Steelers hit home run in Mel Kiper’s final mock draft
PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 29: Olaivavega Ioane #71 of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks on against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Piscataway, New Jersey. The Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 40-36. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesThe NFL Draft is just one week away, and there are several names to watch in terms of who the Pittsburgh Steelers could select. Will they take a wide receiver? Perhaps take a big swing at a quarterback? Or will they go elsewhere?
In Mel Kiper's final mock draft, he has the Steelers strengthening their offensive line and selecting Penn State guard Vega Ioane.
I'm working off the assumption thatAaron Rodgerswill be in black and yellow once more next season, but frankly, No. 21 is too early for Ty Simpson - or any other QB not named Mendoza - regardless of what the depth chart looks like on April 23," Kiper writes. I think it's more likely Pittsburgh takes a signal-caller on Day 2. Instead, the Steelers can use this pick to beef up the protection in front of their to-be-determined passer. Ioane plays with pure power, wrenching defenders out of the way. But he's also pretty swift on his feet at 6-4 and 320 pounds. He would be an easy swap forIsaac Seumalo, who left in free agency."
Ioane is highly-touted as the top guard in this class. Considering the job that Omar Khan has done at rebuilding the Steelers' offensive line through the draft, with four out of five starters in 2025 having all been drafted since 2023, Ioane would give the Steelers a complete set up home-grown offensive linemen who all have the potential to be stars.
Let us know what you think in the comments.Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
- Former Steelers OT Alejandro Villanueva recounts viral National Anthem moment
- Steelers legend Hines Ward will be in Pittsburgh for NFL Draft
- Steelers host Penn State QB Drew Allar to pre-draft visit
- NFL analyst reveals QB prospect Steelers have their eyes on
- Top guard prospect visiting Pittsburgh Steelers