Steelers Await First Round Pick's Attendance for NFL Draft

Podcast discusses chances of team's top selection showing up in Pittsburgh for the big event.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:05pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, using sharp planes of black, gold, and white to abstractly represent a football game or NFL draft event, with no recognizable figures or text.A cubist interpretation of the Steelers' draft plans and roster decisions captures the complexity and multiple perspectives surrounding the team's offseason.Today in Pittsburgh

In the latest edition of the Steelers Afternoon Drive podcast, hosts Brendan Howe and Zachary Smith discuss the likelihood of the team's first-round draft pick attending the upcoming NFL Draft in person. The conversation also touches on the potential fallout from a possible trade involving star linebacker TJ Watt, as well as the grace period new head coach Mike McCarthy may have.

Why it matters

The presence of the Steelers' top draft selection at the NFL Draft is an important symbolic moment that can set the tone for the player's relationship with the team and fanbase. Additionally, any major roster moves like a Watt trade would have significant implications for the franchise's future.

The details

On the podcast, the hosts analyze the various factors that could influence whether the Steelers' first-round pick attends the draft in Pittsburgh, such as the player's location, schedule, and desire to be present for the momentous occasion. They also speculate about the potential fallout from a TJ Watt trade, should the team decide to part ways with their star defensive player. Finally, the discussion touches on the expectations and grace period new head coach Mike McCarthy may have as he takes over the team.

  • The 2023 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 27-29 in Kansas City, Missouri.

The players

TJ Watt

The Steelers' star linebacker, who has been the subject of trade rumors.

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, taking over for the retired Mike Tomlin.

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What they’re saying

“We discuss the chances of the team's first-round pick being in Pittsburgh for the NFL Draft, the concept of a TJ Watt trade and the potential fallout and what we think the grace period will be for Mike McCarthy.”

— Zachary Smith, Co-host, Steelers Afternoon Drive

What’s next

The Steelers will continue to monitor the situation around their first-round pick's attendance at the draft, as well as any potential roster moves involving TJ Watt. Fans will be eager to see how the team's new head coach, Mike McCarthy, is received and performs in his first season.

The takeaway

The Steelers' offseason is shaping up to be an eventful one, with questions surrounding their top draft pick, the future of star player TJ Watt, and the arrival of a new head coach in Mike McCarthy. These storylines will be closely watched by the team's passionate fanbase as they anticipate the start of the 2023 NFL season.