The Pittsburgh Steelers addressed several needs in free agency but left gaps at left guard, left tackle and safety heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. Analysts offer varied predictions for the team's 21st overall selection, from offensive tackle to safety. Opinions differ on using a high pick on interior linemen.
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed wide receivers, cornerbacks and safeties in early free agency, reducing urgency at those positions for the draft. However, left guard remains unaddressed after Isaac Seumalo departed for Arizona, with no addition of Brock Hoffman and reliance on Spencer Anderson for now. Broderick Jones recovers from neck surgery sustained in Week 12 of 2025, while Dylan Cook showed promise in five starts, including the playoffs, though with support from Seumalo at times. The team holds four picks in the top 85 and five in the top 99, providing flexibility beyond the first round. Steelers writer Bob Labriola expressed skepticism about drafting a guard at No. 21, stating, “Maybe this is just my bias, but I would have to be convinced that a guard in today’s NFL is worth the 21st overall pick in an NFL Draft.” He added, “I would have to be convinced it’s necessary to use No. 21 overall to get a starting-caliber LG out of this draft.” In the secondary, Pittsburgh signed cornerback Jamel Dean to a three-year deal and safeties Darnell Savage and Jaquan Brisker to one-year contracts, alongside re-signing Asante Samuel Jr. and retaining Brandin Echols. Beat writer Ray Fittipaldo predicted avoiding early cornerbacks but targeting a long-term starting safety, possibly at No. 21, second or early third round. He highlighted Oregon's Dillon Thieneman, noting his 4.35-second 40-yard dash, eight interceptions and 14 passes defended over 39 games. NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah mocked Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller to the Steelers at No. 21, suggesting, “Broderick Jones has underwhelmed at left tackle. With Miller in the fold, Troy Fautanu could move to the blind side in Jones’ place, thus clearing a spot for the rookie at RT.” Miller has not missed a game since high school and projects as a long-term right tackle. Offensive line ranks high among needs, marking a potential third first-round lineman under general manager Omar Khan since 2023.