"Extremely Important": Steelers' Mike McCarthy Reveals The Biggest Aspect Of The Draft That Isn't Being Discussed

The Pittsburgh Steelers have hit the ground running quick in free agency as the new league year took place. New head coach, Mike McCarthy, is clearly excited to be coaching for his hometown team, but none of that will mean anything to the fans if he does not win games. To win games in the 2026 season, Steelers General Manager Omar Khan and McCarthy have already gotten busy making trades and signing players to improve the special teams, offense, and defense. With a renewed sense of urgency across the organization, the front office has made it clear that every move is being made with immediate competitiveness in mind, not just long-term planning.

Now the attention begins to shift toward the 2026 NFL Draft, where Pittsburgh is in a rare position with 12 picks in their arsenal. With the draft being hosted in the Steel City for the first time in NFL history, the stakes and excitement are even higher for the franchise and its fan base. McCarthy understands the spotlight that comes with this moment and the expectations that follow, especially with a roster that is being reshaped to contend right away.

Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday, McCarthy emphasized the importance of approaching the draft with discipline, clarity, and a long-term vision that still aligns with immediate success. He highlighted how critical it is to maximize each pick, particularly given the volume of selections the team currently holds. For McCarthy and the Steelers, the 2026 draft represents more than just roster building; it is an opportunity to establish identity, depth, and a foundation capable of sustaining success in a highly competitive AFC landscape.

"We have 12 picks," McCarthy said while speaking on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday. "We have 12 draft picks… CeeDee Lamb was our first pick in Dallas. I just think that the first class is so important when you are building out a good program. The veterans and what is there, they will impact the success of our football team in this upcoming year, but to get these guys connected coming in is just extremely important."

McCarthy has been known to have some really exciting drafts over his 18 seasons as a head coach. While speaking on the show, he explained to Pat McAfee how his first draft pick in Green Bay was actually A.J. Hawk, a co-host of the show and a superstar linebacker during McCarthy’s 13 seasons with the Packers. 

Later, with the Dallas Cowboys, he also found strong success in the draft, and his first pick with that organization was CeeDee Lamb. Now he is set for his third opportunity to make a first-round selection with a new team.

Steelers' Mike McCarthy Has A Strong Track Record Of Success In The Draft

His previous two first draft picks at new organizations were home runs, and he will be looking to replicate that success in 2026 with the Steelers. However, this goes beyond just the Round 1 selection at pick 21 overall. With an abundance of draft capital and a new era underway in Pittsburgh, many around the league are preparing for what could be a franchise-altering draft that helps shape the Steelers’ future for years to come.

If McCarthy’s track record is any indication, the Steelers could be poised to make the most of their draft capital and land impact players early. With expectations rising and a new era underway in Pittsburgh, the 2026 NFL Draft may prove to be a defining moment in the franchise’s direction.

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