The Pittsburgh Steelers have everyone on the edge of their seats as they are set to host the 2026 NFL Draft. With Mike McCarthy ushering in this new era, all eyes turn to him as he tries to get Pittsburgh back to winning Super Bowls. Expectations are rising as the organization looks to build momentum both on and off the field, with the draft serving as a key opportunity to continue reshaping the roster into a championship contender.
Steelers.com
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan and his assistant GM Andy Weidl discussing strategy.
The offensive line over the years under GM Omar Khan and assistant GM Andy Weidl has definitely started to improve. The foundation has been built over the last few seasons with young pieces such as Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, Troy Fautanu, Broderick Jones, and Spencer Anderson alongside Brock Hoffman. Hoffman was brought in to help replace the loss of veteran guard Isaac Seumalo in free agency, adding depth and stability to a group that is steadily coming together as a core unit for the future.
Utah OT Spencer Fano is open to playing inside, but says he'd play his best ball at tackle@FanoSpencer | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/bJm8AfMhSO
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) March 16, 2026
With the 21st pick, the Steelers could continue that trend of strengthening the trenches in Round 1 by selecting Spencer Fano, a tackle out of Utah. While speaking with Mina Kimes on her show, NFL expert Daniel Jeremiah revealed some telling information about why the Steelers should consider Fano at this spot, as well as what it could mean for Fautanu’s future and how the team might ultimately align its offensive line moving forward.
"I will take Fano. I think that would be a heck of a value pick," Jeremiah said Monday while speaking on The Mina Kimes Show. "And I did not think Fautanu would be there for the Steelers when they got him. I think he can kick over to left [tackle] now. He's plenty athletic and rangy. Then, you would have two super athletic tackles if Fano's at right and you have Fautanu."
Fautanu showed plenty of signs of his potential during his 17 games in the 2025 season. He played as a right tackle, but with concerns about Jones’ outlook and injury history, Jeremiah believes this could be a surefire solution to continue the Steelers’ offensive line development while also ensuring they are covered.
Eli Rehmer / Utah Athletics
Utah Utes former tackle Spencer Fano runs on the field before a game in college.
You can never have too many studs in the trenches, even in terms of depth, and Jeremiah seriously believes that if Fano falls to 21, Khan and McCarthy would hit a home run by taking him at that spot.
"Plus we have a Polynesian pipeline to Pittsburgh," Jeremiah said. "That's a lot of P’s. Troy Polamalu, come on, let him introduce the pick. He may be the one introducing the pick… I don't know if it's just injuries too or what, but it just feels like it's time to find somebody else there."
Steelers Would Hit A Home Run In 2026 NFL Draft If Board Breaks This Way
Many experts have Fano well off the board by the time Khan and McCarthy are on the clock at 21. He is projected to go between the No. 10 and No. 15 range based on his outlook, but anything can happen when runs at certain positions transpire. As Jeremiah revealed, many, including himself, did not believe Fautanu could fall to Pittsburgh back in the 2024 NFL Draft, and he did.
AP photo
Steelers 2024 first round pick Troy Fautanu gets introduced as a Pittsburgh Steeler by Art Rooney II.
Now, they may benefit again from Fano falling and be set at both right and left tackle. Though that would involve changing Fautanu’s position, it could be a reality depending on what transpires with Jones. The 2026 NFL Draft is certain to produce fireworks, and with 12 picks in their pocket, many expect the Steelers to be a big part of the noise.
Please feel free to share your Steelers takes and thoughts with me on X (@anthonyghalkias) and consider following for more Steelers-related content and discussion. I read and respond.
#SteelerNation