Steelers Preparing For A Low-Key Draft Steal In Round 1 If Board Cooperates

The Pittsburgh Steelers have all the attention on them as they enter a new era with Mike McCarthy as their head coach. As the 2026 free agency period continues, the next big task for McCarthy and General Manager Omar Khan is to ensure they execute the 2026 NFL Draft well. The Steelers have a plethora of draft capital, and that can set up some super exciting moves. The 21st overall pick in Round 1 has naturally generated a ton of discussion. 

Many pundits are debating which position Pittsburgh will attack in the first round. The general consensus has largely pointed toward wide receiver or defensive line, but don’t count out a guard if the draft board breaks in favor of Khan and the Steelers. On Tuesday, Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo dropped another little nugget that sheds light on what Pittsburgh may do in Round 1.

Fittipaldo noted that the organization is particularly high on players like Spencer Anderson and Dylan Cook, two names that continue to gain traction in internal conversations inside the Steel City. However, that interest does not necessarily lock the team into one direction. If a guard emerges as the best player available when Pittsburgh is on the clock, the franchise could very well lean into value rather than forcing a positional need, according to Fittipaldo.

"They like Anderson and Cook," Fittipaldo said. "Does that mean they won't draft a guard at pick No. 21 in the draft? No. If there is a guard who is the BPA on their board at that point, I think they might take him. Tackle is a bit of a different story because of the uncertainty surrounding Broderick Jones. There is a bit more optimism that he'll be able to return."

The situation with Broderick Jones and his injury at tackle adds another layer to the equation. With uncertainty still surrounding Jones, the Steelers are cautiously optimistic about his potential return, which could push tackle down their list of early priorities. 

That does not eliminate the position entirely, but it does suggest that Pittsburgh may wait until later rounds to address depth rather than spending premium capital right away.

"Because of that, I do not think tackle will be in consideration in the first round," Fittipaldo said. "However, they do need to develop some young depth at the position, especially with Jones' status up in the air."

Steelers Are Comfortable With Letting The Draft Board Come To Them

Ultimately, the flexibility that comes with multiple assets gives Pittsburgh a chance to be aggressive or patient depending on how the board unfolds. Whether that means selecting a guard, targeting one of their preferred prospects, or even exploring a trade, the Steelers appear committed to letting the draft come to them. That approach could lead to one of the more intriguing first-round decisions in the entire league. All eyes will remain on McCarthy, Khan, and their front office as draft night approaches, because their willingness to stay disciplined could ultimately define how successful this new era becomes in Pittsburgh for years to come.

The exciting part about this draft for McCarthy is not only that it marks his first year as the head coach of his hometown team, but also that he gets to oversee his first draft in the Steel City. The city of Pittsburgh is hosting the 2026 NFL Draft for the first time in its history, making it an especially exciting moment for Steeler Nation. McCarthy now has the opportunity to deliver a home-run draft in front of a home crowd.

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