Steelers 2026 NFL Draft: 5 bold predictions for Pittsburgh over the course of draft weekend
Here are five bold, but practical predictions for the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, including what happens at quarterback, trade rumors, the wide receiver position, and more.
We are just hours away from the start of the 2026 NFL Draft, and the anticipation is reaching a boiling point. With so many storylines, rumors, gossip, and hearsay floating about, I think I speak for most fans, media members, players, and teams when I say that everyone is ready for Thursday to get here.
Pittsburgh Steelers GM Omar Khan said as much during his pre-draft press conference on Monday. But before we get there, why not make some bold, yet practical decisions on what the Steelers will do during the 2026 NFL Draft.
Steelers wait until day three to draft a quarterback
Despite Aaron Rodgers being a no-show and Will Howard taking the first-team reps at quarterback during voluntary minicamp in Pittsburgh this week, I think the Steelers will let Art Rooney save face and wait until day three to draft a signal-caller.
So, even without an answer from Rodgers and with only two quarterbacks on the roster, something tells me the Steelers are comfortable playing the waiting game again, even if it takes until June.
Steelers go back to the OT well in round one
Despite using two of their last three first-round draft picks on an offensive tackle, I’m afraid the Steelers may have no choice but to go back to the offensive tackle well this year. For one, the class is much deeper on paper than what is coming out in 2027.
On top of that, Broderick Jones suffered a setback in his rehab, clouding what was already a murky situation at best. Pittsburgh needs to solidify the LT spot and form a tackle duo for years to come.
Steelers don’t trade any defensive veterans
There have been a lot of rumblings that the Steelers will trade one of their pass rushers between now and Friday (day two of the draft). The most common name is Alex Highsmith, who could be in line for a new deal, which could be problematic with Nick Herbig also entering a contract year.
There are also players like Patrick Queen and Jalen Ramsey who were talked about as cut/trade candidates during free agency. I believe Pittsburgh will hold on to everyone in the effort for a final run, and then we could see some major offloading come 2027.
Steelers draft multiple WRs in rounds 2-4
While I’m not sure that the Steelers will have to address the WR position in round one, taking a couple of swings with one of their six picks between rounds 2 and 4 needs to be on the table in Pittsburgh.
Last year’s assortment of pass catchers in Week 17 against the Browns is a crime that can never happen again, and it’s about time the Steelers allocated some resources to that room via the draft.
Steelers make double-digit picks by the end of the draft
Until Monday, I thought the chances of the Steelers keeping all 12 of their selections were slim to none. But then McCarthy and Khan spoke to the media, and they both made it abundantly clear that more bites at the apple means more chances for player development, which means more chances at finding quality players.
It sounds like 10 is the floor for selections from Pittsburgh, but don’t be surprised if they added even more to their hefty total.