The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of huge decisions to make about how they will utilize their 12 draft picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. They find themselves with a ton of positions of need that could be addressed in the annual event. The organization will look to build their roster for the future, while still attempting to remain a contender. They have been linked to many positions in the first round, including wide receiver, quarterback, and defensive back. A potential top pick may find his way sliding down to the Steelers however, depending on how things shake out. The player was a key contributor to one of the nation's top football programs and would instantly upgrade a position room that is in desperation mode.
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Safety Caleb Downs during his time at Ohio State.
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs had a breakout season in 2025 with the Buckeyes. He has put together an extremely talented resume. In his freshman season at Alabama, he had 107 total tackles and two interceptions. In his two seasons in Columbus, Downs was a two-time All-American and was voted ninth in Heisman voting in 2025. The safety is projected to be selected in the top 10 in most mock drafts and is a hot commodity for teams looking to shore up their secondary. Downs comes with a ton of versatility on special teams, as he is known as a solid punt returner as well. His consistent play from his freshman season onward makes him an attractive pick for any team in the draft. The Steelers could use a combination of their 12 picks to trade up for him if he slides out of the first few picks.
The Steelers are weak in their safety room, and a guy like Downs would instantly be able to take on a big role in their defense next to DeShon Elliott. Team insider Ray Fittipaldo thinks the Steelers should definitely look into Downs.
"Downs is one of the top players in this draft. If he were to slide, I would be fine with the Steelers trying to take a stab at that," said Fittipaldo.
If Downs were to slide, even just outside of the top 10, like 11-15 range, the Steelers need to make that trade. The Steelers have 12 picks at their disposal as mentioned, and they are not all going to make the team.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan holds up a phone to his ear as he stands in the team's War Room during the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Steelers are set up in a perfect position to pull off a huge trade that upgrades a premium position with a premium player, and this move instantly turns a position of dire need into one of confidence ahead of the 2026 season.
Steelers Need To Address The Safety Situation
The Steelers come into 2026 with a lot of glaring holes on their roster. Who will line up opposite DK Metcalf? Who will line up opposite of Joey Porter Jr? However, the weakest position group for the Steelers is arguably safety. The group is being overlooked based on the need for skill positions like receiver; however, the team's only returning natural safety is Elliott. No matter what, the Steelers need to address this concern in the draft or in free agency. Downs would be a great fit for the Steelers as he has a nose for the football and NFL-ready skills. He would be an instant plug-and-play for the defense and would likely be a mainstay for years to come.
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Steelers safety DeShon Elliott prepares to walk off the field as Pittsburgh played a professional football game on the road.
The Steelers will look to upgrade the position regardless of whether they land Downs, as they are also linked to safety Donovan Wilson. They will look to add to their secondary, which has multiple free agents testing the waters. Kyle Dugger, whom the Steelers acquired in a trade with the New England Patriots in the 2025 season, will hit the market. If the Steelers decide to re-sign him, they should still look to the draft for a young safety to develop. The Steelers need to upgrade the room if they want their defense to stay competitive in 2026.
Should the Steelers trade up for Downs? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
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