In the upcoming NFL Draft, there are a few positions that stick out as obvious needs for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Some may be filled through free agency, but quarterback, receiver, cornerback, safety and left guard all have a chance of being targeted early in the draft.
However, there’s another position that worries PFF’s Dalton Wasserman, and it’s offensive tackle. Speaking on the PFF NFL Show Wednesday, Wasserman was asked if he’d give Broderick Jones a fifth year given the uncertainty around his status. In his answer, Wasserman mentioned that the Steelers might want to consider the tackle position in the draft.
“Not if I can get Trent Williams. I mean, I might consider tackle for them in this draft anyway,” Wasserman said.
Jones’ future is very much up in the air, which is disappointing considering he seemed to be making some improvements during the 2025 season. The first couple of games were ugly, but Jones looked a lot better as the season went on. He had good performances against some of the top edge rushers in the league.
However, Jones suffered a season-ending neck injury against Chicago back in Week 12. Injuries to the head or neck are always a bit more serious. Omar Khan didn’t have a timetable for Jones, speaking at the Combine this week. Recovering from an injury like that is very tricky, so there’s a chance Jones gets a late start on the 2025 season.
It doesn’t help him that Dylan Cook played very well in his absence. But that does give the Steelers more flexibility at the position. Without Cook, the tackle position might be much bigger of a need at the moment, considering Jones’ injury. However, Cook will be in the building next year and should have a chance to compete for the starting job.
But that doesn’t mean it’s a position the Steelers should just ignore in the draft. There is a world where they lose both Jones and Cook in the near future. If the Steelers don’t pick up his fifth-year option, Jones will become a free agent after the 2026 season. On his current deal, Cook will hit free agency after this year, too. If Cook plays well, he could earn a payday, one that the Steelers don’t match in free agency. So it might be worth drafting a tackle with one of the 12 picks.
Yet, considering the depth at the position, the Steelers don’t need to use an early draft pick on it. It’s a spot to consider, but there are much bigger needs elsewhere on the roster.
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