Draft analysts Daniel Jeremiah and Dane Brugler have praised Georgia Tech offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge as a potential late first-round pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jeremiah called him his favorite player, comparing him to former Patriots star Logan Mankins. The Steelers hosted Rutledge for a pre-draft visit amid needs on their offensive line.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have invested heavily in their offensive line recently, selecting Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones in the first round over the past three drafts. Fautanu has performed well, while Jones has faced challenges. With their 21st overall pick approaching, general manager Omar Khan has indicated openness to trading down, potentially aligning with Rutledge's projected range at the bottom of the first round. The team visited with Rutledge ahead of the draft, signaling interest in addressing their left guard vacancy left by Isaac Seumalo's situation. Daniel Jeremiah, a former NFL scout, highlighted Rutledge on his Move the Sticks podcast, placing him in his top 50 and likening him to Logan Mankins, whom the Patriots selected 32nd overall in 2005. Mankins became a seven-time Pro Bowler and multiple-time All-Pro. Jeremiah noted, “If you asked me who’s my favorite guy, that’s who I would have as my favorite guy.” Dane Brugler echoed the sentiment on Twitter, calling Rutledge a player who might sneak into the late first round due to his positional versatility. Rutledge has snapped at center for teams during workouts, positioning him as a potential day-one starter at center or guard. College stats bolster his case: 43 starts across Middle Tennessee and Georgia Tech, with zero sacks allowed last season. Peter Schrager's recent mock draft sent Rutledge to the New England Patriots at pick 31, underscoring rising buzz around the guard despite limited prior first-round hype.
