The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive line has been a work in progress. The team targeted the unit early in the draft again in 2026, taking Max Iheanachor in the first round and Gennings Dunker in the third. But former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch doesn’t think all those questions have been answered. On his podcast, Batch picked the most concerning position group on the roster.
“The one that I am is the offensive line…It was a concern going into last season, but they got stronger as the year went on, and I think that was a solid group. But…you’re losing your left tackle in Broderick Jones. You’re moving Troy from right to left, and you’re starting a potential rookie at right tackle,” Batch said Tuesday on his Snap Count podcast. “Can that group jell when the pads come on? And will they have enough time to be ready for Week 1?”
Picking the offensive line as the most concerning position group is an interesting choice. On paper, the unit seems to have a lot of depth. Even with Broderick Jones’ injury, Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, and Mason McCormick are three strong starters the team has drafted in recent years.
The unit was indeed figuring things out as the 2026 season progressed. Jones was, in particular, until a neck injury suffered against Chicago cost him the rest of his season. His injury also threw a wrench in the Steelers’ plans for their future offensive line.
Tackle became a bigger priority, so the Steelers took Iheanachor 21st overall. But he played right tackle in college, and thanks to Fautanu’s ability to play left tackle in his own college days, he now figures to move to the left side of the line. So far, it seems like Mason McCormick may be joining him on the left side. Finally, Dylan Cook may move to right tackle after holding the left tackle spot down to end the 2025 season, if Iheanachor isn’t ready to start right away.
All that movement is fair cause for concern. A young lineman might struggle when forced to move back and forth, as Jones has. However, prior experience is involved with each move. Fautanu played left tackle at Washington. McCormick has left guard experience from his time at South Dakota State. Iheanachor will remain at his natural position, and Cook started at right tackle at Montana.
At the very least, the Steelers know they have some quality starters on the offensive line. Frazier, McCormick, Fautanu, and Cook all looked solid in 2026. But Batch is a little worried about the unit building chemistry with all the adjustments in mind.
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