The NFL Draft, which will be taking place in Pittsburgh, is one week away. Of course, there will be plenty of intrigue around what the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to do with the 21st overall pick. Perhaps they use that pick on an interior offensive lineman. More specifically, one from Penn State.
According to insider Mark Kaboly, Penn State left guard Vega Ioane could be very hard to pass up if he is available when the Steelers are on the clock. Ioane could very well slide into a starting role right away. The 6’5″, 330-pound guard is one of the best overall linemen in this draft.
The Pittsburgh Steelers Need Offensive Line Help
GettyVega Ioane was named a First-Team All-American last season for the Nittany Lions.
Here is what Kaboly wrote earlier this week about why the Steelers are interested in Ioane and why 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 also illustrated how the Steelers used late-round picks on starting offensive linemen Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick. Both of those players have performed well for the organization, which might be why the team could be contemplating drafting another talented offensive lineman. That, and the fact that the team lost left guard Isaac Seumalo in free agency. Ioane could fill a hole at that spot.
Mike McCarthy Has a Strong History With Offensive Linemen
GettyFormer Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari was named to five All-Pro teams during his career protecting Aaron Rodgers.
Dating back to his days with the Green Bay Packers (2006-2018), new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy wasn’t just a quarterback guru. He built a great track record when it came to drafting quality offensive linemen. In fact, he and Packers brass drafted a handful of Pro-Bowlers and All-Pro players. The likes of David Bakhtiari, Corey Linsley, T.J. Lang, and Josh Sitton are just some of the stars who performed at high levels in the trenches for McCarthy and Co.
Heading into this season, if future first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers decides to run it back for his 22nd career NFL season, Pittsburgh will have to work harder to protect him. Remember, he is set to turn 43-years-old in December. The good news is that, in former head coach Mike Tomlin’s final season with the organization last year, the Steelers allowed just 31 sacks.
Drafting a player like Ioane would go a long way towards strengthening the interior of the line. A lot of NFL games are won and lost in the trenches, which is why the Steelers may emphasize guard in the first round if they have the chance to do so.
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