The 2026 NFL Draft takes place April 23-25, in Pittsburgh. “Breakfast with Benz” is previewing the Steelers’ potential selections at each position group with Matt Williamson, a former pro and college scout who has worked at Pitt and with the Cleveland Browns. Williamson is an on-air host at WDVE, Fox Sports Pittsburgh 970, and the Steelers Radio Network.
Wednesday’s preview looks at the offensive line.
Two of the Steelers’ last three first-round draft choices have been offensive tackles (Troy Fautanu, Broderick Jones). Starting center Zach Frazier was a second-rounder in 2024. Starting right guard Mason McCormick was picked two rounds after Frazier.
Not only that, but the franchise just signed Dallas’ Brock Hoffman, who could be a capable replacement for Isaac Seumalo at left guard. Spencer Anderson could be worthy of a promotion there. And even if Jones’ neck injury is still a factor by the time the season starts, Dylan Cook impressed at the end of 2025, filling the left tackle void.
So why would the Steelers be interested in throwing a first-round choice at either guard or tackle again in 2026? Former pro and college scout Matt Williamson says, “Greed is good!”
“I love to get greedy. If you think nine (offensive linemen) are going to make the team, I want two extra. I want 11 NFL-caliber linemen in camp. There’s a massive shortage right now in the league. They are a true commodity in the league, especially offensive tackles,” Williamson said on Wednesday’s “Breakfast With Benz” podcast. “I’m a big Hoffman fan. I’m a big Anderson fan. I could live with one of those two being my left guard, but I don’t want to live with it. I want to have an awesome left guard for the next 12 years. I want (Alan) Faneca.”
Some people think that such a guard may be available in the first round. He’s from Penn State. His name is Olaivavega Ioane.
“He’s a plug-and-play guard,” Williamson said. “He would just be too good to pass up (at pick No. 21) to be honest with you.”
Williamson also thinks it may be wise to consider a player who could start at guard and maybe flip out to tackle if Jones doesn’t get healthy, and Cook proves unworthy of being a full-time starter.
“My man-crush is Max Iheanachor from Arizona State. I think he’s the ideal guy to start his career at guard, and then go to tackle,” Williamson said. “He’s only played football for a couple of years. He’s (a) basketball, soccer (player). Grew up in Africa. Didn’t even know what football was. Elite athlete. You think of soccer and basketball and think, ‘Oh, he’s probably a tall, skinny, finesse type dude.’ No, he’s a killer. He’s just learning how to kill as we speak. I think there’s a chance, if we have a conversation two years from now, he’s the best offensive lineman in this entire class.”
Max Iheanachor was the best OT at the Senior Bowl thanks to his nimble, explosive movement skills
Potential 1st round pick with strong athletic testing ???? pic.twitter.com/CsPgdpMIjS
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 1, 2026
Another tackle who could fit that mold is Alabama’s Kaydn Proctor, according to Williamson.
But the biggest issue in Williamson’s eyes isn’t who the Steelers want this year. It’s what they want to avoid in 2027.
“Look at the Dan Moore ($82 million) contract a year ago. I can’t repeat this enough. You do not want to go shopping outside of the draft for a starting offensive tackle. You will overpay, and you won’t be happy with the player,” Williamson insisted. “Next year, I can’t be having this conversation with you, and say ‘The Steelers’ two biggest needs going into this draft are quarterback and left tackle.’ Because you can’t get both — especially if you’re going to have to trade up for a quarterback. It has to be one or the other. So with five picks in the first three rounds and a pretty good wealth of players to choose from, I absolutely want to take someone who is my left tackle or can become my left tackle.”
Also, during the podcast, Williamson and I get into some of the guards beyond Ioane, some pure tackles who can swing to either side, and the prospect of Cook possibly being a full-time starter.
Thursday’s preview examines players available in the draft along the defensive front seven.