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Steelers hosted pre-draft visit for Penn State OL Vega Ioane Tuesday
TL;DR
The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted Penn State offensive lineman Vega Ioane for a pre-draft visit, potentially eyeing him for the 21st pick. Ioane, an All-American guard, has not allowed a sack in the last two seasons, making him a strong candidate to bolster the Steelers' offensive line.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history. From the days of the Steel Curtain in the 1970s to the balanced buzz saw they became in the 2000s, the organization has always prided themselves on having elite play in the trenches.
Their defensive front remains one of the best in football, but it’s been some time since they’ve had a solid line on the opposite side of the ball. That could all change if they decided to draft former Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane next week if he falls to the 21st pick.
ESPN’s longtime draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. mocked the All-American lineman to Pittsburgh last month, but they’ll need a little bit of luck to get him with several teams in need of interior offensive lineman ahead of them. If Ioane is still on the board, though, there is a chance the Steelers take him after they hosted him on a top-30 visit earlier today.
One of the best interior pass blockers in recent memory, Ioane hasn’t given up a sack in his last two seasons. Pittsburgh would need to add more pieces to make the line elite, but the guard spot is one position that they would have held down for the next decade or more.
Several teams in the draft appear to be enamored with Ioane, so there’s a good chance he becomes the next Nittany Lions star in the NFL.
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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Steelers hosted Penn State All-American OL on top-30 pre-draft visit
Q&A
What are the chances of Vega Ioane being drafted by the Steelers?
The Steelers could draft Vega Ioane if he is still available at the 21st pick, but they face competition from other teams needing interior offensive linemen.
How has Vega Ioane performed in college football?
Vega Ioane is recognized as one of the best interior pass blockers and has not given up a sack in his last two seasons at Penn State.
What position does Vega Ioane play and why is it important for the Steelers?
Vega Ioane plays as a guard, a crucial position for strengthening the Steelers' offensive line, which has struggled in recent years.
