In NFL analyst Field Yates’ latest mock draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers address two of their most pressing needs with a blend of power in the trenches and elite speed on the perimeter.
With the 21st overall pick, Yates projects Pittsburgh to select Olaivavega Ioane, a dominant interior offensive lineman out of Penn State. Known for his physicality and ability to control defenders at the point of attack, Ioane would provide an immediate boost to a Steelers offensive line looking to replace key departures
and improve overall consistency in both pass protection and the run game. Here’s what Yates wrote about the pick:
“The clear-cut best guard in the draft is Ioane, who also happens to fill the Steelers’ biggest need other than QB. Isaac Seumalo, who started at left guard in Pittsburgh for the past three seasons, left for the Cardinals in free agency,“ Yates writes. ”And I continue to believe that Aaron Rodgers will decide to play one more season with Pittsburgh”
Yates then has the Steelers shifting their focus to speed in the second round, selecting Brenen Thompson with the 53rd overall pick. The Mississippi State product was the fastest player at the NFL Combine.
“One of my favorite value moves of the offseason was Pittsburgh trading for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., but the team must continue to address that position,” Yates writes. “Thompson ran the fastest 40-yard dash at the combine (4.26 seconds) and led the SEC in receiving yards this past season (1,054). He can consistently get separation downfield, which will translate well to the next level”
Thompson would be projected to step into the slot role vacated by Calvin Austin III, who recently signed with the New York Giants. His elite acceleration and ability to stretch the field could make him an immediate weapon in both the passing game and on designed touches.
By pairing a physical presence on the offensive line with a game-breaking receiver, this projection highlights a balanced approach for Omar Khan and new head coach Mike McCarthy, as they continue to reshape their roster heading into the 2026 season.
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