The Pittsburgh Steelers will be a team to watch at the 2026 NFL Draft, given that the draft is taking place in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers have the 21st overall pick and have 12 total picks. So Pittsburgh could get aggressive in trade talks to bolster its roster. With the 21st overall pick, the Steelers have been connected to multiple players and could even land a quarterback like Ty Simpson to be the future of the team.
However, Steelers insider Mike DeFabo of The Athletic believes the best-case scenario for the team is Pittsburgh landing Penn State Nittany Lions offensive guard Olaivavega Ioane at 21.
“Early in the process, people were asking, “Would the Steelers really draft another offensive lineman if Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane is still there at No. 21?” Now, after free agency, the question has become: “Do you think they’ll have to trade up for him?” Best-case scenario, Ioane falls into the Steelers’ range and one of the top four receivers is still on the board. If that happens, the Steelers will have a good problem in their draft room,” DeFabo wrote.
The Steelers need help on the offensive line, and landing Ioane would be a solid pick for Pittsburgh. And, not having to trade up to get him would also be a win for the Steelers.
Ioane would be a Day 1 starter at either left or right guard for the Steelers, helping bolster the offensive line.
Steelers Have Been Connected to Ioane
Pittsburgh has a need at offensive line, and the Steelers could very well address it in the first round.
Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly reported that Pittsburgh is interested in Ioane. And, they could be motivated to select him if he is available at pick No. 21
“Steelers GM Omar Khan was hesitant in February when asked about another high-round offensive lineman being targeted, but Ioane might be too hard to pass up. Ioane is a mauling left guard who could slide right into the starting lineup. He hasn’t allowed a sack or been called for a holding in each of his last two years,” Kaboly wrote.
Ioane would be a Day 1 starter and immediately help protect whoever is at quarterback. And, he’s a solid run blocker who can create some holes.
However, the big question mark is whether or not Ioane will be available at 21st overall. But if he is, the Steelers could very well draft the Penn State guard.
Ioane has ‘High Floor’, According to Draft Analyst
Ioane is one of the top offensive linemen available in the NFL Draft, and that is due to his floor.
The 6-foot-4, 320lbs offensive guard projects to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Ahead of the draft, NFL.com’s draft analyst Lance Zierlein believes Ioane would be a Day 1 starter due to his high floor.
“Prototypical guard for physical run schemes with thick limbs, a broad frame and plus core strength,” Zierlein wrote. “Ioane plays with excellent contact balance and technique on both base blocks and double teams. He uses his hips and hands for leverage and displacement when drive blocking. However, he lacks athleticism and foot quickness to operate effectively as a move blocker.
“He pass sets with good posture and a firm punch and can anchor against power. Though quicker at a lighter weight in 2025, he will struggle with twitchy interior defenders who cross his face in the run game and attack his edges in protection. Despite scheme dependence, Ioane projects as an early starter with a high floor.”
Ioane would likely be a safe bet to be a solid offensive guard for years to come in the NFL.
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