The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for an epic 2026 NFL Draft. There are many reasons that make this draft so special, but none are greater than the Steel City of Pittsburgh hosting the event for the first time in the organization’s history. Set for April 23–25, the spotlight will be firmly on Pittsburgh as the franchise looks to capitalize on a rare opportunity to improve a roster that is desperate to take a step forward.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan signs pictures for the fans as the team prepares to work out during a training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
With Mike McCarthy entering his first year at the helm, General Manager Omar Khan will be determined to give his new head coach as many tools as possible. That mission starts with a strong draft. The Steelers have found quality talent under Khan in recent years, but this will mark his first time running the draft without long-time presence Mike Tomlin. That added pressure only raises the stakes as Pittsburgh looks to build a foundation for a new era.
Armed with significant draft capital, including the No. 21 overall pick in the first round, the Steelers have plenty of flexibility. Debate continues to swirl around which position they may target, but Adam Bittner of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently pointed to insiders speculating that CJ Allen, a linebacker out of Georgia, is a name to watch. However, it’s what Bittner revealed next that raises even more questions about the team’s potential direction.
"Individually, Allen might be a bit of a reach for the Steelers in the first round," Bittner said. "Multiple mocks tracked this week dropped him out of it [the first round], and NFL.com scout Lance Zierlein writes that he’s a 'green dot' linebacker and team captain more capable of 'rowing the boat than making big splashes.' Translation: He’s not the kind of athletic freak that, say, Ryan Shazier was in his prime."
This doesn’t necessarily mean Khan and McCarthy are set on drafting Allen. Naturally, the Steelers already have that position anchored by Patrick Queen, along with solid depth behind him. However, Allen could make some sense if Pittsburgh were to explore the possibility of moving Queen in a trade, opening the door for a younger option to step in.
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Steelers insider linebacker Patrick Queen (6) and edge rusher TJ Watt (90) walk on the field as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
There has been some noise about the possibility of Queen being a trade candidate, though Steelers insiders have vehemently refuted those claims. Still, the idea that Queen may not remain in the Steel City beyond his first contract means linebacker could definitely be a position worth considering.
Steelers May Miss Out At 21st Overall
The bigger concern comes down to value. Selecting Allen at No. 21 overall would likely be viewed as a reach given where the Steelers are picking and the talent expected to still be on the board. That doesn’t mean Allen will be a bad player. In fact, many project him to develop into a reliable starter at the next level, which certainly holds value over time.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy and General Manager Omar Khan during the 2026 offseason as they speak to the media.
Still, first-round expectations in Pittsburgh are different. At that spot, fans typically want a clear difference-maker, not just a steady contributor. Based on early scouting reports, Allen may not project as a player who immediately stands out or changes the trajectory of a defense. If that proves true, taking him at No. 21 could ultimately feel like a missed opportunity for greater impact.
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