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.
Ray Fittipaldo, a beat writer for the Pittsburgh Steelers, assessed the team's 2026 draft class as a B or B-minus during an interview on 93.7 The Fan. “In totality, I think it was a B or B-minus,” Fittipaldo said. “It wasn’t one pick that like really struck me.” He highlighted the class's mix of high-upside talents like first-round offensive tackle Max Iheanachor and third-round quarterback Drew Allar, alongside niche picks such as fourth-round receiver/returner Kaden Wetjen and fifth-round fullback Riley Nowakowski. Other selections included third-round lineman Gennings Dunker, sixth-round defensive lineman Gabriel Rubio, third-round cornerback Daylen Everette, seventh-round safety Robert Spears-Jennings, and seventh-round runner/receiver Eli Heidenreich. Pittsburgh emphasized offense, with only Everette seen as a guaranteed defensive roster addition, reflecting trust in Patrick Graham to manage the NFL's third-highest paid defense featuring stars like Nick Herbig. This marks a shift from prior drafts under general manager Omar Khan, including the acclaimed 2023 class with Joey Porter Jr. and Darnell Washington, and the 2025 group praised for Derrick Harmon despite trading a second-round pick for DK Metcalf. NFL.com analyst Kevin Patra outlined three areas needing attention before training camp under new head coach Mike McCarthy. First, resolve the quarterback situation, as Aaron Rodgers has not signed despite assumptions of his return, leaving Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Drew Allar in the mix. Second, address offensive line gaps with Iheanachor projecting at right tackle amid Broderick Jones's neck surgery, potentially flipping Troy Fautanu to left tackle. Third, bolster defensive depth, particularly inside linebacker, after passing on draft options despite an aging group including Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, and Malik Harrison.
