The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2026 NFL Draft in a familiar position: competitive enough to avoid a full rebuild, but with clear roster gaps that must be addressed to take the next step. With the Mike McCarthy era unfolding, 12 total picks in the draft, and expectations still rooted in contention, this year’s draft carries added weight.
Here’s a breakdown of Pittsburgh’s top draft priorities, focusing especially on the first two rounds.
Offensive Line: Building the Foundation
Protecting the quarterback and establishing a consistent run game remain essential. The Steelers have made strides along the offensive line, especially with the emergence of young players such as Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick and Troy Fautanu, but there is still work to be done.
Tackle depth is a concern, as the team still debates if former first round pick Broderick Jones is not only healthy, but a viable option as a starting left tackle. When Jones was sidelined last season, Dylan Cook stepped in and played beyond expectations. Both may get a shot to compete for a starting role, which leaves a single blank spot open for the starting line: guard.
With Isaac Seumalo leaving in free agency, adding a versatile lineman may be the team’s first approach. They could run with former seventh round pick Spencer Anderson, but his versatility to play any spot on the line may be too much to give up along with whether or not he’s capable of being an every down player in the interior. Drafting someone who can play guard early and potentially kick outside later would provide flexibility too.
The Steelers have long valued physical, durable linemen, and that identity likely continues in this draft. Expect this to be one of the first positions addressed if the value aligns.
Wide Receiver: Adding Explosiveness
The Steelers have never been shy about investing in wide receivers, and this year should be no different. In this last two offseasons Omar Khan has attempted to bolster the group with trades, adding names like D.K. Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., who bring proven production to the field. Adding a young, dynamic weapon would further elevate the offense.
Of their 30 pre-draft visits, the Steelers have had receivers in more than any other position. They have evaluated players that could be taken throughout the draft, not only indicating that receiver could be a top priority, but could be a position they choose multiple players at this year.
A big-bodied receiver who can win contested catches or a vertical threat who can stretch defenses are both in play. They will also need to evaluate players for special teams, including someone who can replace Calvin Austin III (who signed with the Giants this offseason) as a punt returner.
Pittsburgh’s track record of developing receivers makes this a logical area to target early or in the middle rounds.
Secondary: Depth and Durability
Injuries exposed the Steelers’ lack of depth in the secondary last season. Khan recently stated this is the most injured position in football, pulling the spotlight over to the defense as a potential first or second round target.
Adding a safety or cornerback who can contribute early, especially in sub-packages, would help stabilize the unit. Moving up to grab one of the top safeties in the draft could also be a major boon to the group, pairing a young, talented player with stalwart veterans.
The status of those veterans is the reason this could be the team’s shocking first round choice too. We don’t know if Jalen Ramsey will convert to safety full-time, nor do we know if DeShon Elliott will return from his injuries as the same player he was before he was sidelined.
Jaquan Brisker signed a one-year deal, making his inclusion to the roster a short-term investment. Perhaps the Steelers will view the safety position as long-term play, investing in a young player who can play multiple roles in the defensive backfield.
Those players tend to thrive in Pittsburgh’s previous system, and that flexibility could be a deciding factor on draft day with age and health looming as question marks across the group.
Quarterback: Present vs. Future
The biggest question surrounding the Steelers remains under center. Whether the team rolls with a veteran option like Aaron Rodgers or evaluates younger talent already on the roster, the long-term answer at quarterback is still unclear.
Pittsburgh has typically avoided reaching for quarterbacks without strong resumes, which makes this class tricky. It’s even difficult to say if a top-tier prospect unexpectedly falls, because there’s no true “top tier” once you get beyond the projected first overall pick, Fernando Mendoza.
Therefore, I don’t believe the Steelers will strike early. They may opt to address the position later or even punt the decision to a future draft, especially if they already have a handshake agreement with Rodgers.
The key here is discipline. Reaching for a quarterback without first-round traits has burned teams across the league, and Omar Khan has already witnessed that once before with Kenny Pickett. (Note: Pickett was previous GM Kevin Colbert’s pick.) Therefore, don’t expect Khan to make the same mistakes as his predecessor and waste draft capital in a player they don’t believe in.
Final Thoughts
The Steelers don’t need a complete overhaul, but they do need to be precise. The margin between staying competitive and becoming a true contender often comes down to hitting on draft picks.
If Pittsburgh can continue building the offensive line, inject more explosiveness into the offense and reinforce depth on defense, they’ll be in a strong position moving forward.
As always, the Steelers’ draft strategy will likely reflect a balance of immediate needs and long-term planning. And if history is any indication, they’ll trust their board, choosing the best player available, rather than chase headlines.