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The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to signal a clear draft philosophy: build from the inside out.
In his latest mock draft, ESPN analyst Field Yates projects Pittsburgh selecting Olaivavega Ioane at No. 21 overall, a move that fits squarely with the organization’s long-standing emphasis on the trenches. It may not generate buzz, but it checks a critical box.
Yates wrote, “The clear-cut best guard in the draft is Ioane, who also happens to fill the Steelers' biggest need other than QB.” With Isaac Seumalo departing in free agency, the hole at left guard is both immediate and significant.
Ioane brings exactly what Pittsburgh covets up front. As Yates outlined, he is “a physical, rugged guard who shows crunching power at the point of attack” and was “exceedingly reliable at Penn State.” That combination of strength and consistency points to a plug-and-play starter for new head coach Mike McCarthy.
There is also a bigger picture angle. Yates added he believes Aaron Rodgers could return for one more season, making immediate offensive line stability even more important.
It's not a sexy pick, but for a team committed to building its foundation, Ioane makes complete sense.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers mock draft: Field Yates projects Olaivavega Ioane pick
Continue reading...
In his latest mock draft, ESPN analyst Field Yates projects Pittsburgh selecting Olaivavega Ioane at No. 21 overall, a move that fits squarely with the organization’s long-standing emphasis on the trenches. It may not generate buzz, but it checks a critical box.
Yates wrote, “The clear-cut best guard in the draft is Ioane, who also happens to fill the Steelers' biggest need other than QB.” With Isaac Seumalo departing in free agency, the hole at left guard is both immediate and significant.
Ioane brings exactly what Pittsburgh covets up front. As Yates outlined, he is “a physical, rugged guard who shows crunching power at the point of attack” and was “exceedingly reliable at Penn State.” That combination of strength and consistency points to a plug-and-play starter for new head coach Mike McCarthy.
There is also a bigger picture angle. Yates added he believes Aaron Rodgers could return for one more season, making immediate offensive line stability even more important.
It's not a sexy pick, but for a team committed to building its foundation, Ioane makes complete sense.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers mock draft: Field Yates projects Olaivavega Ioane pick
Continue reading...
