Illustration of Steelers' 2026 NFL draft picks Max Iheanachor and Kaden Wetjen amid mixed fan and analyst reactions.
Illustration of Steelers' 2026 NFL draft picks Max Iheanachor and Kaden Wetjen amid mixed fan and analyst reactions.
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Steelers' 2026 NFL draft class draws mixed reactions

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The Pittsburgh Steelers selected 10 players in the 2026 NFL Draft, including offensive tackle Max Iheanachor in the first round and wide receiver Kaden Wetjen in the fourth. Newcomer Kaden Wetjen expressed openness to lining up in the backfield on offense. Analysts offered varied praise and criticism for the haul.

The Steelers kicked off their draft by picking Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor at No. 21 overall after missing out on wide receiver Makai Lemon, who went one spot earlier to the Philadelphia Eagles. Rich Eisen praised the selection, noting the need for tackle depth amid Broderick Jones' neck injury. In the second round, they added Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard, described by Eisen as terrific for the slot and boundary roles with backfield carries.

What people are saying

Discussions on X about the Steelers' 2026 NFL draft class reflect mixed sentiments, with praise for OT Max Iheanachor's upside and later-round value, but criticism for perceived reaches like WR Kaden Wetjen in the fourth round and questions about overall star power; analysts and fans grade it mostly B-/B+.

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Steelers' first-round draft pick Max Iheanachor celebrates on NFL Draft stage.
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Steelers select Max Iheanachor 21st overall in NFL draft

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The Pittsburgh Steelers chose offensive tackle Max Iheanachor with the 21st pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Nigeria native started playing football just five years ago at East Los Angeles College after nearly quitting the sport. Coach Bobby Godinez convinced him to stay and developed him into a first-round prospect.

ESPN analyst Jeff Legwold has named seven prospects as top risers ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, with several connected to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cincinnati wide receiver Jeff Caldwell, who visited the team, tops the list of those linked to Pittsburgh. Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman and offensive tackle Max Iheanachor are also gaining momentum.

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Beat writer Ray Fittipaldo graded the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 NFL draft class a B or B-minus, noting no single standout pick. The team selected 10 players, its largest rookie class in over a decade, with an offensive focus signaling confidence in defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. Analyst Kevin Patra identified quarterback uncertainty, offensive line questions, and defensive depth as key post-draft priorities.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are focusing on adding depth at tackle, guard, and quarterback positions ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, following free agency moves. After losing left guard Isaac Seumalo, the team plans to start Spencer Anderson but eyes veteran and draft options. Uncertainty persists at quarterback with Aaron Rodgers' status unclear.

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A panel of anonymous NFL scouts has dismissed the 2026 wide receiver draft class as lacking elite talent, ranking Carnell Tate of Ohio State as the top prospect. The assessment comes amid speculation that the position is a priority for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Scouts told Bob McGinn via Go Long that no standout first-round caliber players emerge from the group.

Pittsburgh Steelers beat writer Mark Kaboly maintains that the team is likely to draft a wide receiver with the 21st overall pick in the first round. This comes after the Steelers acquired Michael Pittman Jr. and already have DK Metcalf on the roster. Kaboly expressed this view on The Larry & Big Man Show.

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The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Reactions from analysts range from suggestions to trade for another quarterback to optimism about his potential under head coach Mike McCarthy. Commentators highlighted both concerns and strengths in Allar's profile.

 

 

 

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