LSU DL Maason Smith in Pittsburgh for Pre-Draft Visit

LSU defensive lineman Maason Smith is in Pittsburgh, according to his Instagram. And that would lend itself to believing that Smith is in Pittsburgh for a visit with the Steelers, adding another defensive lineman to that list.

The Steelers have already brought in or scheduled two defensive tackles to have pre-draft free agent visits: Braden Fiske from Florida State and Khristian Boyd from Northern Iowa. And Now Smith adds to that. Darius Robinson came in for a visit at some point, too.

The Steelers sent defensive line coach Karl Dunbar to the LSU pro day last week to work out Smith at his pro day, so this is a natural step in interest for the team.

Smith is a 6-foot-5, 306-pound defensive tackle from Houma, Louisiana. He ran a 5.01-second 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Combine and put 21 reps on the bench at LSU’s pro day. After suffering a torn ACL, Smith started to get into the groove of things down the season’s stretch. He is oozing with potential, and the Steelers have shown a ton of interest in defensive lineman, but specifically Smith.

Smith is currently projected to go early in the third round, with his NFL Mock Draft Database average at No. 75 right now. He could be an option for the Steelers if he slides a bit to their third round picks, at No. 84 and 98.

But the bigger story is not the Steelers’ specific interest in Smith, but that they are still interested in defensive tackles at all after locking up Lowry. Much like at linebacker, where the Steelers have still been seeking players in the 2024 NFL Draft after signing Patrick Queen, they do not appear to be done at the position.

Cam Heyward is entering the final season of his contract, Larry Ogunjobi struggled in 2023 despite being healthy, and the team has yet to find a consistent role for DeMarvin Leal, despite his status as a former third-round pick. So it makes sense for them to continue to be seeking help along the line.