With the Pittsburgh Steelers wrapping up their pre-draft visits, this week has been especially important as the NFL Draft approaches. Under general manager Omar Khan, the Steelers have consistently hosted their eventual first-round pick before draft night. Since he took over in 2023, Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, and Derrick Harmon all visited Pittsburgh prior to the event.
Many expect the franchise to target a receiver in the first round, but that outcome is far from guaranteed.
While the Steelers would certainly welcome more talent at the position, they may also be open to unexpected directions. After hosting Olaivavega Ioane on a pre-draft visit, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor, his stock appears to be rising within the organization. Given how highly Omar Khan values offensive linemen, Ioane remains a legitimate option for Pittsburgh.
Unless the Steelers trade up for a receiver like Makai Lemon or Jordyn Tyson, landing an immediate-impact pass catcher at pick 21 seems unlikely. If both Lemon and Tyson come off the board early, Pittsburgh may be forced to pivot in the first round. That shift in strategy could point them toward their most recent pre-draft visitor. Selecting Ioane would help stabilize the offensive line.
Pittsburgh Steelers' pre-draft visit with OG Vega Ioane could shake up the NFL Draft
After losing Isaac Seumalo in free agency, it’s easy to understand why the Steelers are showing so much pre-draft interest in multiple guard prospects. They did sign Brock Hoffman, and Spencer Anderson remains a possible contender for the open job. Still, neither player projects as a long-term starter in Pittsburgh, which creates a strong case for selecting a guard early in the draft.
The need to upgrade at guard remains a priority for the Steelers, but having Hoffman and Anderson on the roster makes it slightly less urgent. Ioane, however, is the type of player who could immediately bring a physical edge to the AFC North. He represents a clear upgrade over their current options and fits the prototype Pittsburgh typically targets.
His pre-draft visit this late in the process significantly boosts his chances of becoming their pick.
Ioane played his college ball at Penn State, just a short drive from Pittsburgh. His visit qualifies as a local-prospect meeting, giving the Steelers even more flexibility in their pre-draft process. He’s already familiar with the harsh Pennsylvania winters, so transitioning to the Steel City wouldn’t be much of an adjustment. Vega is a punishing, physical blocker who thrives on dominating opponents in the trenches.
He’s exactly the kind of player Steelers fans would embrace.
Not landing one of the top receivers in the draft would certainly sting, but selecting Ioane would ease some of those concerns. He’s projected to go in the middle of the first round between picks 15 and 16, according to ESPN and Pro Football Focus. If he slips to pick 21, the Steelers would be getting excellent value. He’s a name worth circling as the first round approaches.
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