Last season, Steelers starting left tackle Broderick Jones was placed on injured reserve after suffering a neck injury in Week 12. He initially appeared to be making strong progress toward being fully healthy for training camp, but Adam Schefter later reported that Jones experienced a setback in his recovery and will be evaluated to determine whether he’ll be ready for training camp or the start of the regular season.
Neck injuries are never something to take lightly, and a setback like this raises real concern about his availability moving forward. With Jones’ status now uncertain, Dylan Cook is currently the only true left tackle on the roster.
Before the setback, it looked like Jones and Cook would compete for the starting left tackle job. Now, the Steelers front office is facing a much more difficult situation that could significantly impact their plans heading into the draft.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could be forced into taking another first-round offensive tackle
Once Omar Khan took over as general manager of the Steelers, there was a clear emphasis on rebuilding the trenches. His first-ever draft pick was a trade-up in the 2023 NFL Draft to select Broderick Jones. The following year, the Steelers doubled down at the position by drafting Troy Fautanu in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Now, with recent developments, it appears increasingly likely that the Steelers could once again target an offensive tackle, potentially in the first round. After Jones’ neck injury and with his fifth-year option decision due by May 1st, it is unlikely to be picked up, leaving Pittsburgh facing yet another long-term decision at left tackle.
The internal option would be Dylan Cook, who played well in relief of Jones, but as an undrafted player, he is still far from a proven long-term answer. Meanwhile, left guard remains another major need, which had also been viewed as a possible first-round target. However, that need may now take a back seat to the more pressing concern at left tackle.
The three most likely positions the Steelers could target in the first round appear to be left tackle, guard, and wide receiver. Given how this draft class is expected to shape up, it could be a first-round heavy class for offensive tackles and wide receivers.
If that scenario plays out, Pittsburgh may simply need to let the board come to them, especially if trade-up demand increases and the asking price becomes too steep. With 12 draft picks, the Steelers do have the ammo to make noise if they want to, but having glaring holes at left tackle and left guard makes it a hard pill to swallow to pass on those positions in favor of a wide receiver.
Especially considering the quarterback situation, whether it is Aaron Rodgers at his age and reduced mobility or Will Howard as a young, developing passer, both would benefit greatly from as much protection as possible. Strengthening the offensive line would go a long way toward stabilizing the offense and making life easier for whoever is under center.
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