The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to welcome Pitt offensive tackle Matt Goncalves for a pre-draft visit, as confirmed by Goncalves himself to Steelers Now following the Panthers’ pro day on Wednesday.
This visit underscores the Steelers’ keen interest in Goncalves, which has been evident throughout the pre-draft process. Not only are they familiar with his collegiate career at Pitt, but they also scouted him at the East-West Shrine Bowl and conducted informal interviews with him during the 2024 NFL Combine.
Standing at an imposing 6-foot-6 and weighing 330 pounds, Goncalves hails from Manorville, New York, and has honed his skills over five seasons at Pitt. Interestingly, he has trained side by side with the Steelers at the South Side facility, which the two teams share.
Goncalves’ journey at Pitt has been marked by versatility and adaptability. After redshirting in 2019, he showcased his flexibility by playing multiple positions in 2020, including left tackle, left guard, right tackle, and even as a tackle eligible. His transition to a starting role at right tackle during the 2021 season further highlighted his growth.
In 2022, he seamlessly switched to the left side following an injury to Carter Warren, demonstrating his versatility and value to the team.
Despite his potential as one of the top tackles in the draft class, Goncalves encountered a setback in his senior year due to a toe injury that required surgery, limiting him to just three games. Consequently, his draft stock has dipped, with his current average draft position pegged at 125th overall, towards the end of the fourth round.
However, Goncalves remains a coveted prospect, with his ability to play both tackle and guard positions garnering interest from NFL teams.
For the Steelers, Goncalves presents an intriguing option, especially considering their recent offseason moves. With the departure of Chuks Okorafor and the emergence of Dylan Cook as the top backup tackle, selecting Goncalves in the later rounds could bolster their offensive line depth.
Notably, Goncalves’ proximity to the Steelers’ facilities during his college career exempts him from counting against the team’s maximum of 30 pre-draft visitors. Furthermore, his teammate, cornerback M.J. Devonshire, will also be making a visit to the Steelers, adding another layer of familiarity for the organization.
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