Should the Steelers draft a LT?

Let’s hope that both of the birds they kill with that one stone are Ravens.

 

Fair!

 

what are your thoughts on austin barber or JC Davis as tackle picks?

 

I'm hearing reports that Jones had some type of neck fusion surgery.

 

Of the two, give me Austin Barber. JC Davis has severe contact balance and hand placement issues. If anything, he would be better served as a Guard Candidate for that is where his power and size can shine. That said, ideally?! Neither as Barber's main issues for me stem from a lack of functional strength along with leverage issues that rear their ugly head once he goes up against more athletic and/or nuanced EDGE players. Inside moves are his biggest weakness despite the starting capable athleticism, size and length. Recovery speed is also in need of a tune up.

 

Yes, last third rd pick .

 

I agree that LG is currently a bigger need than LT (pending UFA).

But LT is still a reasonably big need IMO. I know you love Cook, but the sample size is just too small to know if he's going to pan out. I'm all for giving him a chance to compete for the starting job.

But I don't want to just hand him the position. And if Jones isn't going to be ready for the start of the season (sounds like Kahn says it's unclear), that's what we'll be doing (again pending whatever happens in UFA).

Drafting OL is never a bad move. Because (1) you need so many and (2) everyone is always looking for at least good depth, so you can always flip them for something or let them walk for comp picks.

 

Scouting Report: Strengths

• Exceptional pass protector with elite technique and footwork, consistently stonewalling edge rushers in one-on-one situations
• Demonstrates excellent lateral agility and quick feet, allowing him to mirror speedy defenders and maintain proper positioning
• Possesses a strong anchor and core strength, enabling him to absorb bull rushes and maintain pocket integrity
• Shows good hand placement and punch timing, effectively neutralizing defenders' initial moves
• Displays high football IQ, quickly recognizing and adjusting to stunts and blitz packages
• Exhibits impressive durability, playing nearly every snap over his last two seasons at New Mexico
• Demonstrates versatility, having played both tackle positions and showing potential to kick inside to guard if needed
• Consistently finishes blocks with a nasty streak, driving defenders off the ball in the run game

Scouting Report: Weaknesses

• Somewhat undersized for an NFL tackle, potentially limiting his effectiveness against larger, more powerful edge defenders
• Can struggle with speed rushers who have an elite first step, occasionally getting beat around the edge
• Needs to improve consistency in run blocking, particularly in maintaining blocks through the whistle
• May require time to adjust to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses after playing in the Mountain West and one year in the Big Ten
• Has limited experience against top-tier pass rushers, which could lead to a steeper learning curve at the next level

Scouting Report: Summary
Davis projects as a developmental tackle with starting potential in the NFL. His exceptional pass-blocking skills and quick feet make him an intriguing prospect for teams employing zone-blocking schemes. While he may need time to bulk up and refine his technique against elite competition, Davis has the tools to become a reliable starter at either tackle spot.

His ability to process information quickly and adapt to different defensive looks will serve him well as he transitions to the pro game. Teams willing to invest in his development could find themselves with a steal, as Davis has shown steady improvement throughout his college career.

As he enters the draft, Davis will need to prove he can maintain his high level of play against NFL-caliber edge rushers.

Draft Profile: Bio
J.C. Davis, a 6'5", 307-pound offensive tackle from Illinois, has taken an unconventional path to NFL Draft consideration. Hailing from Oakland, California, Davis initially played as a defensive tackle in high school before transitioning to the offensive line at Contra Costa College. His rapid development led him to New Mexico, where he became a dominant force at left tackle.

At New Mexico, Davis started all 24 games over two seasons, earning All-Mountain West First Team honors in 2023. His consistent performance and durability caught the attention of Power Five programs, leading to his transfer to Illinois for his final season of eligibility.

After transferring to Illinois, Davis continued to impress. He was named to the Athlon Preseason All-Big Ten Third Team and Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten Fourth Team. His performance at Illinois solidified his status as a legitimate NFL prospect, showcasing his ability to compete against top-tier Big Ten competition.

Height: 6-4 (17%*) Weight: 322 (68%*)
Hands: 10 1/8 (53%*) Arm: 34 1/4 (53%*)
Forty: 5.16 (C) (71%*) Ten YD: 1.78 (C) (56%*)
Vert: 30.5 (C) (79%*) Broad: 99 (C) (30%*)

long arms. i do think this kid would have some upside if campon can work with him some. has a lot to work with.

 

We need a starting LT. Cook playing better than Moore or BroJo is not a high bar. Not saying don't let Cook compete for the job. Just not to hand it to him.


I'm curious if BroJo actually beat Fautanu for LT, or if that was a pre-determined plan. There are some really promising RTs in this draft as well.

 

They didn't draft Fautanu to play LT.

 

If Broderick’s neck heals he will be the starting LT

They will not know that for well past the draft

Wasting a pick on maybe makes no sense

Shuffling the 3 on the right makes less sense

 

i thought he stunk. was really happy to see this. that may sound mean but man he was hard to watch. i think things may change with backups under this regime. the O-Line always seemed like the place MT would cut corners prior to omar. a lot of UDFA starters and depth. some of them had promise and some were head scratchers. seemed like that was his place to save money for ben and his defense.

 

I think the chances of Broderick Jones ever becoming a consistent league average starting LT are at this point, almost zero.

But I'm still not drafting a LT high. It's time to spend high picks elsewhere.

 

tomlin didn't but that doesn't mean mccarthy won't use him there.

 

I hope you're wrong, but it's beginning to look that way.

 

Why make a hole at RT by moving Fautanu?

 

Hopefully Cook can be serviceable at LT, and maybe BroJo comes back at some point

They have a bunch of 3rd and 4th round picks. No harm taking a OT there but not in the first or second round IMO

They need DT, WR & DB(s) more, ILB too

 

That was my point with this thread in the mid rounds find a developmental LT while Cook starts this season.

 

Didn’t read the whole thread but yes, I agree with you.

 

seals the blindside and is easier to fill the right.

 

Plus, there are several RTs in this draft that can play right away.

Mauigoa
Fano
Iheanachor
Miller
Parker II

These OT prospects all played at least some RT in college and are day 1/2 prospects.

 

I wouldn't say this is a given.

The only year Jones was the starting LT was the year where he was awarded the job with no competition. Every time he had to compete for the job, he couldn't win it. And the competition wasn't especially stiff.

If there's a legit competition for the job (and I think there should be), I wouldn't count on Jones to win it.

 

Broderick neck fusion surgery

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profo...on-surgery-which-could-impact-his-2026-season

 

Fautanu is a bit shorter which is why I think they prefer him at RT.