Steelers consider offensive line again in 2026 NFL Draft

Former scout Matt Williamson says the team should continue to invest in the trenches

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:04am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting an abstract, geometric interpretation of an offensive line formation, with sharp planes of steel grey, navy blue, and crimson red overlapping to create a dynamic, multi-perspective visual representation of the trenches.The Steelers' continued investment in the offensive line could pay dividends in the long run, as the team looks to build an elite unit to protect its quarterback and open holes in the running game.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers have used high draft picks on offensive linemen in recent years, including tackles Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones. With the team's offensive line in good shape, former pro and college scout Matt Williamson argues the Steelers should still consider taking another top offensive lineman in the 2026 NFL Draft, especially at guard or tackle.

Why it matters

The Steelers have prioritized building a strong offensive line, recognizing the importance of protecting the quarterback and creating holes in the running game. Williamson believes the team should continue this approach, even with their current line looking solid, in order to avoid potential issues down the road at key positions like left tackle.

The details

Williamson highlights several potential first-round options for the Steelers, including Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane and Arizona State tackle Max Iheanachor. He also mentions Alabama's Kaydn Proctor as another tackle prospect that could fit the team's needs. The former scout argues the Steelers should be 'greedy' and look to add even more quality depth along the offensive line, given the scarcity of elite talent at those positions in the NFL.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft takes place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

The players

Matt Williamson

A former pro and college scout who has worked at Pitt and with the Cleveland Browns. Williamson is an on-air host at WDVE, Fox Sports Pittsburgh 970, and the Steelers Radio Network.

Troy Fautanu

An offensive tackle drafted by the Steelers in a recent first round.

Broderick Jones

An offensive tackle drafted by the Steelers in a recent first round.

Zach Frazier

The Steelers' starting center, drafted in the second round in 2024.

Mason McCormick

The Steelers' starting right guard, drafted a few rounds after Frazier.

Brock Hoffman

An offensive lineman signed by the Steelers from the Dallas Cowboys, who could replace Isaac Seumalo at left guard.

Spencer Anderson

An offensive lineman who could be worthy of a promotion to the starting left guard role for the Steelers.

Dylan Cook

An offensive lineman who impressed at the end of the 2025 season, filling in at left tackle.

Olaivavega Ioane

A guard prospect from Penn State who Williamson believes would be a 'plug-and-play' option for the Steelers in the first round.

Max Iheanachor

An offensive tackle prospect from Arizona State who Williamson calls his 'man-crush', believing he has the potential to develop into an elite lineman.

Kaydn Proctor

An offensive tackle prospect from Alabama who Williamson says could also fit the Steelers' needs.

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What they’re saying

“I love to get greedy. If you think nine (offensive linemen) are going to make the team, I want two extra. I want 11 NFL-caliber linemen in camp. There's a massive shortage right now in the league. They are a true commodity in the league, especially offensive tackles.”

— Matt Williamson, Former pro and college scout

“He's a plug-and-play guard. He would just be too good to pass up (at pick No. 21) to be honest with you.”

— Matt Williamson, Former pro and college scout

“My man-crush is Max Iheanachor from Arizona State. I think he's the ideal guy to start his career at guard, and then go to tackle. He's only played football for a couple of years. He's (a) basketball, soccer (player). Grew up in Africa. Didn't even know what football was. Elite athlete. You think of soccer and basketball and think, 'Oh, he's probably a tall, skinny, finesse type dude.' No, he's a killer. He's just learning how to kill as we speak. I think there's a chance, if we have a conversation two years from now, he's the best offensive lineman in this entire class.”

— Matt Williamson, Former pro and college scout

“Look at the Dan Moore ($82 million) contract a year ago. I can't repeat this enough. You do not want to go shopping outside of the draft for a starting offensive tackle. You will overpay, and you won't be happy with the player.”

— Matt Williamson, Former pro and college scout

What’s next

The Steelers will have five picks in the first three rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, giving them ample opportunity to address their offensive line needs. Williamson believes the team should strongly consider taking a top guard or tackle prospect, even if their current line appears solid, in order to avoid potential issues down the road at key positions.

The takeaway

The Steelers have made a concerted effort to build a strong offensive line in recent years, and Williamson believes they should continue that approach in the 2026 NFL Draft. By investing in elite offensive line talent, the team can protect its quarterback, create holes in the running game, and avoid potential issues at critical positions like left tackle in the future.