The NFL Draft is only three weeks away, and Pittsburgh will become the epicenter of the football world. Three positions have been rumored the most around the Steelers the last number of weeks: wide receiver, guard, and quarterback.
While Ty Simpson may fit the Steelers dire need under center and another wide receiver would certainly help whoever is throwing the ball, The Next Gen Stats Analytical Team thinks there is an ideal prospect who fits the Steelers wheelhouse.
James Reber, a research analyst
at Next Gen Stats, released 20 “ideal fits” for NFL teams and prospects on Monday. He tied the Steelers to the best offensive guard in the class, someone many fans are already familiar with.
Reber believes the Steelers picking Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane, Vega for short, would be a good decision to bolster the offensive line. The Steelers are depleted on the left side after veteran guard Isaac Seumalo signed a three-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals this offseason.
“Many teams need reinforcements on their interior offensive lines; Ioane is widely considered the best true guard available and could easily slide into a multitude of lineups,” Reber said. “However, the Steelers would be as ideal a landing spot as possible for both player and team.”
A 6-foot-4, 330-pound redshirt junior, Ioane was named a First-Team All-American by CBS and On3. He started 11 games in 2025 and consistently set the tone up front for running back Kaytron Allen to break Penn State’s all-time career rushing record.
Ioane also made a name for himself by occasionally going in motion before the snap to kick out on a linebacker or defensive end, flattening defenders on run plays. Reber pointed to Seumalo’s NFL-best 3.7% pressure rate as an indication of Aaron Rodgers and Arthur Smith’s quick passing game, needing to replace a solid and dependable starter at the position.
“With Mike McCarthy and Omar Khan looking to retain Rodgers, they could stabilize the line’s interior protection with Ioane while also giving the rookie a QB whose play style will help him smoothly navigate the transition to the NFL,” Reber said.
Ioane started 33 games over the last three seasons, including all 16 two years ago as PSU reached the College Football Playoff semifinals at the Orange Bowl.
The Steelers haven’t drafted a guard in the first round since 2012, selecting future All-Pro David DeCastro.
Pittsburgh drafted tackles Broderick Jones (2023) and Troy Fautanu (2024) in the first round to bolster the ends of its line, but still needs help on the next to Jones and center Zach Frazier. Jones is still dealing with a season-ending neck injury that may limit his availability this season, creating an opportunity for Dylan Cook.
Ioane was voted an All-Big Ten First-Team recipient by the media and All-Big Ten Second-Team by conference coaches.
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