The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a terrifying dichotomy leading up to the NFL Draft. Either they watch their dream scenario play out, or they live in a nightmare.
Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane has emerged as a favorite draft target in Pittsburgh. He would slot into the Steelers' offensive line perfectly, adding to Omar Khan's collection of first-round trench players. He was even featured in our "smoke meter" piece as a player who has been heavily connected to the Steelers.
Unfortunately, the Baltimore Ravens seem to hold the same level of interest in the former Nittany Lion. If they take him off the board with the 14th pick, Steelers fans will be forced to watch their preferred draft fit suit up for their most heated rival.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Ravens are both hoping for Olaivavega Ioane in the 2026 NFL Draft
The Steelers brought Ioane in for an official visit leading up to the draft. They've expressed a clear interest in him and have a need at left guard after losing Isaac Seumalo in free agency. The fit makes perfect sense.
He's a big mauler with surprisingly refined technique as a pass blocker. In a draft class full of question marks, he's one of the most complete players available. This would be an instant success for the new regime in Pittsburgh.
There's just one problem. It's looking more and more like the Penn State guard will be taken long before the Steelers are on the clock. If it isn't the Ravens, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Detroit Lions could draft him.
Still, the worst possible scenario may be the most likely. Out of the teams thought to be interested in him, the Ravens will pick first. Unless a top prospect unexpectedly falls into their laps, they'll be expected to draft him.
Not only would it hurt to watch an AFC North rival take such an enticing prospect, but the pick would leave the Steelers with minimal options at No. 21. Other offensive linemen like Monroe Freeling and Kadyn Proctor have potential to be great, but they're nowhere near as polished as Ioane is heading into this draft.
The Steelers could look to an entirely different position group if Ioane is gone, but that may leave them with a glaring hole on the line.
After months of daydreaming about Ioane's fit in the black and yellow, Steelers fans are getting dangerously close to seeing him in purple.
Add us as a preferred source on Google