Pro Football Focus has labeled several potential Pittsburgh Steelers draft targets as 'boom or bust' prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. These include wide receivers Jordan Tyson and Zachariah Branch, cornerback Jermod McCoy, quarterback Ty Simpson, and defensive lineman Caleb Banks. The designations highlight risks such as injuries and inconsistency amid the team's needs at quarterback, wide receiver, and secondary.
The Pittsburgh Steelers face key decisions in the 2026 NFL Draft, with needs at quarterback, wide receiver, and the secondary. Pro Football Focus analyst Max Chadwick identified five prospects linked to the team as 'boom or bust,' meaning they carry high upside but significant risks. Among them, cornerback Jermod McCoy from Tennessee is projected as a potential top-10 or top-15 pick despite missing the entire 2025 season due to a torn ACL. A strong medical evaluation at the NFL Combine could see him available later for Pittsburgh, where scout Alex Kozora compared him to Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward.
Wide receiver Jordan Tyson of Arizona State, once viewed as the class's top receiver, has battled injuries including a torn ACL, MCL, and PCL, plus a 2025 hamstring issue. Coached by former Steelers receiver Hines Ward, Tyson could slide out of the top 10, offering storyline potential if he falls to the Steelers at No. 21. Scout Nate Kosko noted that if Tyson stays healthy, he could become a 'plus starter,' though medical concerns remain.
Quarterback Ty Simpson from Alabama shows inconsistency, particularly late in 2025, but is expected as the second quarterback selected in the first round. Linked to Pittsburgh in mock drafts, Simpson might need a year to develop, with Chadwick advising teams to let him sit. Scout Jim Hester likened his ceiling to Marc Bulger and floor to Jimmy Garoppolo. The Steelers have long sought a franchise quarterback.
Defensive lineman Caleb Banks from Florida missed nine games in 2025 with a foot injury, raising red flags alongside run defense issues, though his upside is 'immense' per scout Ross McCorkle. Wide receiver Zachariah Branch from USC offers elite speed but relies heavily on gadget plays, with 51 of 93 targets behind the line of scrimmage, making him a mid-round option.
Separately, CBS Sports analyst Ryan Wilson suggested Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston, a 6-foot-4 target with a big catch radius, would 'make a ton of sense' for the Steelers at pick 21. Boston recorded 62 receptions for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025, complementing DK Metcalf despite speed questions to be tested at the Combine.
With few surefire prospects at No. 21, the Steelers may need to embrace risk for potential stars.
