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By the People, for the People
Steelers Worst-Case Scenario in NFL Draft
Pittsburgh has 12 draft picks, including 5 in the first 100 selections, but could still make some questionable choices.
Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:25pm
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The Steelers' draft strategy will be a puzzle to solve, with multiple needs and premium picks to balance.Miami Gardens TodayThe Pittsburgh Steelers are in a strong position heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, with 12 total picks and 5 in the first 100 selections. However, the team could still make some missteps, such as drafting a quarterback in the first round or selecting an edge rusher when they already have depth at the position. These moves would fail to address the team's true needs and could set them back in the long run.
Why it matters
The Steelers have a prime opportunity to build a roster that can compete under new head coach Mike McCarthy. Making the wrong choices in the draft, especially with their premium picks, could squander this chance and leave the team without the necessary pieces to succeed.
The details
The Steelers are rumored to be interested in drafting a quarterback in the first round, despite having patience with Aaron Rodgers' situation. However, the only first-round QB prospect aside from the presumptive #1 overall pick is Alabama's Ty Simpson, who is viewed as having upside but is not a clear-cut solution at the position. Selecting Simpson or any other QB in the first round would be a waste of a premium pick. The team is also being projected to target an edge rusher in the first round, but this makes little sense given their depth at the position with T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, and Jack Sawyer already on the roster.
- The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh, the Steelers' home city, giving them a chance to impress the hometown crowd with their first-round pick.
The players
Mike McCarthy
The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who will be looking to build a roster that can compete in his first season.
T.J. Watt
The Steelers' star outside linebacker, who is part of a deep group at the position alongside Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, and Jack Sawyer.
Ty Simpson
The Alabama quarterback who is viewed as the only first-round QB prospect aside from the presumptive #1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza.
Akheem Mesidor
The Miami defensive lineman who is expected to be a top edge rusher prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.
T.J. Parker
The Clemson edge rusher who is also projected to be a high draft pick in 2026.
What’s next
The Steelers will need to carefully evaluate their options and avoid making any knee-jerk decisions in the first round that could set the team back. They have a prime opportunity to build a roster that can compete under Mike McCarthy, but missteps in the draft could squander that chance.
The takeaway
The Steelers are in a strong position heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, but they must be strategic with their premium picks to ensure they address the team's true needs and build a roster that can compete. Drafting a quarterback or edge rusher in the first round would be a worst-case scenario that fails to move the team forward.
