Steelers’ Promising 2026 Senior Bowl Search Shows Both Potential And Concerning Red Flags

The Pittsburgh Steelers have gotten one last look at some of the biggest prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft, as the 2026 Senior Bowl has just concluded. The American Team won by a final score of 17-9, although that is not what the scouts are concerned with. Like with preseason, they are more focused with how each individual player performed in different situations, with the idea that at least one of these prospects can jump onto their radar after flying under it during the entire 2025 college football season. 

After seeing all these different prospects, there are a few of them that have made sure every single NFL team knows their name with how they thrived in the spotlight in Saturday's contest. Some of these players may be in Pittsburgh to attend the 2026 NFL Draft, and they could end up staying in the city if the Steelers like them enough. Below are the top options after the Senior Bowl performance.

In the first quarter, the American team's offensive line was dominating on all fronts, creating plenty of lanes for their running backs to hit. Fernando Carmona from the Arkansas Razorbacks was one of the better linemen there, and he also fits a position of potential need, as he is listed as both an offensive tackle and guard. He is currently projected to be selected in the seventh round, but his great play may convince the Steelers to draft him sooner than that. 

The Steelers have a lot of questions on the left side of the offensive line, as Broderick Jones has a major neck injury, and his return is uncertain. Meanwhile, Isaac Seumalo is expected to leave in free agency. There are two players on the team that could take those spots, but some more competition and depth won't hurt. Carmona's versatility would be helpful as well, similar to potential starting guard in 2026, Spencer Anderson. 

Speaking of versatility in the trenches, the Steelers could be looking at defensive tackle LT Overton from the Alabama Crimson Tide. He made some noise across the interior defensive line during the Senior Bowl, and he was able to get a sack for the American Team as well. He was one of the many reasons why the National Team could not get anything going at the end of the first quarter and beginning of the second quarter.

Unlike Carmona, Overton came into Mobile with a high draft grade, as he is projected to go in the second round. With all the needs the Steelers have, it feels unlikely that he would get picked up before that. However, locking in some much-needed help at defensive tackle on Day 2 of the draft would be great, as Pittsburgh needs more depth at the position, as well as a future replacement for Cameron Heyward.

Steelers Get Discouraging Report On Key Positions

The two big positions that the Steelers are looking for are quarterback and wide receiver. On the cold, windy day in Mobile, the passing game was nearly nonexistent. Passes kept missing their marks, and even when they were on target, many of the receivers had issues with dropping the ball, which even led to a couple of interceptions. Pittsburgh's scouts are likely going home with more questions than answers. 

While most of these college kids are not used to these conditions, they will have to start if they want to play in the NFL. The playoffs almost always run through cold-weather cities, especially in the AFC. The Steelers are looking to finally get over the playoff-win hump, which means they need guys that can thrive when conditions are less than ideal. These struggles in the Senior Bowl likely hurt more of these players than helped.

What do you think about these Senior Bowl participants? Who do you want the Steelers to draft? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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