The NFL Draft is just hours away from starting, and Pittsburgh Steelers fans are sitting on pins and needles waiting to see who this team's first-round pick will be. Speculation is rampant, and there isn’t a consistent take on who will ultimately be the pick on Thursday.
However, an early favorite may by Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane.
Seen as the top pure guard and arguably the best offensive lineman in the class, landing Ioane at pick 21 feels like a dream scenario for the Steelers. Arguably their biggest need, Ioane would be a clear upgrade over Spencer Anderson and Brock Hoffman.
The question is, will he make it that far in the draft? Typically undervalued, guards slip on draft day. It isn’t uncommon for the top options to fall into the end of the first round and to even find quality starts as late as the fourth round.
While the path for Ioane falling to pick 21 is clear, one major hurdle is the Baltimore Ravens at pick 14. Interior offensive lineman is a big need, and Ioane has been a popular mocked pick to Baltimore.
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However, some recent rumblings could be shifting the narrative away from the Ravens having to draft Ioane in the first. Jason La Canfora said that while the Ravens were happy with their draft slot, they also may not be players for a veteran receiver.
Considering the makeup of their receiver room (it is lacking outside of Zay Flowers) and the fact that Baltimore has met with almost every top receiver in the draft and it seems clear: the Ravens may be all in on a receiver in round one.
Even if they do go offensive line, numerous other options could make sense over Ioane. The Alabama to Baltimore connection is strong, and taking a player like Kayden Proctor shouldn’t be ruled out.
Spencer Fano was a tackle in school, but some are projecting that he moves inside. Some have even gone so far as to say he will play center in the pros. That is currently the biggest need for the Ravens.
It is also possible that the Ravens grab a falling player, as they are known to do. Kenyon Sadiq could fill the void Isaiah Likely left after he departed. What if a top pass rusher like Rueben Bain slips? He could serve as a potent edge rusher with Trey Hendrickson.
All of that to say, the Ravens shouldn’t be viewed as locks to take Ioane in the draft. While still possible, there should be a handful of other names that intrigue them.
If they pass on Ioane, I don’t see a clear suitor for the Penn State product. That could allow him to fall right into the Steelers lap at pick 21. All eyes will be on who Baltimore picks, and it could lead to the perfect prospect falling right into Pittsburgh’s lap.
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