Ex-NFL GM Gives Steelers Taliese Fuaga in Mock Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers have several tackles they could target at the 20th overall pick, but others could go too far in front of them to get at 20th overall, realistically. So, who could end up actually being there for them to take? Stunningly, in the latest mock draft on the With the First Pick Podcast hosted by Ryan Wilson and former NFL general manager Rick Spielman, the team lands Taliese Fuaga.

Offensive line coach Pat Meyer was at his pro day and Fuaga came to Pittsburgh for a pre-draft visit, so there is clear interest in him.

Fuaga, who is projected by most to be an immediate starter at right tackle, was one of the Steelers’ top interests at the Senior Bowl, where Mike Tomlin took a special interest in the big Oregon State lineman.

“It was crazy,” Fuaga said of doing drills with Tomlin barking over his shoulder. “I met Mike Tomlin during the interviews the other day. It was kind of surprising. I didn’t expect him to be there. Meeting him, I’ve got some family that are Steelers fans, so just to be able to talk to that guy in real life was kind of crazy.”

Fuaga measured in at 6-foot-5 3/4 and 324 pounds at the 2024 NFL Combine. His one physical weakness might be in his arm length, which is 33 1/8.

He dispelled concerns about that at the Senior Bowl.

“I think as long as, at the end of the day, you can stop your guy in front of you, that’s all I can say,” he said. “Everybody over here has the ability to beat anybody. Just being able to get out there on a tackle set, if your technique is clicking for you, then you can stop anybody.”

The rest of the picks were Zach Frazier, Jalen McMillan, Renardo Green, Tykee Smith, Khristian Boyd, and Jha’Quan Jackson. That would make for a strong draft even after landing Fuaga, and would give Pittsburgh a fantastic boost heading into 2024 season.

Steelers Draft Profile: ‘Aggressive’ Oregon State Tackle Taliese Fuaga Perfect Scheme and Personality Fit