The Pittsburgh Steelers trading up the draft board in the first round, as they did last year, was a hot topic early this summer. However, the idea of the Steelers going back from No. 20 overall is gaining favor. Nick Farabaugh of Steelers Now took the notion a step further, recommending that the Steelers choose Oklahoma offensive tackle Tyler Guyton following a trade back in the first round.
“That may make him a sleeper pick,” Farabaugh added. “Maybe not at 20th overall since that seems a bit rich for where his stock will be, but in a trade-back scenario, the puzzle pieces all fit together.”
Farabaugh did not identify where the Steelers should trade back to draft Guyton. However, moving back from No. 20 will give the Steelers more draft capital to address deficiencies at not only offensive tackle, but also center, wide receiver, and possibly other positions such as cornerback, inside linebacker, and safety.
By focusing on Guyton, the Steelers’ offensive line would also have more options. He can play both left and right tackle, which adds to his rising draft value.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com described the rising tackle prospect as having the qualities and tape to “project a bright future as a high-level pass protector in the league.” “He has the potential to be a strong starter at either tackle position.”
Tyler Guyton of Oklahoma Visits the Steelers
The majority of the best offensive lineman prospects in the 2024 draft class have ties to the Steelers. Guyton isn’t a unanimous top 20 pick, though, so the Steelers haven’t made him a high pick in mock drafts.
Guyton is rated as the No. 32 prospect in the 2019 draft class by both Bleacher Report and ESPN. Guyton came in at number thirty on the Pro Football Focus rankings.
The highest Guyton was graded by draft analysts at those outlets at offensive tackle was ninth.
But after the Steelers asked the Oklahoma lineman for a visit, Farabaugh said that Guyton was a good fit for the squad. On April 11, the Steelers welcomed Guyton and defensive tackle Khristian Boyd from Northern Iowa for a pre-draft visit, according to Farabaugh’s own account.
Guyton’s versatility as a left or right tackle may make him a perfect fit.
Broderick Jones was selected by the Steelers in the 2018 NFL Draft with the goal of him starting as the team’s left tackle. Nonetheless, Jones made his right tackle debut in 2023’s second half.
Even though Jones’ potential as a left tackle was emphasized by general manager Omar Khan during the NFL combine, it is still unknown what position Jones will play in 2024.
The Steelers may either keep Jones at right tackle or move him back to left tackle with Guyton. In either case, Guyton is a contender to unseat Steelers left tackle Dan Moore Jr. directly or indirectly.
Guyton’s greatest asset seems to be a match for Pittsburgh as well. Zierlein stated that Guyton has a “bright future as a high-level pass protector,” despite the fact that he might still develop as a run blocker.
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