The Pittsburgh Steelers had a pretty solid free agency period in which General Manager Omar Khan addressed several needs. This will allow the team to be creative once the 2026 NFL Draft begins. With 12 total selections, the mid-round picks are certainly going to be in play when it comes to a trade or two. Overall, though, the top needs aren't necessarily a huge secret. Assuming Aaron Rodgers decides to return, the organization still needs help on the offensive line, at wide receiver, and in the defensive backfield. The franchise should be looking to take players at these spots early on.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers takes a knee and looks off into the distance as the team gets ready to participate during a 2025 training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
Not many mock drafts are more respected than those coming from ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. He has been studying collegiate prospects' transition to the NFL for quite some time, and on Wednesday morning, he revealed his final predictions for the first two rounds of the big event. It's safe to say that the Steelers hit a home run, going with a no-nonsense, offensive line staple right off the bat: Olaivavega Ioane.
"I'm working off the assumption that Aaron Rodgers will be in black and yellow once more next season, but frankly, No. 21 is too early for Ty Simpson -- or any other QB -- regardless of what the depth chart looks like on April 23," Kiper wrote. "I think it's more likely Pittsburgh takes a signal-caller on Day 2. Instead, the Steelers can use this pick to beef up the protection in front of their to-be-determined passer."
The lineman is no joke of a prospect. He is a plug-and-play offensive guard that could end up starting in the Steel City for a decade. While he wouldn't be the most popular pick, the Steelers' rushing attack could jump to an elite level with him on the left side.
"Ioane plays with pure power, wrenching defenders out of the way," Kiper noted. "He's also pretty swift on his feet at 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds. He would be an easy swap for Isaac Seumalo, who left in free agency."
The Steelers certainly need help in other areas as well, but the long-term goal of Khan has seemed to be bolstering the trenches. Taking Ioane just adds to that plan coming from the new front office that took the reins in 2022.
Penn State Athletics / Mark Selders
Former Penn State offensive guard Olaivavega Ioane sets up as he begins pass blocking for his quarterback during a collegiate football game.
In round two, with the 53rd overall pick, Kiper has the Steelers taking another huge position of need. This time, Pittsburgh essentially finds its slot wide receiver of the future, landing a speedster that could immediately be inserted into the lineup with DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. Zachariah Branch, welcome to the Steel City.
"The Steelers have speed and strength on the outside in DK Metcalf," Kiper wrote. "They have a middle-of-the-field chain mover in Michael Pittman Jr. But where is the quick-game specialist? That'd be an important part of the offense if Aaron Rodgers returns; he got the ball out quicker than any other QB last season (2.59 seconds on average). Enter Branch, who might be undersized at 5-foot-9 and 177 pounds but plays the game like Zay Flowers and is explosive enough to take a quick slant for a big gain."
If Pittsburgh was able to pull off a one-two punch of Ioane and Branch, no one should be complaining. This would be a perfect haul that then allows the Steelers to go after the smaller needs with their three third-round picks.
Joshua L. Jones / USA Today Network
Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch takes the field with his teammates before the start of a college football game in the 2025 season.
Steelers Still Could End Up Trading In Round 1
Pittsburgh doesn't need all 12 of its picks, so it shouldn't come off as a surprise if the front office wants to move up in round one to grab an elite prospect. There is also the possibility of moving back in order to get some capital for 2027. Everything is in play for Khan and co., but if the Steelers were able to start off draft weekend by taking Ioane and Branch, they will be in a very good spot.
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