Steelers’ Mason McCormick named to PFF’s 2026 All-Breakout team

Posted by Admin July 19, 2026 NFL

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have another ascending offensive lineman on their hands.

Pro Football Focus analyst Bradley Locklear recently included third-year guard Mason McCormick 2026 NFL All-Breakout Team, highlighting the former South Dakota State standout as a player poised to take another significant step forward this season.

McCormick, who is expected to enter the year as Pittsburgh’s starting left guard, showed considerable growth during his sophomore campaign after an up-and-down rookie season. Locklear believes that trajectory positions him for an even bigger leap in 2026.

“The Steelers have developed several homegrown offensive linemen on the rise in recent years, and McCormick could be the next breakout candidate,” Locklear wrote.

McCormick’s progress was reflected in his PFF grades. After earning a 57.7 overall grade as a rookie, he improved to a 72.9 mark in his second season. According to Locklear, much of that improvement came during the second half of the season.

“The South Dakota State product was significantly better in his second year, with his overall PFF grade jumping from 57.7 to 72.9,” Locklear wrote. “Much of that improvement was fostered by late-season success. From Week 10 and later, McCormick was the 10th-best guard by overall grade (79.2), powered by his 81.0 PFF pass-blocking mark.”

While McCormick established himself as one of the league’s more reliable pass protectors over the final stretch of the season, Locklear noted there is still room for improvement before he reaches the upper tier of NFL guards.

“McCormick still has room to grow in the run game and in playing more steadily,” Locklear added. “But his work in pass protection could have him in improved standing under Mike McCarthy.”

With McCarthy taking over as Pittsburgh’s head coach and expected to place an emphasis on protecting veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, continued development from McCormick would be a welcome sign for a Steelers offensive line that has invested heavily in young talent over the past several drafts. If McCormick carries his late-season momentum into 2026, he could emerge as one of the breakout offensive linemen in the NFL.

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