Steelers Target Offensive Line in Field Yates Mock Draft

ESPN analyst projects Pittsburgh selecting guard Olaivavega Ioane at No. 21 overall

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:05pm

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In his latest mock draft, ESPN analyst Field Yates projects the Pittsburgh Steelers selecting Olaivavega Ioane, a guard from Penn State, with the 21st overall pick. Yates notes that Ioane is the "clear-cut best guard in the draft" and fills a significant need for the Steelers with the departure of Isaac Seumalo in free agency.

Why it matters

The Steelers have long emphasized building their team from the inside out, focusing on the offensive and defensive lines. This pick aligns with the organization's philosophy of prioritizing the trenches and providing stability up front, which is especially important with the potential return of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

The details

Yates describes Ioane as a "physical, rugged guard who shows crunching power at the point of attack" and was "exceedingly reliable at Penn State." These attributes make Ioane a "plug-and-play starter" for new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, addressing an immediate need on the offensive line.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.

The players

Olaivavega Ioane

A guard prospect from Penn State, projected by ESPN analyst Field Yates to be selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 21st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Isaac Seumalo

A free agent offensive lineman who previously played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and is now departing the team.

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Aaron Rodgers

The veteran quarterback who may return for one more season, making offensive line stability even more important for the Steelers.

Field Yates

An ESPN analyst who projected the Steelers' selection of Olaivavega Ioane in his latest mock draft.

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What they’re saying

“The clear-cut best guard in the draft is Ioane, who also happens to fill the Steelers' biggest need other than QB.”

— Field Yates, ESPN Analyst

“Ioane brings exactly what Pittsburgh covets up front. As Yates outlined, he is 'a physical, rugged guard who shows crunching power at the point of attack' and was 'exceedingly reliable at Penn State.' That combination of strength and consistency points to a plug-and-play starter for new head coach Mike McCarthy.”

— Allison Koehler, Author

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April, where the Pittsburgh Steelers will have the opportunity to select Olaivavega Ioane with the 21st overall pick.

The takeaway

The Steelers' selection of Olaivavega Ioane in this mock draft aligns with the organization's long-standing emphasis on building a strong offensive line, which is crucial for providing stability and protection for the team's quarterback, especially with the potential return of veteran Aaron Rodgers.