Draft analyst Dane Brugler indicated that guards Keylan Rutledge and Chase Bisontis have a strong chance of being selected in the first round, potentially by the Pittsburgh Steelers at pick 21. Former NFL player Leger Douzable praised Rutledge as the draft's 'nastiest' offensive lineman, predicting an immediate impact. The Steelers hosted Rutledge for a pre-draft visit amid needs at left guard after losing Isaac Seumalo.
The Pittsburgh Steelers face uncertainty at left guard following Isaac Seumalo's departure in free agency. Current options include Brock Hoffman and Spencer Anderson, but the team eyes draft reinforcements. Analysts have spotlighted two guards as late first-round possibilities: Georgia Tech's Keylan Rutledge and another top interior prospect, Chase Bisontis. Pittsburgh holds the 21st overall pick, positioning them to target these players if top guard Olaivavega Ioane goes earlier, such as to Baltimore at No. 14. Brugler, speaking on The Athletic Football Show, noted league buzz around Rutledge, Bisontis, and Gennings Dunker as potential Round 1 guards. 'I wouldn’t be surprised at all if it’s Rutledge, I think Bisontis has a really good chance as well, I think as early as probably the Chargers or the Steelers,' Brugler said. Douzable, a former NFL defensive lineman, lauded Rutledge's aggressive style on CBS Sports HQ. 'This is probably the nastiest, in a good way, offensive lineman in this draft... From day one, he’s going to change the temperament of your offensive line,' he said. Rutledge allowed no sacks last season and fits the Steelers' physical ethos alongside Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick. Steelers interest is evident: they hosted Rutledge pre-draft and sent assistant offensive line coach Jahri Evans to Bisontis' pro day. While mock drafts peg both as Day 2 talents, recent hype suggests a first-round slide.
