The Pittsburgh Steelers are in for a busy summer, with some tough calls looming, especially on the offensive line. General Manager Omar Khan has been actively investing in the O-line since stepping into his role, but some of those picks are now facing a bit of a squeeze.
The Steelers have put their faith in offensive tackle Max Iheanachor with a first-round pick and snagged Iowa tackle Gennings Dunker in the third round, who is expected to transition to guard. This raises questions about where Broderick Jones fits into the picture.
As we dive into the Steelers' offensive line roster projections, it's clear that while some players are virtual locks, the battle for the remaining spots is heating up. Traditionally, the Steelers keep nine offensive linemen, but with a new coaching staff and line coaches like James Campen and Jahri Evans, there might be room for surprises.
Let’s break down the projected roster chances for each offensive lineman as we look ahead to the 2026 season.
Zach Frazier (C): 100%
Zach Frazier is a cornerstone of the Steelers' line, already hailed as one of the league's top centers in his third season. He's set to anchor Pittsburgh's line again this year.
Troy Fautanu (OT): 100%
Troy Fautanu is a lock to start every game, barring injury. After playing right tackle last season, he’s set to return to his college position at left tackle, which suits his nimble footwork perfectly.
Mason McCormick (G): 100%
Mason McCormick, though less talked about, has been as solid as they come. After starting at right guard for two seasons, he might switch to left guard this year.
Max Iheanachor (OT): 100%
First-round pick Max Iheanachor is a no-brainer for the roster. With a blend of size and agility, he’s pegged as the long-term right tackle, though he might start his Steelers journey from the bench.
Gennings Dunker (G/T): 100%
Gennings Dunker, a fan favorite for his draft value, is expected to make a splash. With ideal size and athleticism for a guard, he’s likely to start at some point during his rookie year.
Brock Hoffman (C/G): 99%
Brock Hoffman’s versatility at center and guard, along with his history with Coach Mike McCarthy, makes him a prime candidate for the swing interior lineman role. His starting capability nearly guarantees his spot.
Spencer Anderson (G): 97%
Spencer Anderson’s versatility was on display last season, playing as a sixth lineman and even lining up at tight end. While he's a backup, his depth value at guard is undeniable.
Dylan Cook (T/G): 95%
Dylan Cook stepped up admirably at left tackle late last season. While not a long-term starter, his solid performance keeps him in the mix, though his spot isn't entirely secure given the tackle depth.
Broderick Jones (OT): 85%
Broderick Jones’ situation is complex. With a crowded tackle position and coming off a neck injury that required spinal fusion, his future is uncertain. Whether he makes the roster, is traded, or lands on IR hinges on his health and performance.
Ryan McCollum (C): 15%
Ryan McCollum’s prospects dimmed with the signing of Hoffman, who offers more experience and potential. Unless injuries strike, McCollum’s roster chances are slim.
Jack Driscoll (T/G): 5%
Despite Jack Driscoll’s NFL experience, he didn’t play in 2025, and with the Steelers’ tackle depth, his path to the roster is challenging. He’ll need a standout summer and some luck with injuries to stick around.
Steven Jones (G), Greg Crippen (C), Doug Nester (OL), Lorenzo Thompson (OL): 0%
For the remaining hopefuls, the odds are against making the 53-man roster. However, a few might find a spot on the practice squad if everything aligns.
As the Steelers navigate these decisions, the offensive line's configuration will be critical to their success in the upcoming season. The blend of seasoned starters and promising newcomers sets the stage for an intriguing preseason battle.
In Other News...
Steelers Rookie Is Suddenly Crashing A Roster Battle Nobody Saw Coming
A seventh-round pick usually arrives in Pittsburgh with a long road ahead, but Robert Spears-Jennings has made enough of an impression early to get his name into the conversation. After OTAs and minicamp, an insider from The Athletic pointed to the rookie safety as a player who showed promising traits and could push for a spot on the 53-man roster in the kind of role the Steelers always seem to value, contributing on special teams while providing depth on the back end.
Spears-Jennings comes to the NFL after four seasons at Oklahoma, where he built a reputation for production and consistency across 47 games. His path is still steep, as it is for most late-round defensive backs, but the early buzz is notable because it suggests the Steelers may already be seeing more than just a developmental project as training camp approaches. [Read more 🡒]
Steelers Fans Wont Love This Surprise Trade Buzz On Defense
The Steelers are still sorting out what their defense is supposed to look like under Patrick Graham, and that includes a secondary that has already seen its share of movement. Pittsburgh brought back Asante Samuel Jr. on a one-year deal after his spinal fusion surgery, then added Jamel Dean and Jaquan Brisker to a group that is trying to mesh new pieces with the teams familiar 3-4 leanings.
Now comes the kind of chatter fans usually do not love this time of year: a Sports Illustrated report casting Samuel Jr. as a possible trade candidate. It is only speculation, but it adds another layer to a defense that is already balancing health, depth and scheme changes, with any move depending on whether Pittsburgh thinks the back end is crowded enough to justify it. [Read more 🡒]
Steelers Are Already Zeroing In On A Future Defensive Anchor
The Steelers are already looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft as they start sorting through a middle linebacker class that could eventually shape the heart of their defense. Among the names on the radar are Auburns Xavier Atkins, Texas linebacker Biles, Indianas Rolijah Hardy and Notre Dames Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, a group that stands out for athleticism, versatility and the kind of range teams look for when theyre trying to find a long-term defensive centerpiece.
Biles is an especially interesting watch because he once played in Pittsburgh before transferring to Texas, and he arrives with a strong production track record that will keep evaluators paying attention. Hardy brings a different kind of profile, with impact plays that raise the question of how hell be deployed at the next level, while Viliamu-Asa already looks like the sort of bigger, sturdier presence that can hold up in the middle. For now, its just a scouting exercise, but it is a clear sign the Steelers are thinking about who might be next in line to anchor the defense. [Read more 🡒]