Just days before the rush of free agency began, the Pittsburgh Steelers surprised their fanbase by kicking off their pre-draft visits... and the first reported prospect meeting with the team is the last player we expected to see.
On Friday, ESPN's Brooke Pryor reported that the Steelers are hosting Miami Hurricanes offensive tackle Markel Bell for a 30-visit.
With reports that Broderick Jones had to have spinal fusion to repair his neck this offseason—and that he may not be ready for training camp as a result—it's hardly a shock to see the Steelers express interest in offensive tackle help this offseason. However, it's the particular prospect they brought in that is already throwing fans through a loop.
Bell doesn't fit the mold of what the Steelers currently have on their offensive line. Since taking over as general manager for his first draft in 2023, Omar Khan has valued athletic offensive linemen with terrific movement skills who can get out in space.
This doesn't fit the description of Bell. But the Miami offensive tackle offers plenty of intrigue.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could look to change their OL philosophy after visiting with Miami OT Markel Bell
Over the past few offseasons, the Steelers have built their offensive line around the style that former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and former OL coach Pat Meyer wanted—wide zone O-linemen who could move laterally and get to the second level. While Bell can't do this at a high level, he does offer an intriguing skill set.
At the 2026 NFL Combine, Bell measured in at 6'9'' and 346 pounds with massive 36 3/8'' arms. This is an enormous frame that will immediately make him one of the largest players in the NFL the moment he's drafted.
Bell wins with sheer power and length. He can anchor against the strongest pass rushers, and his extraordinary wingspan makes it a chore for pass rushers to get around him. However, Bell's athletic limitations were on display when he posted a 5.36 in the 40-yard dash. Speed and quickness are not his forte.
The fact that the Steelers are using a top-30 visit on Bell means that new head coach Mike McCarthy and new OL coach James Campen could be looking to change the philosophy along the offensive line. Pittsburgh is expected to operate a ton out of '11' personnel with a heavy focus on the passing game, and Bell acts as a wall that edge rushers can't go through.
NFL experts have a range of views as to where Bell should be drafted, but the Miami OT could find himself off the board as early as the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
This is just one prospect meeting, but if Pittsburgh's pre-draft visit with Markel Bell is any indication, the Steelers could look to shift their philosophy on the offensive line in 2026.