Steelers' Omar Khan Definitely Not To Blame For Problematic Positional Group: "I Question Player Development"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a very clear blueprint to team building ever since Omar Khan and his staff took over the front office: build up the trenches and get the most physical players they possibly can. That's why they loaded up their offensive line with college wrestlers and brought in all kinds of thumpers to build up their perfect team. Of course, things have not gone according to plan, and the general manager has started to take a little bit of heat for that. 

However, that kind of anger may not be directed to the right place. Insider Mike DeFabo explains who is at fault for these failures, especially on the offensive line.

"Omar Khan did his part," DeFabo said. "I question player development more than anything. These young offensive linemen had the talent and upside to be drafted early. It’s up to the coaches to unlock it and get everyone on the same page. They haven’t. For that reason, I think we’re going to be talking about the O-line for the rest of this year… and next year… and the year after."

Many of these young offensive linemen have shown their potential, but it definitely has not been consistent enough. There is absolutely no traction with the run game, and they have allowed seven sacks. This unit has continually failed to live up to its hype year after year. The days of the generational 2010s blockers seems to be even further in the past. It seems like nothing the Steelers do works. 

It starts with coaching. Everyone outside of the UPMC Rooney Center has wondered why Offensive Line Coach Pat Meyer was able to keep his job after the 2024 season. Him being on the hot seat now means absolutely nothing if he wastes another year of these players' careers. He had issues when he coached with the Carolina Panthers as well, but he still somehow has a long leash in Pittsburgh.

Steelers' Individual Linemen Have Shown High Upside

Zach Frazier took over the football world during his rookie season. The former second-round pick was immediately seen as a top three center in the league, with the ability to grow even further as a leader and a player. The Steelers have had an amazing history with franchise-caliber centers, and if he keeps it up, he will be part of that conversation eventually as well.

Isaac Seumalo is the lone extended veteran on the team, but he came from the elite offensive line that the Philadelphia Eagles ran. He has essentially been a coach on the field, as everyone looks up to him while he tries to get them on the same page. Unfortunately, he can't carry this unit when Meyer keeps seemingly holding it back with his questionable decisions. He is also on an expiring contract, and age could be a factor in letting him walk. 

Broderick Jones has had a microscope placed on him since the new league year began. While training camp started off rough, he has made some progress. He is at least a starting-caliber blindside blocker at this point, but he still has a much higher ceiling he can reach. Who knows how far he will end up going, but that likely depends on who his next coach is.

Troy Fautanu has been the weak link of the line so far, but he is essentially a rookie after missing almost all of the 2024 season. It's fair to cut him some slack, as he still has a long way to go with development. Even then, it's not like he alone is responsible for the inability to run the ball or the failure to keep his quarterback upright. In the end, everything points back to Meyer.

2026's decisions will have a big impact on the future of the team. It's almost impossible for a young quarterback to develop when his offensive line is among the worst in the league. If the Steelers once again go the cheap route in hiring an offensive line coach, the next few years will result in more misery for the offense.

What do you think about Meyer taking the blame for Khan for the offensive line issues? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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