Unlike in years past, it's harder to tell where the Pittsburgh Steelers will go in the first round of the NFL Draft. Most assume that the wide receiver position is still at the top of the list, despite the Michael Pittman Jr. trade acquisition at the start of free agency. However, the team could be sizing up the offensive line prospects early in the draft.
After Isaac Seumalo spurned the team in free agency, the Steelers suddenly have a sneaky-big need at left guard. Former Cowboys backup and stopgap starter Brock Hoffman joined the Steelers this offseason, but they need a long-term solution.
Meanwhile, fans might be overlooking the left tackle position. Broderick Jones is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and it's highly unlikely Pittsburgh will exercise the fifth-year option. Jones also suffered a season-ending neck injury in 2025. While reserve offensive lineman Dylan Cook filled in admirably, the Steelers may not view him as a long-term option.
Thankfully, there's one first-round prospect who could help them at both tackle and guard: Utah's Spencer Fano.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could target Utah OL Spencer Fano in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft
During his freshman year at Utah in 2023, Fano played almost exclusively at left tackle before racking up over 1,500 snaps at right tackle over the past two seasons combined. Despite never taking a snap at center or guard in his college career, many teams view Fano as an interior offensive lineman at the next level, due to his short arms.
At the NFL Combine, Fano's arms measured in at just 32 1/8'' inches, putting him in just the third percentile among all offensive tackles for arm length since 1999, according to Mockdraftable's database.
With a need at both tackle and guard, the Steelers would have the luxury to try him at either position.
Fano has two years of excellent tape before declaring for the NFL Draft as a true junior. The 21-year-old possesses lightning-fast feet to mirror in pass protection and the athleticism to get out in space. His impressive skill set makes him a perfect match for Mike McCarthy's zone offense.
If Jones isn't ready to go, or if the Steelers want to try Fano at tackle first, he could begin his career competing for the starting left tackle job. Pittsburgh could also contemplate moving Troy Fautanu back to his natural position at left tackle (who has more length than Fano), while slotting Fano in at right tackle (where he played over the past two seasons).
If Fano's lack of length proves to be an issue at tackle, the Steelers could always kick him inside, where some NFL analysts believe he will have Pro Bowl upside at the next level. Fano could round out an interior offensive line that already includes center Zach Frazier and right guard Mason McCormick.
Either way, Fano's tape, tools, and talent should give him multi-position versatility at the next level, and his flexibility should come with a high floor. There's a good chance the talented Utah prospect is scooped up before Pittsburgh is on the clock at pick No. 21, but if he's there, the Steelers could find the perfect high-floor offensive lineman who could help solve the team's issues on the offensive line.