Steelers Pre-Draft Moves Indicate 1st Round OL Plan? | Spencer Fano, Olaivavega Ioane, Top Options

The Locked On Steelers podcast explores whether the Pittsburgh Steelers are signaling a first-round offensive tackle focus through their pre-draft visits, particularly to Spencer Fano and Monroe Freeling, while notably not visiting top guard Olaivavega Ioane. Hosts Chris Carter and Alan Saunders debate the implications, questioning why the Steelers aren't prioritizing guard—a clear team need with Isaac Seumalu's absence—despite showing interest in tackle prospects. They analyze the draft strategy around trading back in the first round, weighing the potential of acquiring multiple picks versus the risk of losing leverage and the difficulty of finding a willing trade partner. The discussion also covers the viability of trading veterans like Patrick Queen and Jalen Ramsey, concluding that such moves are unlikely without significant returns like 27th-round picks. The hosts emphasize that the Steelers should leverage their 12 draft picks aggressively to trade up for high-value players rather than simply accumulate picks. They highlight the urgency of addressing left guard and slot wide receiver needs, with Jeremy Bernard emerging as a strong second-round option if the Steelers pass on wide receiver in the first round. Overall, the episode underscores a strategic tension between conservative pick accumulation and aggressive position-specific targeting. Key takeaways include: 1) The Steelers' pre-draft visits suggest a potential first-round offensive tackle focus, but the lack of interest in top guard Olaivavega Ioane raises concerns about their guard strategy; 2) Trading back in the first round is possible but risky—finding a willing partner is difficult, and the Steelers may lose leverage; 3) The team should prioritize trading up for elite talent rather than accumulating picks, especially given their 12 total selections; 4) Left guard and slot wide receiver are critical needs, and players like Keelan Rutledge and Jeremy Bernard should be targeted early; 5) Veteran trades for draft capital are unlikely unless they bring in high-value picks like 27s; 6) The Steelers’ draft approach should be aggressive, not passive, to maximize their draft capital and address core roster gaps. The overall sentiment is cautiously optimistic, with the hosts believing the Steelers have the tools to make impactful moves but cautioning against overcomplicating the process.