Steelers Should Be "Proactive" And Lock Down Underrated Offensive Position Heading Into The 2026 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers have to build off the positives of last season. It was an up and down year, winning the AFC North title in thrilling fashion with a Week 18 win over their arch rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, before a brutal home loss to the Houston Texans in the first round of the playoffs. The Steelers are hoping that this season's team is more in tune with the highs of last year's rollercoaster ride, rather than the lows. New Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy will be tasked with getting the most out of this veteran group, and end the Steelers' current playoff losing streak that's lasted almost a decade.

The Steelers' offensive line was one of the strong points of last year's team. The offensive line's run blocking was elite, leading to career seasons for both Jaylen Warren and last year's standout Kenneth Gainwell. The offensive line was the key to everything the Steelers did. The few times the offensive line faltered, the Steelers' offense became lifeless. Future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers is 42 years old and doesn't have the mobility a prime Rodgers once had. If Rodgers comes back, the Steelers' offense has the potential to reach new heights under McCarthy, but it will have to happen through an elite offensive line.

Post-Gazette columnist Paul Zeise shared his thoughts on where the Steelers' priorities should be heading into free agency.

"Maybe [Dylan] Cook is good enough, but maybe not and with the uncertainty around [Broderick] Jones, there is no way the Steelers can afford to take that gamble," Zeise said. "The Steelers need to be proactive and make sure that they solidify the left tackle spot for this year and beyond and that means it needs to be a top priority for them heading into the draft."

2023 Steelers first-round pick offensive lineman Broderick Jones was having perhaps his best season since he was drafted last year before suffering an injury against the Chicago Bears in Week 12. Unfortunately, the neck injury that Jones suffered is severe enough to put his availability for Steelers training camp into question. If Jones' availability for this season and beyond isn't certain, the Steelers would have to rely upon offensive tackle Dylan Cook to anchor one of the most important positions on the offensive line. Cook showed promise in relief of Jones last season, and could very well be the answer at the position moving forward. However, without a proper backup plan, the Steelers' season could be thrown into shambles if Cook struggles next season.

The Steelers have the flexibility to make a move on the offensive line, whether it's through free agency or the 2026 NFL Draft. The Steelers will be hosting this year's NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, and have the 21st pick in the event. While going with an offensive lineman wouldn't be the flashy pick in front of the home crowd, it may be the best move for both the short- and long-term future of the Steelers.

Dylan Cook May Be The Answer To The Steelers' Problems

Cook was largely an unknown player coming into last season. The 28 year old offensive tackle was undrafted, but played inspired football in relief of Jones. You could make a legitimate case that Cook deserves at least a chance at the starting spot this season. While it's likely the Steelers will bring in another option at left tackle if Jones' injury puts his status in jeopardy, it may be to compete with Cook for the starting spot.

Between the health of Jones and the uncertainty around Cook, the Steelers are dealing with too many questions at the left tackle position for a team with postseason aspirations. The moves the Steelers make both in free agency and during the NFL Draft will tell us how the organization feels about both Jones and Cook.

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