Steelers Predicted to Trade Up for Ohio State Star in 2026 NFL Draft

ESPN's Bill Barnwell sees Pittsburgh moving up to No. 11 to select safety Caleb Downs.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:27pm

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The Pittsburgh Steelers currently hold the 21st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but ESPN's Bill Barnwell believes they may need to trade up to the 11th spot held by the Miami Dolphins in order to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, who Barnwell sees as a potential future superstar.

Why it matters

The Steelers have a history of making bold moves to acquire defensive players they view as game-changers, trading up in the 2003 and 2019 drafts to select safety Troy Polamalu and linebacker Devin Bush, respectively. Downs is widely regarded as one of the top-10 players in this draft class, and the Steelers may feel he's worth the cost of moving up 10 spots to secure his services.

The details

Barnwell's proposed trade would see the Steelers send the 21st overall pick, their third-round selection (76th overall), and a 2027 second-round pick to the Dolphins in exchange for the 11th overall pick and a 2027 sixth-round selection. While a steep price, the Steelers may view Downs as a player who can make an immediate impact on their defense.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Caleb Downs

An Ohio State safety who is widely regarded as one of the top-10 players in the 2026 NFL Draft class, known for his strong instincts, physicality, and playmaking ability.

Troy Polamalu

A Hall of Fame safety who the Steelers traded up to select in the 2003 NFL Draft, becoming a key part of their defense for over a decade.

Devin Bush

A linebacker the Steelers traded up to select in the 2019 NFL Draft, who had a career year in 2022 with the Cleveland Browns after injuries limited his impact in Pittsburgh.

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What they’re saying

“If he falls out of the top 10, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs keeps lingering in my head as a player who could fascinate the Steelers. Downs has incredible instincts and football savvy. He's a big hitter. Downs is also a playmaker, generating 12.5 tackles for loss, four picks and two forced fumbles in his two years with the Buckeyes.”

— Bill Barnwell, ESPN Analyst

“The Steelers don't often make major moves up the board, but when they have in Round 1, it usually has been for defenders they see as future superstars. In 2003, the Steelers went from 27 to 16 and grabbed safety Troy Polamalu. That one worked out pretty well. In 2019, Pittsburgh moved up from No. 20 to No. 10 and took linebacker Devin Bush.”

— Bill Barnwell, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Steelers will need to evaluate their draft strategy and determine if the cost of trading up for Caleb Downs is worth it. They will also need to continue addressing their quarterback situation, with Aaron Rodgers' future still uncertain.

The takeaway

The Steelers have shown a willingness to be aggressive in the draft when they identify a defensive player they view as a potential game-changer. Caleb Downs appears to fit that mold, and if he falls outside the top 10, Pittsburgh may be willing to pay a steep price to ensure they can add him to their roster.