Penn State offensive lineman Vega Ioane during a game against FIU on Sept. 6, 2025. — Matthew Lynch / Nittany Sports Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers currently have a hole at guard after veteran Isaac Seumalo left in free agency. Mike McCarthy’s team made sure to fill it right up in Pro Football & Sports Network’s latest three-round 2026 NFL Draft mock-up.
The Steelers plucked Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane with the No. 21 overall pick.
“Depth along the interior offensive line could push the Pittsburgh Steelers toward addressing the guard position early in the draft,” PFSN wrote Saturday. “Olaivavega Ioane might be too good to pass up if he’s still available at No. 21. Adding Ioane would give Pittsburgh a powerful presence inside while reinforcing an offensive line that needs more stability heading into the 2026 season.
“The former Penn State guard is widely considered the top interior lineman in the class and a strong candidate to be the first pure guard selected. Ioane’s game is built on strength, leverage, and consistency rather than flashy athletic traits. While he may not possess elite foot speed, his heavy hands and strong base allow him to control defenders at the point of attack.”
Ioane, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 320 pounds, played in 44 games for the Nittany Lions over four seasons.
“Prototypical guard for physical run schemes with thick limbs, a broad frame and plus core strength,” NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote in a scouting report. “Ioane plays with excellent contact balance and technique on both base blocks and double teams. He uses his hips and hands for leverage and displacement when drive blocking.”
The Steelers also added Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter in the second round (No. 53), then Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson (No. 76), Georgia receiver Zachariah Branch (No. 85) and Auburn center Connor Lew (No. 99) in the third.
Mentioned In This Article: 2026 NFL Draft Olaivavega Ioane Pittsburgh Steelers Steelers