PITTSBURGH — Ben Roethlisberger knows exactly what it takes to win in the Steel City, and he believes the recipe hasn’t changed. On the latest episode of his Footbahlin podcast, the legendary signal-caller sent a blunt message to the front office: Draft more offensive linemen. Despite a 2025 season that saw Aaron Rodgers lead Pittsburgh back to the AFC Playoffs, Roethlisberger insists the work in the trenches is far from finished.
“Best Available Lineman” — The Big Ben Blueprint
Roethlisberger didn’t stutter when discussing the upcoming late-April draft. Even with high-capital investments like Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu holding down the edges, the two-time Super Bowl champion wants more muscle. “I’m still sticking to getting line in the first round,” Roethlisberger stated. “I think you take the best available linemen. I don’t care if it’s a tackle, guard, or center.”
The Steelers currently field a young, high-upside unit featuring Zach Frazier at center and Mason McCormick at guard. However, Roethlisberger’s former teammate James “Deebo” Harrison joined the chorus, suggesting the team needs depth to survive the brutal AFC North schedule. Roethlisberger agreed, noting that in the second round, a team can never have enough “fillers” for when the inevitable injury bug bites. The stadium atmosphere last winter was electric as Rodgers operated behind this emerging wall, but “Big Ben” fears a single injury could collapse the pocket for the 42-year-old quarterback.
“I don’t think there’s a better center in the league. I watched it every single week… No. 54 is as consistent as they come in the league. If the team was smart, they’d slap a deal on him pretty quickly.”
— Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers QB
The Post-Tomlin Era and the Path to 2026
Pittsburgh enters this draft cycle in a state of transition. Following the departure of Mike Tomlin after the 2025 Wild Card loss to Houston, the new regime faces a crossroads. Rodgers finished last year with 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns, proving he still has the arm talent to compete. But he took 29 sacks over 16 games—a number that must drop if he returns for the 2026 campaign.
Draft experts are already circling names like Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane and Oregon’s Emmanuel Pregnon as potential fits for the Steelers’ smash-mouth identity. If the front office heeds Roethlisberger’s advice, they will ignore the temptation of a “can’t-miss” quarterback prospect in favor of the blue-collar grinders who keep the engine running. The mission is clear: Keep Rodgers upright, win the line of scrimmage, and return the Lombardi Trophy to the North Shore.
