The Pittsburgh Steelers have addressed their need at guard after the departure of veteran Isaac Seumalo in free agency. In the latest three-round 2026 NFL Draft mock-up by Pro Football & Sports Network, the Steelers snagged Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane with the No. 21 overall pick.
The Steelers are keen on shoring up their interior offensive line, and Ioane could be the perfect fit if he's still on the board at No. 21. Bringing Ioane into the fold would provide Pittsburgh with a formidable presence inside, bolstering an offensive line that’s in need of some stability for the upcoming 2026 season.
Ioane is widely regarded as the top interior lineman in this draft class. His game thrives on strength, leverage, and consistency rather than flashy athleticism. While he might not have elite foot speed, his heavy hands and solid base allow him to dominate defenders at the line of scrimmage.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 320 pounds, Ioane has been a stalwart for the Nittany Lions, appearing in 44 games over four seasons. His profile fits perfectly for teams running physical schemes, thanks to his thick limbs, broad frame, and impressive core strength. Ioane excels in contact balance and technique, utilizing his hips and hands for leverage and displacement during drive blocks.
In addition to Ioane, the Steelers made several other strategic picks. They selected Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter in the second round (No. 53), followed by Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson (No.
76), Georgia receiver Zachariah Branch (No. 85), and Auburn center Connor Lew (No. 99) in the third round. These selections reflect a well-rounded approach to strengthening the team’s roster across multiple positions.