Steelers' Dylan Cook's Late-Season Play Could Definitely Affect 2026 Draft Strategy: "Ride It Out"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have some big choices to make when it comes to their starting left tackle in 2026. Pittsburgh's starter for a majority of 2025, Broderick Jones, suffered a critical neck injury mid-season. The timetable for his injury is unclear, and how he'll be able to play coming off such a gruesome setback is unknown. The team eventually put Dylan Cook as its starter towards the end of the 2025 season, where he fit in nicely. There has been speculation over a potential competition at the spot now, or even a draft pick coming in to shore up depth. 

The uncertainty surrounding the left tackle position could spring a major issue for the Black and Gold. Their existing talent or a potential draft pick would have to step up in Jones' potential absence. Jones is in the last year of his rookie deal, and this injury could cause an issue with him getting the big bucks in free agency or his fifth-year option being picked up for 2027. However, Cook proved that he is capable of filling in for the former first-round pick. 

Steelers beat writer Ray Fittipaldo spoke about a scenario where Cook could find his way onto the starting offensive line. Fittipaldo appeared on a recent episode of the North Shore Drive podcast and gave insight into how Cook's play could affect the Steelers' draft strategy this week.

"I don't think the Steelers can go ahead and reach for a tackle if the tackle isn't their highest player on the board at the time of their selection. I really think they have to have faith in their scouting staff, and they have to have faith in their coaching staff that if they do believe Dylan Cook can get the job done, they might just have to ride it out with Dylan Cook," Fittipaldo said. 

Cook's ability to start and play well at the spot could deter the front office from spending a premium draft pick on a tackle. There are a lot of other positions of need that could be prioritized instead, like wide receiver, guard, defensive back, linebacker, and even quarterback. While there is always the possibility of another tackle being added through the draft, Cook proved that even if Jones comes back, he is a starter-capable player. Any tackle added through the draft would likely serve as depth and/or a developmental piece. 

With the Steelers' offensive line being a big question mark on the left side, Cook could provide familiarity and stability there. Cook knows the Steeler way and has experience, even at a small sample size, but proved that he can take on even some of the league's best edge rushers. His ability to be a cheap starting option for Pittsburgh is good, and even if he ends up as depth, he's still very valuable. Jones could make his way back, and that would leave Pittsburgh knowing it has capable depth. 

Steelers Don't Need To Rush Jones Back

As mentioned, Cook has spot experience. The Steelers have good depth all along their offensive line, as versatile lineman Spencer Anderson is another player who has some tackle experience if need be. No matter what, an injury as serious as Jones' needs to be taken with precaution. Pittsburgh has already effectively added depth to its offensive line and rushing Jones back would be unnecessary.

The team has starting-caliber linemen on its roster, and Cook is one example of a plug-and-play guy. They don't need to rush to draft a tackle with a high draft pick based on his play. The Steelers are better off adding elsewhere. 

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