The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be pivoting hard to analytics under new head coach Mike McCarthy, both on the field and off. McCarthy has spoken at length about the use of analytics from a decision-making standpoint as a coach, so could that translate to decision making on player acquisition?
Like, say, in the 2026 NFL Draft?
For Next Gen Stats analyst James Reber, if it does translate to the draft for the Black and Gold, there’s one player in the first round who makes the most sense for the Steelers from an analytical perspective.
In this scenario, the player highlighted by Reber is a perfect fit for the Steelers outside of analytics, too. That would be Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane.
“Many teams need reinforcements on their interior offensive lines; Ioane is widely considered the best true guard available and could easily slide into a multitude of lineups. However, the Steelers would be as ideal a landing spot as possible for both player and team,” Reberwrites of Ioane. “Pittsburgh has a void at left guard followingIsaac Seumalo‘s departure; the new Arizona Cardinal allowed a 3.7% pressure rate last season, the best at the position. However, he largely owes that statistic toAaron Rodgers‘ quick passing prowess.
“With Mike McCarthy and Omar Khan looking to retain Rodgers, they could stabilize the line’s interior protection with Ioane while also giving the rookie a QB whose play style will help him smoothly navigate the transition to the NFL.”
The left side of the offensive line remains in a bit of flux for the Steelers, especially with left tackle Broderick Jones’ health up in the air. Though the Steelers did have a positive report of Jones’ recovery recently at the NFL owners meetings, he’s still rehabbing from spinal fusion surgery, so it’s a huge question mark.
Losing Isaac Seumalo in free agency was a big blow, too, but the Steelers have expressed their confidence in Spencer Anderson, and shored up depth with the signing of Brock Hoffman in free agency.
But a player like Ioane would lock down the position for the next decade and give the Steelers a Pro Bowl-level talent right away.
All signs are indicating that Aaron Rodgers will return for a second season with the Steelers, too, reuniting with McCarthy. So, Pittsburgh has to make sure the offensive line is set in front of him. Pittsburgh largely did a decent job last season protecting him, but the offense was also designed to get the ball out quickly, negating some of those potential hits he could have taken.
Without Seumalo, who was one of the team’s best pass blockers, Pittsburgh’s offensive line looks a bit weak. That could all change with Ioane, should he be on the board at No. 21 overall.
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