The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected an offensive lineman during the first round in two of the past three NFL drafts. The possibility of the Steelers doing that again in the 2026 NFL Draft is very much alive, especially with Spencer Fano and Olaivavega Ioane visiting the team this week.
The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo reported Tuesday the Steelers hosted Ioane for a top 30 pre-draft visit. The visit came a day after DeFabo reported the Steelers had Fano in Pittsburgh for a pre-draft visit.
Pundits have projected both prospects to be off the draft board early in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Fano is a top 13 prospect in the 2026 NFL class overall according to both ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah. Both analysts see Fano, who was an All-American tackle, potentially becoming an NFL star at guard.
“Fano started 12 games at left tackle in 2023 before moving to the right side in 2024, and he started 24 games there over two seasons,” wrote Kiper. “He is technically sound, ran 4.91 in the 40-yard dash and shows good punch to compensate for his lack of ideal arm length.
“But with 32⅛-inch arms, I think he could kick inside in the pros.”
Ioane was a dominating guard at Penn State during his college career. Jeremiah ranked him the No. 11 prospect on his most recent NFL Draft big board.
Kiper rated Ioane at No. 18 overall.
“Overall, I love Ioane’s temperament, toughness and ability to anchor,” wrote Jeremiah. “He’ll be an impact starter from Day 1.”
How Spencer Fano, Olaivavega Ioane Could Fit With Steelers
GettyThe Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly hosted projected first-round lineman Spencer Fano and Olaivavega Ioane to begin 2026 NFL Draft visits this week.
The Steelers have clearly emphasized the trenches early in the NFL Draft under general manager Omar Khan. In three previous drafts, Khan and the team have selected tackles Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu along with defensive lineman Derrick Harmon.
With the Steelers needing an offensive spark, a lot of mock drafts have predicted Khan to make a splash at receiver or even quarterback in the first round this year. But assuming Aaron Rodgers returns, the biggest hole on the team’s roster is actually left guard.
The Steelers lost starter Issac Seumalo in 2026 NFL free agency.
Khan could target either Fano or Ioane for a long-term solution at left guard. That would give the Steelers an incredibly young and talented offensive line with Jones, Fano/Ioane, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick and Fautanu left to right.
All of those linemen have entered the league since 2023. Assuming the Steelers land Fano or Ioane in the first round, all of those starters, except McCormick, will be first or second rounders. McCormick was a fourth-round pick in 2024.
However, the Steelers will likely have to move up to add either Fano or Ioane to their offensive line. The team doesn’t pick until No. 21 in the first round.
Both of those linemen could be off the board before No. 15 overall.
The Steelers, though, have the capital to make a move up the board. Pittsburgh has a league-high 12 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Steelers Host Ioane, 2 Other Prospects on Tuesday: Report
In addition to Ioane, the Steelers also hosted Stephens and Kacmarek on Tuesday.
A former Iowa guard, Stephens isn’t projected to be an immediate starter. But if the Steelers miss on Fano or Ioane or target a different need in the first round, they could circle back on guards early on Day 3. In that situation, Stephens could be a target.
“Short arms, average athleticism and scheme-friendly surroundings could temper his draft slotting, but Stephens has a chance to eventually become a starter if he finds the right team fit,” wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein.
Kacmarek could be a Day 3 selection as well and add depth to Pittsburgh’s tight end room.
The Steelers have only three tight ends on their roster, including one who has never played in the league.
“Kacmarek’s lack of receiving value could limit his draft stock, but teams looking to prioritize their run-game improvement should be interested on Day 3,” wrote Zierlein.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Steelers Host Star Lineman in 2026 NFL Draft for 2nd Straight Day: Report appeared first on Heavy Sports.