Steelers' undrafted rookie could be a replacement for struggling left tackle

The Pittsburgh Steelers continued to round out their roster even after the 2025 NFL Draft concluded. The Steelers have brought on a few undrafted free agents since the end of the big event. In undrafted free agents, many teams are looking for players to add to their practice squad for further evaluation and development. It also allows those players to seize the opportunity and prove to NFL teams that they are capable of playing at the next level. These opportunities are especially beneficial to guys who played at smaller Division I programs or even Division II, like Aiden Williams.  

Williams played his entire college career for the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD). Williams began his collegiate career as a tight end before transitioning over to the offensive line. During his collegiate career, Williams spent most of his time playing left tackle, but also took snaps at guard. 

With his size, Williams might be better suited to play tackle rather than guard in the NFL. He doesn't have the size of a guard and could have a difficult time against elite defensive tackles in the NFL. Lance Zierlein, analyst for the NFL's official website, wrote his analysis of Williams pre-combine. 

"Sixth-year senior who is likely to transition from tackle to guard due to a lack of length," Zierlein wrote. "Williams has a frame that should accept more muscle mass with additional work, and he plays with admirable aggression. He has the athletic qualities move-blocking teams look for and can get to play-side/back-side blocks."

His hand placement and pad level frequently leave him at a disadvantage, leverage-wise, though, and his pass protection is too reactive, leading to frantic recoveries that lack technique. Williams has developmental potential that might warrant a trip to a practice squad for a look."

Williams will have a lot to improve on if he plans to make the Steelers' final roster. Playing at a Division II school also hinders Williams because he was not playing against elite talent during his six years at UMD. However, there is still a lot of potential for Williams if he can develop into a legitimate offensive tackle in the NFL. According to the Relative Athletic Score, Williams ranked 99 out of 1501 offensive tackles from 1987 to 2025.

With the potential Williams possesses, the Steelers could keep him around as an insurance policy for Broderick Jones. Jones, who has the elite size and speed for an offensive tackle, has struggled in his two seasons with the Steelers. Jones has elite athleticism, but has struggled with his hand techniques, allowing him to be beaten off the line and giving up sacks. 

Williams' hand techniques and placement are also concerning, but if he can develop better techniques, he could make for a perfect backup for Jones. NFL seasons are long and grueling, especially for offensive linemen, who are constantly playing in the trenches. 

Outside of the quarterback, the offensive line is the next important players on the offense. So, being able to have a backup who could potentially step in and have the offense not miss a beat if a starter goes down is critical. 

Steelers continue to add depth with undrafted free agents 

Williams has a lot to prove during training camp to make the Steelers' official roster. If he can show signs of improvement, he may find himself on an NFL roster after being an undrafted free agent from a Division II school. If Williams makes the final roster, he will more than likely be a backup, but he would provide depth to the offensive line. Williams played both tackle and guard while in college, so he will provide the Steelers with flexibility on where they can play him when needed. 

Steeler Nation, how do you feel about undrafted free agent Aiden Williams?