Steelers Could Completely Shock Fan Base In First Round Of 2026 NFL Draft Following Aggressive Free Agency

It has been one respectable move after another for Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan ever since the legal tampering period kicked off on Monday afternoon. The front office has addressed the wide receiver, cornerback, and safety positions to some degree and, while there is still work to be done, the organization is off to a good start. The quarterback situation for the short- and long-term remains a bit of a mystery; however, the team is putting together a roster that is built to have a chance at defending an AFC North championship. On top of free agency, the franchise has 12 draft picks.

Pittsburgh played the compensatory selection game back in 2025 free agency, which led to the front office being given the maximum amount of bonus picks for the 2026 NFL Draft. This will allow the team to round out the roster; however, there will also be options to trade up in certain rounds if the front office feels the need to go up and get somebody.

Based on recent developments, the Steelers are doing a phenomenal job to this point at making sure they are not locked into any one position come the 21st overall selection. With that said, the overall expectation has been that the franchise won't bore its fan base with a rather underwhelming pick. Based on Khan's actions, that possibility is becoming increasingly more likely.

Ever since Khan was promoted and Andy Weidl was brought in to be his partner-in-crime, the organization, in the first round, has selected someone who plays at a position in the trenches. It's very rare that an interior offensive lineman ends up going within the Top 32 picks, but it can't be ruled out at this point because of the Steelers' lack of action during the legal tampering period in that specific area. There happens to be a potentially-generational prospect from Penn State.

Olaivavega Ioane is projected to be a starter at the NFL level for a long time. If new Head Coach Mike McCarthy plans to run the ball effectively, he could be in sync with a philosophy that includes rounding out the offensive line. There will continue to be questions at left tackle due to Broderick Jones' neck injury; however, Ioane can't be ruled out for the Steelers at pick 21. In fact, early free agency moves signal that it's becoming a serious possibility.

The Steelers could still use help at the wide receiver position, so this option can't be ruled out either, but other areas that stand out are linebacker and, yes, quarterback. The reports around the league have consistently been that Pittsburgh likes what it has in Will Howard, but smokescreens have been thrown up before and Ty Simpson is likely to still be waiting for a phone call when Khan and co. are picking.

Safety and defensive line could also be areas to consider. Overall, the front office in the Steel City is giving itself options. This should lead one to believe that anything could end up happening when the Steelers are on the clock in late April.

Steelers' Free Agency Signing Promotes A Powerful Rushing Attack

Rico Dowdle will come to Pittsburgh after agreeing to a two-year deal. The ball carrier has rushed for over 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons, and has a very strong style of running, similar to that of Jaylen Warren. McCarthy has always been known as a coach to utilize his receivers, but pounding the rock is a staple in the Steel City. Ioane is suddenly becoming a very attractive prospect for the Steelers.

#SteelerNation