The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2026 NFL Draft with 12 picks, including five in the first three rounds, after addressing several needs in free agency. Experts such as Todd McShay and Ross McCorkle emphasize priorities like offensive line, wide receiver, and safety. Recent history suggests value at the No. 21 pick.
Pittsburgh's general manager Omar Khan filled immediate gaps in free agency, leaving flexibility for the draft. Draft analyst Todd McShay recommends targeting offensive line early, particularly left guard or left tackle at No. 21. 'I think they need early on, to get a guard, tackle, I think they need a left guard, and I think there’s more questions than answers, maybe, at left tackle,' McShay said on his podcast. Spencer Anderson is projected to start at left guard, but concerns linger with Broderick Jones recovering from spinal fusion surgery and limited experience at left tackle from Dylan Cook. Vega Ioane is a top guard option, though he may require a trade-up. McShay also sees slot receiver, safety, and interior defensive lineman fits on Day 2, given the depth at wide receiver. Ross McCorkle's mock draft version 2.0 selects wide receiver KC Concepcion at No. 21, praising his explosiveness despite drop issues and a recent knee procedure. Later picks include guard Emmanuel Pregnon at No. 53, linebacker Josiah Trotter at No. 76, and safety Genesis Smith at No. 84. A ranking of needs places guard first after Isaac Seumalo's departure, followed by slot receiver, inside linebacker with Patrick Queen in his final contract year, safety amid short-term deals for Jaquan Brisker and aging Jalen Ramsey, and nose tackle. Historical No. 21 picks like Derrick Harmon last year, Vince Wilfork, and Chandler Jones indicate potential for impact players.
