Way-Too-Early 2026 NFL Draft Preview: Which Positions Should The Steelers Select Next?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently 3-1 entering their Week 5 bye week, and it's an opportunity for the team to get healthy. After a rough start to the season defensively, the team is starting to settle in and get some injured star players back at just the right time. The offense is finding its stride as well and Pittsburgh is building momentum as they gear up for their first AFC North matchup of the year in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns. 

Players on both sides of the ball are continuing to prove why they should (or shouldn't) be around on the roster in 2026. With so much focus on the current 2025 campaign, fans and pundits still can't help but look ahead to see how next season may unfold. In an era where casino and sports betting, tailgates, stadium hopping, gambling and more surround each NFL season, the NFL Draft is usually where much of the offseason excitement occurs. That's why many are already trying to piece together how this Steelers roster will eventually shape out within the next season or two. Stars and veterans like Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, TJ Watt, Cam Heyward and Jalen Ramsey (to name a few) all have varying contracts and impacts on the current team. It will be vital for the franchise to properly evaluate each player to determine where the organization's focus should be come next April.

In this article, we'll look at three positions the Steelers should focus on, regardless of how this current season panes out -- starting with the obvious.

1. Quarterback

The Steelers have had several starting quarterbacks since the retirement of legendary signal-caller Ben Roethlisberger. Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, Justin Fields and Russell Wilson have all had their chance to lead the Black and Gold since 2022. With none of them working out, Rodgers is now behind center on a one-year deal and his future is uncertain. At 41 years old, regardless of whether or not he gives it another go in 2026, the Steelers need to start planning for the future. This is why the quarterback position will be vital for Pittsburgh to pursue. 

The Steelers are expected to have 12 total draft picks in 2026 (including some additional compensatory picks), which should help the franchise trade up for a star QB in the first-round if necessary. The 2026 NFL Draft will also be held in Pittsburgh, PA, which will bring a ton of extra excitement to the city and the organization -- making a possible franchise quarterback selection all the more intriguing. 

Some of the top QB prospects include LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina), Dante Moore (Oregon), John Mateer (Oklahoma), Garrett Nussmeier (LSU), and Fernando Mendoza (Indiana).

2. Offensive Guard

His veteran and Super Bowl experience has served the Steelers well in the last few years, but Isaac Seumalo has been off to a slow start in 2025. His overall grade from Pro Football Focus is just 68.8 through four weeks, and he's already given up two sacks on the young season. Seumalo is 31 years old this year and it's likely Pittsburgh will look to go younger in 2026. 

The Steelers' offensive line has progressively gotten better over the last month, but their inconsistency is something the organization should still pay heavy attention to. Continuing to build in the trenches during the upcoming NFL Draft would bolster an already young and promising unit, and hopefully lay the foundation for a powerful group upfront for years to come.

3. Safety

Currently, Juan Thornhill, Jabrill Peppers and Chuck Clark are all on one-year deals with the Steelers. This is definitely a position the team will look to go younger in during the 2026 offseason. With DeShon Elliott playing at an All-Pro level (and recently signing a two-year extension), he'll need a running mate playing alongside him at a high level as well if this Steelers secondary wants to continue to be great.

Some of the top safety prospects include Caleb Downs (Ohio State), Dillon Thieneman (Oregon), Kamari Ramsey (USC), Michael Taaffe (Texas), and Keon Sabb (Alabama). 

Steelers' Omar Khan Looking To Continue Building Legacy

Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan took the reigns in May of 2022. He and Assistant General Manager Andy Weidl will look to bring in another promising draft class that focuses on the trenches, while also establishing new cornerstones on both sides of the ball. 

With players like Joey Porter Jr., Nick Herbig, Darnell Washington, Zach Frazier, and Jack Sawyer from recent years, the duo will look to add to their recent draft classes in building a Super Bowl-caliber winning team.

Who do you think the Steelers will draft next year? Comment below!

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