Latest Steelers 2026 NFL Draft intel proves that Pittsburgh is eyeing one of the more polarizing prospects in the class
Omar Khan and the Pittsburgh Steelers are hosting a big time offensive tackle prospect, but he comes with plenty of discourse among the draft community.
The clock is ticking, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are making their final preparations ahead of next week’s marquee 2026 NFL Draft. We know that with Omar Khan at the helm, he would try to find a way to make trades if he had one total pick.
Instead, the Steelers have 12 total, and you know that number will be trimmed during the duration of draft weekend. But who are some of the players that the Steelers are eyeing? Well, we have been tracking and profiling them at A to Z Sports Pittsburgh. The latest prospect to take a visit to the UPMC Sports Complex might be one of the more polarizing in the class, however.
Steelers hosting Miami OT Markel Bell
When you see the mesarubles on Bell, who is listed at over 6-9, close to 350 pounds, and with a wingspan like a Boeing 747, you have to think he’s a first-round pick. However, there is a lot more to playing tackle than your measurables.
You have to be able to bend, redirect, and deal with speed rush effectively. All that mass and length is a liability more than an asset if you can’t get it moving, and for Bell, that’s where he struggles. For more on that, here is A to Z Sports NFL Draft analyst Ryan Roberts.
What the Steelers would be getting from Markel Bell
“Bell was considered a 0-star recruit coming out of Cleveland Central in Mississippi. While at Holmes Community College, Bell developed into a top JUCO prospect, eventually landing with Miami against an impressive offer list. From a size and length perspective, it’s easy to understand why. Bell has learned how to weaponize his length, keeping defenders out of his frame, while also using his long strides to cover enough ground in pass protection.”
“That makes up for his poor redirection skills, allowing too many pass rushers to cross your face. The biggest issue with Bell is his stiffness, which really hurts his ability to create leverage in the run game. Bell needs to be able to play with better pad level, or else power is going to eat him up on the next level. His size will get him a long look but whether he can overcompensate for his deficiencies will determine whether he ever becomes more than a potential swing option.” – Roberts
