Steelers Adjust Draft Process, Raise Questions

New approach to pre-draft visits and duties has fans wondering if it will lead to different results on draft day.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:20pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting the Pittsburgh Steelers' draft process as a fragmented, geometric composition, conveying the team's shift in scouting and evaluation methods.The Steelers' unconventional approach to the 2026 NFL Draft process is deconstructed into a cubist-inspired illustration.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers are taking a different approach to their pre-draft process this year, choosing not to bring in some top prospects for 30 visits and delegating duties between the front office and coaching staff in new ways. Fans are wondering if these changes will ultimately lead to different results on draft day for the team.

Why it matters

The Steelers' draft process has been a point of fascination for fans, as the team has had mixed results in recent years. Any changes to their approach raise questions about whether it will lead to better outcomes in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The details

According to reports, the Steelers are not bringing in prospects like KC Concepcion, Jordan Tyson, and Omar Cooper Jr. for the traditional 30 visits. Additionally, the team has delegated pre-draft duties between the front office and coaching staff in new ways, though the specifics are unclear. Fans are debating whether these changes signal the team is moving away from certain prospects or if it's just a one-year adjustment.

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

The players

KC Concepcion

A top NFL draft prospect who the Steelers are not bringing in for a 30 visit.

Jordan Tyson

Another top NFL draft prospect who the Steelers are not bringing in for a 30 visit.

Omar Cooper Jr.

A third top NFL draft prospect who the Steelers are not bringing in for a 30 visit.

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What they’re saying

“Does not bringing in KC Concepcion, Jordan Tyson & Omar Cooper Jr. for 30 visits mean they're off the board? What do we make of how the front office and coaching staff delegated the pre-draft duties?”

— Chris Carter, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Locked on Steelers

What’s next

Fans will be closely watching the Steelers' 2026 draft class to see if their new approach yields different results compared to recent years.

The takeaway

The Steelers' changes to their pre-draft process have generated intrigue and debate among fans, who are eager to see if a new approach will lead to improved draft results for the team.