NFL insider Jason La Canfora reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers are considering Ohio State defensive lineman Kayden McDonald, Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, and Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The suggestions come from league sources and highlight alternatives to wide receivers often linked to the team. None of the prospects have visited Pittsburgh for pre-draft meetings, though the Steelers met Thieneman and McDonald at the NFL Combine.
Pittsburgh has frequently been connected to wide receivers early in the draft, but La Canfora, writing for Sports Boom, indicated the Steelers might look elsewhere based on information from league sources. The team has not hosted formal pre-draft visits with McDonald, Thieneman, or Proctor, a departure from general manager Omar Khan's pattern of selecting first-round picks who have visited the facility beforehand. If the Steelers draft a receiver instead, La Canfora named WR Jordyn Tyson as a possibility, who also lacks a visit with the team. Thieneman could address safety needs, following the Steelers' pre-draft visit with Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. McDonald offers run-stopping ability as a potential nose tackle, allowing Keeanu Benton to shift to defensive end amid Pittsburgh's struggles against the run since late 2024. Proctor provides versatility at tackle or guard, filling gaps after Isaac Seumalo's departure in free agency and with Broderick Jones and Dylan Cook facing contract uncertainties. La Canfora noted limited prior buzz around these names for Pittsburgh, suggesting the team may be keeping interests quiet. Thieneman is unlikely to last to pick No. 21, Proctor may not either, but McDonald appears the most available of the trio.
