Andy Weidl Reveals Steelers Future Draft Plans

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have made no bones about the fact that since Omar Khan took over as the team’s general manager in 2023, and Andy Weidl came along with him as the assistant general manger, they have wanted to revamp their offensive line.

Last year, they drafted tackle Broderick Jones in the first round and guard Spencer Anderson in the seventh. This year, they drafted tackle Troy Fautanu in the first round, center Zach Frazier in the second and and guard Mason McCormick in the fourth.

Viola, an entirely new offensive line. Throw in vets James Daniels, Nate Herbig, Dan Moore and Isaac Seumalo and promising former undrafted free agent Dylan Cook, and the Steelers are practically overflowing with offensive line talent. It’s the one area on the team where they seem nearly certain to have too many NFL players to fit on the roster.

However the Steelers navigate their roster cuts, and despite the fact that Daniels and Moore are set to hit free agency after the end of this season, it doesn’t seem likely that the offensive line will once again be the draft priority for the Steelers in 2025 that it has been for the last two seasons.

Pittsburgh Steelers assistant general manager Andy Weidl before a game against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 23, 2022. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

So where will the Steelers turn their attention? Weidl was asked just that on Friday, and reading between the lines, he seemed to suggest that the next thing on their draft list is a defensive lineman.

“You always want to be strong. I always believe that your offensive line and your front seven, if they’re strong, they travel in this business. If they’re really good, they travel well. If you need to go win a game on the road late in the season or playoff game, they show up. So, you know, I’ve always built through the lines, offensive line, defensive line, front seven.”

“You want to have explosive playmakers. Wide receiver guys that can go get the ball, you know? So we’re always going to look. Secondary. I mean, it’s but you’ve got to be strong up front, right? You’ve got to be able to stop and impose your will on other teams and both sides of line of scrimmage.”

The Steelers have one piece of their future defensive line in place. That’s Keeanu Benton, the team’s second-round pick from 2023. Around him, veterans Cam Hayward and Larry Ogunjobi comprise the 2024 starting lineup.

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Keeanu Benton at practice on Aug. 3, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Heyward is 35 and is entering the final season of his contract. Ogunjobi, who has dealt with chronic foot issues for multiple seasons now, is 30 with two seasons left on his deal. Top backup Montravius Adams, 29, signed a one-year deal to come back this offseason.

While there are younger rotational players like DeMarvin Leal, Isaiahh Loudermilk and Logan Lee, there does not appear to be a future replacement for Ogunjobi or Heyward on the roster.

Wide receiver also appears to be an important future need for the Steelers — in addition to being a current one. The Steelers are still seeking a partner for George Pickens in the wide receiver room, and waiting to hear about their pursuit of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

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Regardless of whether or not Khan pulls off that move, wide receiver will likely be in the team’s future plans, as they need an outside receiver to partner with either Aiyuk or Pickens long term. Van Jefferson is only on a one-year contract, and youngsters Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson profile more as slot players.

Interestingly, Weidl didn’t mention the quarterback position, where the Steelers have their top three players all set to enter the season on expiring contracts. The Steelers seem content to let that play out and also  are confident that whichever quarterback they decide they’ll want for 2025, they’ll be able to sign after the season.

The Steelers may trade some draft picks in a move for a wide receiver, but to this point, they haven’t dangled their first-round pick. It seems likely that pick is ticketed for the defensive line.

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