Steelers 2026 Training Camp Preview: Offensive Tackles

The Pittsburgh Steelers enter training camp with optimism surrounding their offensive tackle room, but there are still important questions to answer.

Former first-round picks Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu were expected to anchor the position for years to come, giving Pittsburgh the young bookends it has been searching for. However, Jones enters the final season of his rookie contract with both players having battled through injuries throughout their young careers. Behind them, veteran Jack Driscoll provides experienced depth while Dylan Cook and 2026 first round draft pick Max Iheanachor look to carve out roles as well.

With Aaron Rodgers entering what is expected to be his final NFL season, protecting the edges of the offensive line will be one of the biggest priorities throughout camp. How quickly new line coach James Campen gets this group to come together could go a long way toward determining the success of Pittsburgh’s offense in 2026.

Here’s a look at the offensive tackles heading to Latrobe.

Broderick Jones

Few Steelers enter training camp on a warmer hotseat than Broderick Jones. Broderick Jones enters a pivotal training camp that would’ve seen him looking to solidify himself as the Steelers’ franchise left tackle. The former first-round pick has experienced his share of highs and lows through his first three NFL seasons. After taking over at right tackle midway through his rookie year, Jones remained a starter in 2024 before making the full-time move to left tackle in 2025.

While his first season protecting Aaron Rodgers’ blind side included some early struggles, Jones settled into the role and played some of the best football of his career before a neck injury ended his season in Week 12.

There are still lingering questions surrounding Jones’ health, and with the Steelers having passed on exercising an expensive fifth-year option on his current deal, and with the team using a first round selection on another tackle, he enters camp with uncertainty about his future.

If Jones is clear to go, training camp will be about proving he can deliver the consistency expected of a player drafted 14th overall and become the long-term cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s offensive line.

Troy Fautanu

Troy Fautanu finally enters training camp with the opportunity to build on meaningful NFL experience.

The Steelers’ 2024 first-round pick showed plenty of promise in his first career start before a season-ending knee injury cut his rookie campaign short after just one game. Healthy again in 2025, Fautanu earned the starting right tackle job and quickly justified the Steelers’ faith, allowing zero sacks through the first four games while becoming a reliable part of Pittsburgh’s offensive line.

Now entering his third season, the focus shifts from simply staying healthy to taking the next step as an established starter. The question is, where does he play? On the left, or the right?

Offseason workouts and minicamp gave us a glimpse of Fautanu returning to his college roots and playing as a left tackle, which could push Jones out of playing time and any chance of redemtpion.

Max Iheanachor

The Steelers made a significant investment in Max Iheanachor by selecting him in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft.

After taking an unconventional path from junior college to Arizona State, Iheanachor developed into one of the Big 12’s top offensive tackles before arriving in Pittsburgh.

Many believe he is unlikely to begin the season as a starter, which has many wondering if the Steelers front office panicked after Makai Lemon slipped through their grasp. For a team in need of offensive line talent, Iheanachor is viewed as a developmental project.

Training camp will provide an opportunity to show he can quickly adjust to NFL competition. His progress throughout camp and the preseason could determine how quickly the Steelers are comfortable trusting him, especially if injuries arise.

Regardless, his arrival likely means Broderick Jones’ time in Pittsburgh is all but numbered.

Dylan Cook

Dylan Cook enters training camp with more momentum than at any point in his NFL career. After spending multiple seasons developing within Pittsburgh’s system, Cook finally made his NFL debut late last season and stepped into the starting lineup at left tackle following injuries.

The fact he stepped in and looked better than Jones, was more concerning for the latter than the former.

That experience gives him a legitimate chance to earn a roster spot as one of the team’s primary backup tackles, but he could also factor into a starting role, as seen during offseason workouts: this time, on the right side of the line, as Fautanu shifts to the left and Iheanachor bides his time.

Cook will need a strong camp to hold off younger competition, but his familiarity with his teammates and positive game experience could work in his favor.

Jack Driscoll

Jack Driscoll gives the Steelers something every contender values: experienced offensive line depth.

After joining Pittsburgh late last season, the former Eagle did enough to earn a new contract for 2026. His ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line makes him a valuable insurance policy behind the projected starters.

Training camp will be about reinforcing that role while competing with younger players for one of the final roster spots.