OT Sleeper Could Be Steelers Pick

The Pittsburgh Steelers could solve their offensive tackle issue long-term with this rookie.

Nov 19, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers offensive lineman Matt Goncalves / Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers could look to add a mid-round offensive tackle, who probably would've found himself going earlier in the NFL Draft if it wasn't for injuries.

Matt Goncalves recently took the three step trip at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex to meet with the Steelers prior to the NFL Draft. The Pitt offensive tackle was once viewed as a second-round pick in this class, but after missing all but three games of the 2023 season due to a toe injury, his stock has dropped. NFL Network, who does draft profiles on almost all prospects, named him a "Good backup with the potential to develop into starter."

The Steelers could look to add an offensive tackle in the first round with names like Amarius Mims or JC Latham. One team reporter even believes they'd consider trading up to land Washington's Tailese Fauga near the 10th overall pick.

But what if they don't? What if they decide a center is a better option, or a cornerback or wide receiver? That, for this season, Dan Moore Jr. is good enough to start, as long as they have a backup plan and a future starter behind him?

Then, they can look at Goncalves.

The 6-foot-6, 327-pound tackle has experience playing both sides, with 24 starts under his belt in college. He was named Third-Team All-ACC as a junior and was viewed as the driving force along the offensive line for the Panthers this past season before the injury.

He may not be a Day 1 starter in the NFL, but he's believed to have the potential. Pittsburgh has the luxury of a final year on Moore's rookie contract, allowing them to have a last-resort scenario when it comes to finalizing their 2024 offensive line.

Moving forward, Goncalves could turn into the starter - hopefully. Allowing them to have options in the first two rounds of this year's draft, adding cornerback, center and wide receiver help. Then, they could add their tackle of the future, playing the right side while Broderick Jones moves back to the left.

A perfect science? The NFL Draft never is. But if the Steelers want to go a different direction with their first-round pick, they may wait it out until a sneaky option from Pitt is available a little later.

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