Steelers Allured To Use First Round Pick On "Athletic Freak"

The Pittsburgh Steelers come into the 2026 NFL Draft with many positions of need. In 2025, at pick 21, the Steelers selected Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon. Harmon, who struggled with injuries, had a very solid rookie season when on the field. The Steelers have elected to take linemen on both sides of the ball quite frequently with their first draft choice over the past few years. The Steelers still have some consistency issues in the trenches; however, and may surprise fans with who they decide to draft with their first pick in 2026.

A shocking pick may come in the form of Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods. Steelers analyst Christopher Carter gave his insight on a potential surprise pick. 

"I think Woods looks like he could be potentially an athletic freak. He looks explosive. His hands are active. He gets off the ball, and he beats you with his first and second step," Carter wrote. 

The Steelers could look to add to their defensive front through the draft. Their star defensive tackle, Cam Heyward, has been a huge topic of discussion among fans this offseason as he may hold out for a bigger contract, again. Heyward has been rumored to potentially be interesting retirement as well. 

No matter what, the Steelers may be wise to address the position group, as their star will be 37 years old by the season's start. Though they have added quite a bit of talent on the line in past drafts, the lack of depth and the loss of Heyward mightily impact the group. 

Woods would make an immediate impact for the group as he is touted as a mid-late first-round pick, with some draft analysts having him even higher. If he were to drop into the Steelers' lap, they would definitely consider a player of his caliber. 

In his junior year at Clemson, Woods showed signs of dominance. The defensive tackle tallied 30 tackles and two sacks, and the season before had 8.5 TFL, which is a very high mark. Woods is known for his athleticism, pass-rushing ability, and the versatility to play across the line in different techniques. 

Woods would pair alongside Harmon and Yahya Black, who was drafted in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. If Heyward retires or only plays out his contract, the Steelers' defensive line would consist of a plethora of young, exciting talent. Harmon is known for plugging up the middle, and he showed all sorts of promise in his initial professional campaign. The Steelers' run defense was significantly better when Harmon was on the field. 

Black brings a nose tackle, run-stuffing ability to the table, and is continuing to develop and get better. Woods would add a pass-rush ability that the Steelers' defensive line may lose if they decide not to re-sign Keeanu Benton. Benton is set to be a free agent after the 2026 season and could be yet another reason the Steelers decide to add a defensive tackle in round one. 

Steelers Will Add A Defensive Tackle At Some Point In The 2026 Draft

The Steelers are aware they could be out two starting defensive linemen after this season. With Heyward's retirement plans looming large and Benton's unlikely return, the Steelers should address their defensive front sooner rather than later. By drafting a DT, the Steelers could have him learn under Heyward's wing and grow alongside the young talent that already exists at the position. 

If the Steelers decide to pass on a DT at a premium position in the draft, it should be no surprise if they add one in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft. The Steelers are known for picking the best player available at times in the draft, even if it's at a position they don't need. Arguably, the Steelers don't need a DT right now, but even as soon as next season, they will be on the market for one. A defensive tackle pick will come in this draft, but it could happen a lot earlier than predicted. 

#SteelerNation