As the NFL Draft approaches, multiple mock drafts have focused on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ potential selections. Analysts from various outlets have projected multiple rounds of the draft, with a consensus forming around the Steelers addressing their offensive line. The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23-25.
Offensive Line Focus in Early Rounds
Many draft analysts predict the Steelers will choose an offensive lineman with the 21st pick. However, there is no agreement on which lineman they might select. Mock drafts have identified several potential targets for the Steelers.
One ESPN mock draft had the Steelers selecting Olaivavega Ioane, a guard from Penn State. The analyst noted Ioane as a “powerful people mover who hasn’t allowed a sack since 2023”. Another ESPN analyst had the Steelers selecting Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee, A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU, Drew Allar, QB, Penn State, and Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State in later rounds.
Tackles as Potential Replacements
Several mock drafts suggest the Steelers could be looking for a replacement for left tackle Broderick Jones. Broderick Jones is a 2023 first-round pick still recovering from a season-ending neck injury and has one year left on his rookie contract.
One mock draft projected the Steelers to select Kadyn Proctor, an offensive tackle from Alabama. Another mock draft also had the Steelers selecting Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama, with the analyst stating Jones “hasn’t played like a first rounder, giving the Steelers room to draft a replacement.” Tyler Onyedim, DT, Texas A&M, and Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee were also selected in later rounds.
Another mock draft suggested Blake Miller, an offensive tackle from Clemson, as a potential pick for the Steelers. This analyst noted that Steelers general manager Omar Khan “gave a rosier account of Broderick Jones’ potential return from injury” at the owners meeting but still projected the team to draft an offensive tackle. It was suggested that Troy Fautanu could switch to left tackle or guard, as Miller plays right tackle. Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia, and Carson Beck, QB, Miami (Fla.) were also selected in later rounds.
One analyst suggested Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia, as Jones’ potential successor, saying Jones “could be facing a prove-it year in 2026.” Another analyst has the Steelers selecting Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana.
Draft Targets
- Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
- Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
- Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
- Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
The draft analysts are projecting multiple rounds of the upcoming NFL Draft as the event draws closer.