Steelers Now
Developing offensive linemen has long been one of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ organizational strengths, and tackle Dylan Cook is hoping to become the latest success story.
While he may not receive the same attention as Pittsburgh’s projected starters, Cook has quietly continued to develop since arriving in the NFL. Entering the 2026 season, the fourth-year offensive lineman will once again compete for a larger role as the Steelers continue building depth in the trenches.
For Cook, the opportunity has never come easy.
After going undrafted out of Montana in 2022, Cook signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before eventually landing in Pittsburgh. Since then, he has spent time learning the Steelers’ offensive system on the practice squad while working to prove he belongs on an NFL roster.
The Steelers have consistently valued offensive line depth, understanding that injuries throughout a 17-game season often force backups into meaningful action. The opportunity arrived sooner than expected in 2025 for Cook. After starting left tackle Broderick Jones went down with an injury, Cook was called upon to step into the lineup. Rather than simply holding his own, he delivered several encouraging performances, showing he could be trusted against NFL competition and giving the Steelers confidence in their offensive line depth moving forward.
At 6-foot-6 with impressive athleticism for his size, Cook possesses the physical traits teams look for in a developmental tackle. His continued growth in pass protection and run blocking could determine whether he becomes a dependable depth option for Pittsburgh moving forward.
Cook’s journey to the NFL has been anything but conventional.
Before becoming an offensive tackle, Cook played quarterback at Montana State–Northern before transferring to Montana, where he transitioned to the offensive line and developed into an NFL prospect. That background helped shape his athletic ability and footwork, traits that have continued to stand out as he has developed at one of football’s most demanding positions.
Cook has also maintained the same mindset throughout his climb. Asked this offseason whether his approach had changed despite competing for a larger role, he made it clear the blueprint has remained the same.
“Not really. Not at all. Just get back to the drawing board, keep doing kind of what I’ve been doing, maybe fine-tuning things here and there, but in terms of the blueprint, it hasn’t changed much,” Cook said on the Steelers Afternoon Drive podcast.
Opportunity will ultimately determine how large Cook’s role becomes.
Pittsburgh has invested heavily in rebuilding its offensive line over the last several seasons, creating fierce competition throughout the position room. But the Steelers have also shown they are willing to reward players who continue developing behind the scenes.
Whether Cook earns a roster spot as a reserve tackle or pushes for additional playing time, his steady development has kept him firmly in the conversation.
As the Steelers continue searching for dependable offensive line depth, Cook remains one of the more intriguing players working to earn a larger opportunity.
76 • Dylan Cook, Offensive Tackle, Montana
**6-foot-6, 305...
