Penn State offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane (30) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

The following is the fourth of seven Pittsburgh Steelers position-by-position analyses for the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins Thursday in Pittsburgh:

CENTERS

Current roster: Zach Frazier, Ryan McCollum

Last five drafts: Kendrick Green (third round, 2021) failed in the Steelers’ attempt to make him an NFL center. Frazier (second round, 2024) has worked out well and could be the team’s starting center for many years to come.

Top centers available: Sam Hecht, Kansas State; Connor Lew, Auburn; Logan Jones, Iowa; Jake Slaughter, Florida

PSU/Pitt/WVU players: Penn State’s Nick Dawkins could end up being a late-round pick.

Possible Steelers picks: None

Analysis: The Steelers are happy with Frazier, and they re-signed McCollum as his backup. If they do take a center in the later rounds, it would be one with versatility who could play guard as well.

OFFENSIVE GUARDS

Current roster: Mason McCormick, Spencer Anderson, Brock Hoffman, Steven Jones, Sataoa Laumea, Aiden Williams

Last five drafts: Anderson (2023, seventh round) hasn’t been needed in the starting lineup, but with Isaac Seumalo departing in free agency, he’s currently No. 1 at left guard. McCormick (2024, fourth round) has stabilized the right guard position the last two seasons.

Top guards available: Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State; Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M; Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon; Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech; Jalen Farmer, Kentucky; Gennings Dunker, Iowa

PSU/Pitt/WVU players: PSU’s Ioane is widely considered the top guard in the draft and is expected to be a first-round pick.

Possible Steelers picks: Ioane; Bisontis; Pregnon; Rutledge

Analysis: Although Anderson has been a good seventh-round pick for the Steelers, the team can’t be overly confident with him as the starting left guard right now. Ioane would be an ideal pick for the Steelers at No. 21 if he’s still available. If he’s gone, the Steelers could address the need in the second round at pick No. 53 with guys like Bisontis, Pregnon or Rutledge. However the draft board plays out, the Steelers should select an offensive guard in the first three rounds.

OFFENSIVE TACKLES

Current roster: Troy Fautanu, Broderick Jones, Dylan Cook, Jack Driscoll, Lorenzo Thompson, Doug Nester

Last five drafts: Dan Moore (fourth round, 2021) never thrilled anyone, but no one could unseat him from the starting left tackle position while in Pittsburgh. He’s now with the Tennessee Titans. The Steelers were hoping to have Jones (first round, 2023) and Fautanu (first round, 2024) be their bookends on the line, but Jones has underperformed and is coming off spinal-fusion surgery. Fautanu anchors the right side.

Top offensive tackles available: Francis Mauigoa, Miami; Monroe Freeling, Georgia; Spencer Fano, Utah; Max Iheanachor, Arizona State; Kadyn Proctor, Alabama; Blake Miller, Clemson; Caleb Lomu, Utah

PSU/Pitt/WVU players: Penn State’s Drew Shelton is considered one of the top 20 offensive tackles and could be selected between the third and sixth rounds. Nolan Rucci, another Nittany Lion, could be a late-round selection.

Possible Steelers picks: Fano; Proctor; Markel Bell, Miami

Analysis: It’s hard to know when Jones will be cleared for full contact, so offensive tackle is a question mark. Cook filled in for Jones and may have outperformed him, so he’s still an option. The guess here is that if they take an offensive tackle early, it would be someone versatile like Fano or Proctor, whose best position in the NFL could be guard. If not, a player like Bell, whom they had in for an official draft visit, could be available in the middle rounds.

Coming Monday: Running backs

— Buck Frank