Steelers Eye Surprising First-Round Pivot Amid Offensive Uncertainty

Over the last three seasons, the Pittsburgh Steelers have made it a priority to beef up their trenches. They have spent their last three first-round picks on linemen, and even some Day 2 selections. So far, this strategy has worked. The franchise had a solid offensive line in 2025, and the defensive line has some promising players. The trenches aren't as big of a priority this offseason, given the moves the team has made in recent seasons. The franchise is now focusing on their skill positions on both sides of the ball, making huge upgrades at cornerback and wide receiver. While that is certainly great to see for fans, the offensive line still needs some work. 

The Steelers' offensive line has some emerging stars on it, led by center Zach Frazier and right tackle Troy Fautanu. They also have guard Mason McCormick, who has shown nice improvement since his rookie season. The team has three rock-solid pieces to the unit, but lack a reliable left side. Their 2023 first-round pick, Broderick Jones, had an unfortunate neck injury during this past season, and his availability for the start of the upcoming season is still in question. Many fans and pundits argue that prior to Jones' injury, he looked like a bust. That isn't entirely on Jones however, as his development could've been heavily hindered in his first few seasons in the league. Jones was a project coming out of Georgia and the Steelers chose to play him early in his career on the right side of the line, versus his natural side on the left. 

Chad Reuter of NFL.com posted his latest NFL four-round mock draft. With Jones' uncertainty, and Dylan Cook's small sample size, Reuter mocked the Steelers to select offensive tackle Blake Miller out of Clemson. Miller started 54 games for the Tigers, steadily improving each season. With this selection, Reuter has the team making a shocking switch on their offensive line as well.  

"With LT Broderick Jones recovering from December neck surgery and the team weighing whether to exercise his fifth-year option, Miller should be squarely on the Steelers' radar," said Reuter. "Troy Fautanu can move back to left tackle if Miller needs to step in as a rookie."

While the idea of the team taking an offensive tackle in the first round certainly sounds smart, moving one of their already established young stars could raise concerns. The franchise already took a risk moving Fautanu, who was a left tackle in college, to the right side for Pittsburgh. Fautanu has been stellar on the right side, but continuing to move players from their natural positions is risky. Just because that worked with one player, doesn't mean the Steelers should continue playing with fire. 

Miller stands at 6'7", 315 pounds, with 34 1/4-inch arms. He has great feet, but struggles against power edge rushers. His strengths are in the run game, as he has a great ability to pull and get out in space. He is also an exceptional zone blocker. He would be a nice fit for the Mike McCarthy West Coast scheme. The team doesn't have any first-round musts, so a pick like Miller is certainly in the playing cards. 

Steelers Should Not Move Fautanu If Miller Is Their Pick

While Fautanu is a rising star, he still has room to grow. Something the Steelers have struggled with on the offensive line is development. Fans argue that they move guys around entirely too much, Jones being the biggest example. If Miller is their pick, they should sit him and develop him as a left tackle, and let Jones and Cook duke it out on the left side. 

Letting Fautanu stay put and continue to grow after playing what was essentially his rookie season would be best for him. We shall see what the new coaching staff will do. 

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