Tomlin makes impression visiting with Ohio State offensive linemen

As is normally the case this time of year, Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan are making the rounds to various pro days, getting an up close look at potential selections in the upcoming draft.

This week had Tomlin and Khan visiting two schools that aren't normally on their annual list: Iowa and Iowa State. There are intriguing options there, including edge rusher Lukas Van Ness, linebacker Jack Campbell, tight end Sam LaPorta and edge rusher Will McDonald IV.

But, Wednesday's destination was very familiar territory for Tomlin as the Steelers' contingent made their way to Columbus for Ohio State's pro day. There are a few different Buckeyes that could become great additions in the draft, highlighted by Paris Johnson Jr. and Dawand Jones -- two tackles that could further reinforce an offensive line that's already undergone a makeover in free agency.

And, it's not uncommon to see Tomlin with his nose right in the action:

This is what Tomlin does. He's a football junkie, and he loves to get right up close to the action and mingle with the players as often as he can. He did it at the Senior Bowl. He's done it throughout various pro days. Wednesday was no different.

Taking prospects out for dinner is also not uncommon, but it's not always publicized. Prior to Ohio State's pro day, Tomlin and Khan took Johnson, Jones, and center Luke Wypler out to dinner Tuesday night to get to know these prospects a little bit better. These are usually the times when Tomlin and, now Khan, learn which players are truly great matches for the Steelers.

Helping organize the dinner was former Bengals and Ravens offensive tackle Willie Anderson, whose Instagram post made the rounds on social media:

"Not gonna lie it felt weird getting a call from @steelers to come to dinner to discuss our guys the night before @ohiostatefb's pro day," Anderson posted. "Although I’ve had so many battles against these guys over the years playing for @bengals When we didn’t like each (other). They were all class. Met head coach Mike Tomlin at the Sr Bowl he’s cool as advertised. He and talked about the wars we had in the AFC north playing bengals vs Steelers to the guys. I told em my @bengals fans hate y’all the most and will probably look at me side eye for this picture! Just business guys! I said but playing for The @ravens back in 2008 I’ve never as much hate 1 organization had for another! AFC north was and still is black and blue division. You bring 2 chinstraps and a extra helmet. Mike knows and said it 'you build your team in this division thru big tough ass guys who protect your own Qb and kill the other team’s Qb.' We had some great stories. The players were attentive and asking questions. All 3 great leaders. Tomlin said in this picture 'We've broke bread with a lot of people never a Bengal!'"

The Steelers' new additions to the offensive line certainly reinforce the interior. And, it's certainly possible that Khan and Tomlin decide on a tackle in the early stages of the draft.

There's a good chance that Johnson isn't available when the Steelers pick at 17th overall as he is considered to be the top tackle in the class. However, Khan said at the Combine that trading up isn't out of the question, saying, "Nothing is off the table." If they believe Johnson is their guy, they may do what's necessary to get him.

Just look at the way this guy moves (video on the left):

Of course, Jones could be an intriguing addition on the right side, and could very well be available at 32nd overall. At 6-8 and 374 pounds, Jones is a mammoth human being with an 89.5-inch wingspan. Unfortunately, he hasn't worked out since the first day of the Senior Bowl, and that included Wednesday's pro day. Wypler is another Day 2 prospect that could be an option if the Steelers feel he could be their center after 2023.

Needless to say, but all of the due diligence is being done. Many of the prospects that Tomlin and Khan are meeting with won't become Steelers on draft day. But, this is a time where Tomlin and Khan will find the cream that rises to the top.