless. Powers-Johnson's acceleration is really on display here, along with his desire to finish blocks.

Remember the mean streak that had the Steelers so fascinated with Kendrick Green? Powers-Johnson possesses that, but with an outstanding football IQ, a great understanding for the running back's attacking points, excellent technique with his hands and a solid anchor. Because of his size, he's a difficult man to move, and then he himself moves very well in screens and zone running concepts.

While Powers-Johnson is primarily a better run blocker, he put up phenomenal numbers and a lot of great pass-blocking reps on tape. Per Pro Football Focus, Powers-Johnson played 497 pass-blocking snaps in 2023 and allowed only one pressure. Some might say he put up those kind of numbers due to a lack of facing quality defensive tackles. However, Powers-Johnson put a lot of those worries to bed at the Senior Bowl with phenomenal reps like this one:

This is where you see the strong anchor and excellent hand usage, but he also has the ability to recover if he's initially beaten. These are the types of reps that an offensive line coach will salivate over. Powers-Johnson knows how to play the position very well, despite being only 21 years old and playing only one full season at center.

He's not a perfect prospect. His arms are just over 32 inches, which is about average. That might hurt his ability to sustain blocks in situations where he has to reach, such as perimeter zone running schemes. He can also play too upright in similar situations, which gives leverage to defenders he's blocking. He also has some footwork issues to clean up in pass protection.

Perhaps the largest concern around Powers-Johnson has revolved around his medicals. While in Orlando covering the NFL annual meeting, that was some of the water cooler talk at the Ritz-Carlton. Some of those concerns involved groin and hip issues, as well as a hamstring injury suffered at the Senior Bowl. Perhaps even more concerning are multiple concussions, which are a big red flag for a lot of teams. Since the Steelers hosted Powers-Johnson for a pre-draft visit, they should have a much better sense of security one way or another about his short- and long-term health.

Should the Steelers feel good about their own medical testing on Powers-Johnson, he could be an instant starter right away. He has more than enough athletic ability to play in a perimeter zone running system and he's absolutely versatile enough to run gap concepts, such as Duo and Power. 

The only question is whether Powers-Johnson would be worth taking with pick No. 20. That's awfully high for a center, especially one that has some medical concerns, and this is a great class for offensive tackles and cornerbacks, two other significant needs for the Steelers. Trading down seems to be the most likely scenario for the Steelers to select Powers-Johnson.

FINAL THOUGHTS

To be completely honest, I'd be very surprised if the Steelers take a receiver Thursday night. That really seems like more of a Day 2 choice, maybe guys such as Michigan's Roman Wilson or Florida's Ricky Pearsall. But, you never know how the draft is going to play out. 

If I were a betting man, I'd be betting on the Steelers finding a way to get a tackle in the first round. Not only has that been the primary focus throughout this entire process, even other teams are sensing the Steelers' preferences. I'm inclined to believe there's at least one team picking shortly after the Steelers that's concerned about Pittsburgh taking one of the tackles they want.

Tomlin and Khan are addressing the media Monday at noon, so we should get a little something regarding where the team stands heading into this week. Though, expect them to also play their cards close to the chest. Either way, this week should be a lot of fun.