Steelers target tackle, guard, and quarterback before NFL draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers are focusing on adding depth at tackle, guard, and quarterback positions ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, following free agency moves. After losing left guard Isaac Seumalo, the team plans to start Spencer Anderson but eyes veteran and draft options. Uncertainty persists at quarterback with Aaron Rodgers' status unclear.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have approached the 2026 offseason by building depth at weaker positions for draft flexibility, according to analysis from Steelers Depot. Recent signings include Jamel Dean and Michael Pittman Jr., but gaps remain in three key areas ahead of the draft, published March 15, 2026. First, tackle depth is a concern due to season-ending injuries to Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones, whose 2026 prospects are murky. Dylan Cook is expected to start at left tackle, graded at 76 by PFF, but the team should add a swing tackle like Spencer Burford or Thayer Munford Jr., who recently had knee surgery. Without additions, Spencer Anderson may play multiple line spots again. For guard, after letting Isaac Seumalo walk for a matchable contract, the Steelers are comfortable with Anderson starting, though his success next to low-experience Cook is questionable. Potential free agents include Wyatt Teller, Joel Bitonio, James Daniels, and Mekhi Becton. Alex Kozora highlighted Brady Christensen of the Panthers and Dillon Radunz of the Saints, both with ties to Pittsburgh's new offensive line coaches. At quarterback, no clear starter exists beyond Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. Free agents like Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson, and Joe Flacco are options, but another season with Aaron Rodgers appears likely. Separately, draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah listed Day 2 interior offensive line prospects as quality starters: Chase Bisontis (Texas A&M), Emmanuel Pregnon (Oregon), Keylan Rutledge (Georgia Tech), Gennings Dunker (Iowa), Logan Jones (Iowa), and Sam Hecht (Kansas State). Steelers Depot scouts graded Rutledge at 8.3 and Dunker at 8.1. The team has draft capital to target these, potentially moving up, to bolster an ascending line amid wide receiver and line depth needs.

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Steelers insiders in draft room debate quarterback picks amid Aaron Rodgers' potential 2026 return uncertainty, with Ben Roethlisberger's warning.
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Steelers insiders debate QB draft amid Rodgers return uncertainty

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As the Pittsburgh Steelers await Aaron Rodgers' decision on a 2026 return—following his 2025 division title win—insiders are divided on using early NFL draft picks on a quarterback. While some eye mid-round prospects like Drew Allar or Carson Beck, Ben Roethlisberger warns against top selections, predicting fan backlash.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have reshaped their interior offensive line during the offseason, retaining key young players while adding depth and losing a veteran starter. Zach Frazier anchors the center position as part of a rebuild driven by the 2024 draft class. The team now eyes draft additions to fill gaps left by Isaac Seumalo's departure.

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NFL insider Albert Breer anticipates the Pittsburgh Steelers will target immediate contributors with their 21st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, confident in Aaron Rodgers' return. ESPN analyst Benjamin Solak urges the team to add youth to the secondary and defensive line while drafting a developmental quarterback. The Steelers hold a league-high 12 picks and are hosting the event.

ESPN analyst Jeff Legwold has named seven prospects as top risers ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, with several connected to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cincinnati wide receiver Jeff Caldwell, who visited the team, tops the list of those linked to Pittsburgh. Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman and offensive tackle Max Iheanachor are also gaining momentum.

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Anonymous NFL executives expressed puzzlement over the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 NFL Draft selections, particularly first-round pick Max Iheanachor and later versatile players. The picks aim to bolster the offense under new head coach Mike McCarthy amid concerns at quarterback and left tackle. One standout addition, wide receiver Germie Bernard, drew widespread praise.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis urged the team to avoid drafting a rookie quarterback soon, citing a lack of supporting talent. He emphasized building around the current quarterback situation first. Bettis made the comments on the Chipped Ham and Football podcast.

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Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II stated that the team probably will not draft a quarterback with its No. 21 pick in Thursday's first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. In a pre-draft interview with WTAE’s Andrew Stockey, Rooney kept options open for other positions like wide receiver, offensive line or secondary, echoing recent analyst reports ruling out early picks like Alabama's Ty Simpson.

 

 

 

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