The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the hunt for a new starting left guard after Isaac Seumalo's departure to free agency. With the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon, they've got their eyes on Georgia Tech's standout offensive lineman, Keylan Rutledge. The Steelers recently hosted Rutledge for one of their pre-draft visits, signaling strong interest.
Rutledge, standing at nearly 6-foot-4 and weighing 315 pounds, has been a force on the line for Georgia Tech. After transferring from Middle Tennessee State, he became a two-year starter, anchoring the right guard position for 26 straight games. His performance earned him first-team All-ACC honors twice, and in 2025, he was recognized as a first-team All-American and received the prestigious Brian Piccolo Award for his courage, teamwork, and dedication.
Known for his exceptional pass protection, Rutledge allowed just one sack and 12 total quarterback pressures over two seasons, according to Pro Football Focus. His technique and intensity caught attention at the 2026 Senior Bowl, where the Steelers' assistant GM Andy Weidl, a former offensive lineman himself, was present to scout him.
Rutledge's pre-draft testing showcased his athletic prowess. He put up 27 reps on the bench press, clocked a swift 5.05-second 40-yard dash, and demonstrated explosive power with a 32.5-inch vertical and an 8-foot-8 broad jump. His overall Relative Athletic Score was an impressive 9.44 out of 10.
Projected as a day two pick, Rutledge's draft stock has been climbing, now sitting at No. 76 on the NFL Mock Draft Database consensus big board, a significant rise from No. 119 before the Senior Bowl. He's currently ranked as the sixth-best interior offensive lineman in this draft class.
With Seumalo signing a three-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals, the Steelers have yet to make a move in free agency to fill the gap. It seems they're banking on the draft to bring in some competition for incumbent backup Spencer Anderson at left guard. Rutledge could be just the player to step into that role and bolster the Steelers' offensive line.