Jason Mackey: The NFL draft hasn't been a refuge for the Steelers -- it's been a problem

PITTSBURGH — The Steelers have long sought to build through the draft.

However, if the current production doesn't soon increase, it'll be impossible to ignore concerns about what appears to be a dilapidated — or in some cases nonexistent — structure.

Broderick Jones (first round, 2023) and Troy Fautanu (first round, 2024) are the bookends on an offensive line that has allowed seven sacks through two weeks, tied for fourth-most in the NFL. Pro Football Focus grades Jones and Fautanu 59th and 54th, respectively, out of 67 qualifiers at their position.

It's unacceptable for that much draft capital.

Especially when it comes to Jones, who's made 29 NFL starts compared to just three for Fautanu. I wanted to give Jones a chance while moving over to his natural left side, but he sure seems to be trending toward bust territory.

Collectively, the build-through-the-draft Steelers obtained four of five offensive line starters that way, all since '23, and they're currently 30th with an average of 62.5 rushing yards per game.

Not that Maurkice Pouncey (2010, first), David DeCastro (2012, first), Marcus Gilbert (2011, second) and others fully delivered on expectations during the Killer B's Era, but they were better than what the current group has shown.

The Steelers' draft issues also aren't contained to the offensive line. They're everywhere.

In 2021, the Steelers used a first-round pick on Najee Harris and declined his fifth-year option last May, letting him walk as a free agent this offseason.

I never disagreed with their decision because I don't think Harris' value in this offense justified the price. But the point here is that Pittsburgh selected a player in a premium spot who did not become a franchise cornerstone.

It's happened far, far too frequently for the Steelers.

Since T.J. Watt (first, 2017), we've seen Terrell Edmunds (28th overall in 2018), Devin Bush (10th overall in 2019) and Chase Claypool (49th overall in 2020) flop. And embarrassingly so in two of the three cases, though general manager Omar Khan saved face by fleecing the Bears for the 32nd overall pick in 2023 that became Joey Porter Jr.

While the reasons for the Steelers' playoff drought are widespread, don't discount the importance of these failures.

We've seen them in other Pittsburgh sports, too.

The failure to obtain impact players via the draft was one of several factors that ended the Pirates' 2013-15 playoff run. There was a version for the Penguins, although it involved mostly trading away first-round picks (then missing on other prospects).

However it's happened, it's striking to look at the Steelers' recent drafts and wonder what could have been.

Not getting enough out of Kevin Dotson in 2020 (fourth round). Taking wide receivers in the second or third round in five of six years between 2017-22 ... and having zip to show for it. The Kenny Pickett (first) and George Pickens (second) whoopsie of 2022, which also included DeMarvin Leal and Mark Robinson, players who were cut last month.

Keeanu Benton (2023, second) was someone the Steelers were really counting on to take a sizable next step this season, but it seems the only steps he's taking this season are backward. Then again, Benton's lack of development surely isn't the only reason the Steelers are allowing 149.5 rushing yards per game, fifth-most in the NFL.

It's an overall lack of talent stemming from an area where the Steelers have historically thrived. And one byproduct has been the erosion of another franchise precept: dominating both sides of the running game.

Which means this would probably be a bad time to point out Kaleb Johnson was a third-round choice — someone many, including myself, expected to contribute right away. Coach Mike Tomlin, who's certainly atop the blame list for this downward and concerning trend, would be well within his rights to make Johnson inactive this week.

Between his kickoff brain cramp and what appears to be some sort of trepidation running the ball, it's hard to see what value Johnson brings to a game day roster.

It became that way with Kendrick Green (2020, third). And while Darnell Washington (2023, third) and Nick Herbig (2023, fourth) have produced relatively commensurate with their draft slots, Porter has not.

In his first two full seasons, Porter hasn't ranked higher than 63rd (out of 127 qualifiers) within PFF's grading system, putting him among the worst CB2 options in the NFL. It's worse if you include 2025 (98th out of 116). Obviously not ideal for someone who was essentially a first-round pick.

But the point isn't one individual player.

I'm also not interested in knee-jerk reactions to a strong game from Jack Sawyer (2025, fourth) Sunday, underwhelming stuff thus far from Yahya Black (2025, fifth) or Roman Wilson (2024, third) failing to command much attention. There's even Payton Wilson (2024, third) faring better than just four inside linebackers through two games, per PFF.

Those sample sizes are too small.

At the same time, we know the Steelers' thoughts here. Leverage the NFL draft, dominate the run and — most recently — to construct a roster from the inside-out.

Unfortunately for the Steelers, that project is behind schedule, the house is wobbling, and something better change real soon.