Mike McCarthy’s latest comments about the 2026 NFL Draft prove Steelers fans could be in for some fireworks in Round 1
Mike McCarthy hinted at a big night one in Pittsburgh.
The Pittsburgh Steelers hold the keys to what may be one of the most memorable NFL Drafts in the history of the league. The entire North Shore in the city is being transformed for draft weekend as one of the richest organizations in team sports prepares to host the NFL’s marquee event.
Armed with 12 picks and on home turf, the Steelers could look to make a big splash and trade up on night one, or they could stick and pick a player they hope to be around for years to come. Well, appearing on the Pat McAfee Show at the annual league meetings, HC Mike McCarthy made an interesting point about his prior draft classes, and it shows that Pittsburgh could be in for something special on night one.
Mike McCarthy emphasizes the need to hit on his first draft class
“I just think that first class is important, said McCarthy on the McAfee show via YouTube. “You know, when you’re building a program, you know the veterans and what’s there, and when we start next week, they will impact, the success of our football team in this upcoming year, but to get the guys connected and show this young group coming in is it’s extremely important.”
It feels more and more certain after McCarthy spoke with McAfee and the rest of the media in Phoenix that Aaron Rodgers is coming back. McCarthy stated that he speaks with Rodgers multiple times a week about football and much more.
So let’s assume that quarterback is off the table in round one. There are two primary positions that the Steelers could target, and a sleeper position that could make for an intriguing trade-up option on night one.
WR, OL, S, possible R1 targets for the Steelers
There are a plethora of tackles who make sense, an intriguing guard via Vega Ioane, and any one of the big three at WR via Carnell Tate (who would like to team up with Will Howard again), Makai Lemon, and Jordyn Tyson could be there for the taking.
But what intrigues me is the possibility of trading up for a player like Dillon Thieneman, or Emmanuel McNeil Warren, or even, should he fall, Caleb Downs from the Ohio State Buckeyes. Pittsburgh has the requisite draft capital to make a move and I wouldn’t be surprised if Khan and McCarthy have something big in store for the crowd in Pittsburgh.
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