The Pittsburgh Steelers have been linked to a variety of positional groups for their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Initially, it was a common theme for Steelers fans and pundits to think that the front office would go with a receiver with their first selection. However, in an aggressive move, the team traded for Indianapolis Colts playmaker Michael Pittman Jr. While the receiver room lacks some depth, it's clear that this addition made them so much better. Since then, the Steelers have been connected to adding an offensive lineman, most often a guard, at pick 21.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan on the phone.
General Manager Omar Khan and his staff have an abundance of draft capital to work with, and the possibilities are seemingly endless with what they might do with the picks. In frequent mock drafts, like Mel Kiper's, the Steelers were guessed to take a guard. In this case, and many others, Pittsburgh was mocked to use its first-rounder on Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane.
He's considered to be one of the best interior lineman in the draft and would address a position of need. The Steelers lost their starting left guard from 2025, Isaac Seumalo, earlier in the 2026 offseason in free agency. The organization has yet to name a replacement, and it seems that there will be a position battle in camp at the spot.
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Guard Olaivavega Ioane during his time at Penn State.
Pittsburgh has used its first-round pick on an offensive or defensive lineman the last three years. The front office has made it a point to bolster the trenches and get younger. However, to Steelers beat writer Christopher Carter, the franchise needs to focus elsewhere because of how the roster is currently set up. Carter spoke about this on an episode of the Locked On Steelers podcast.
"I'm not drafting another offensive line in the first three rounds of the draft for like the next eight years. I'm developing everything else," Carter said. "You're most likely passing up on the top-tier receivers, safeties, and positions where you have been neglecting with recent high draft picks, because you've been rebuilding your offense and defensive lines. They could afford to get a top-tier talent at one of those positions, while also still getting help at the guard position from really good players in the second or third round, and feel like they walk away with a starter this year."
The Steelers being able to find a left guard in the mid-rounds that they view as a starter would be huge for the roster. The team could use another playmaker in the offense, like at wide receiver. Even though the team did get Pittman, and it's not necessarily a top priority, adding a younger pass-catcher with a different skill set than the rest of the group would be effective. A name the Steelers have often been linked to is Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State University.
Steelers Can Grab A Receiver Of The Future
The Steelers, based on their current roster construction, don't have any huge holes. While there is uncertainty at left guard, the team has felt confident in the depth there. Bringing a dynamic playmaker to the Steel City to pair with Pittman and DK Metcalf could be smart for the offense.
As it stands, the team lacks a proven slot receiver. Pittsburgh could use this draft to check that box and bring a three-headed monster onto the field night in and night out. Tyson would be an intriguing choice to fit that mold, as he is known for his work as a slot receiver, and he can play the X too.
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Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson stands on the field after making a play during a collegiate football game that took place at the home of the Sun Devils in Tempe, AZ.
The Steelers' dozen draft picks will prove to be interesting, but the franchise could find itself putting its lineman trend to rest this year. It wouldn't be so bad if they targeted a playmaker in round one, because the more weapons, the better.
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