Pittsburgh Steelers assistant general manager Andy Weidl has detailed the team's ongoing draft strategy of prioritizing offensive and defensive linemen. The approach has shaped recent classes under general manager Omar Khan. Weidl spoke during a team-produced video series that aired Tuesday.
Weidl emphasized building from the inside out. “We want to build through the lines,” he said. “The foundation of your team, the foundation of a house is built with your offensive line and defensive line. We always want to be strong there.”
Since the 2023 NFL Draft, the Steelers have spent seven of their 15 top-100 picks on trench players. All four first-round selections in that span have been offensive or defensive linemen, including tackles Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu and Max Iheanachor plus defensive tackle Derrick Harmon.
The 2025 class continued the pattern with Iheanachor in the first round, guard Gennings Dunker in the third and defensive lineman Gabriel Rubio later. Weidl described the recent additions as strong, physical players and strong teammates.
Several of those earlier investments have already contributed on the field. Fautanu has anchored the tackle position while center Zach Frazier and guard Mason McCormick have shown promise. Harmon posted a solid rookie season focused on run defense.
