Steelers Finally Answer Greatest Question Relating To Round 1 Of The 2026 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers have everyone in the football world naturally curious about how this new era is going to look. With Mike McCarthy now in town, there’s a sense of optimism that the offense will take a step forward and the defense will finally play up to its talent level. Obviously, the 2026 NFL Draft gives McCarthy and General Manager Omar Khan their best chance to improve this roster. With 12 picks in their back pocket, the Steelers are entering this draft determined to flip the roster from pretender to Super Bowl contender.

To do it quickly, Khan and McCarthy need a clear and aggressive plan. With the draft inching closer, the biggest question continues to build around what Pittsburgh will do when they’re on the clock at No. 21 overall, picking in the Steel City for the first time in franchise history. There are multiple directions the team could go, and each one could shape the identity of this new-look Steelers squad. Whether it’s reinforcing the offensive line, adding another dynamic playmaker, or finding a defensive difference-maker, the decision at 21 will say a lot about how this regime views the roster.

Steelers pundit Ray Fittipaldo was recently asked in his Steelers chat for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "Let’s assume [Dillon] Thieneman is gone, and the Penn State guard [Olaivavega Ioane] and Jordyn Tyson are available. Who do you think the Steelers should take?" His response offered some real insight into how Pittsburgh might approach that moment. Rather than overthinking it, he leaned into what the team truly needs and how the board could realistically fall, giving fans a clearer picture of the kind of decision the Steelers could be facing when they’re finally on the clock.

"Great question. Receivers are plentiful in this draft and guard isn't as deep," Fittipaldo answered. "Even though they've taken OL a lot in the first round in recent years, they might do it again in that scenario. Then again, McCarthy is an offensive coach. He was hired for a reason. They want to give him the weapons he needs, so maybe Tyson would be the pick."

Fittipaldo, who has been covering the team for nearly three decades, brought valuable perspective to the conversation. As a longtime insider, he understands the ins and outs of the organization and has seen how these decisions play out over time. Based on what he has heard and observed, both historically and in the lead-up to the 2026 NFL Draft, Fittipaldo made it clear that the offensive line is very much in play for Pittsburgh in the first round.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have not been shy about investing in the trenches early in recent drafts. In the 2023 draft, they traded up to select Broderick Jones, and then followed that up in 2024 by taking Troy Fautanu. In 2025, they shifted focus slightly by adding Derrick Harmon to further strengthen the defensive front. That pattern of prioritizing the line of scrimmage has become a defining trait of this front office’s team-building approach.

Steelers' First Round Draft Trend Could Continue In 2026

Now, Fittipaldo believes that trend could very well continue. With some uncertainty surrounding Jones and a clear desire to build depth and long-term stability up front, the No. 21 pick presents a logical opportunity to add another cornerstone piece. 

If the board falls a certain way, Pittsburgh could once again look to solidify its offensive line, aiming to lock down the unit for many seasons to come while supporting the broader vision of this new era. With new offensive line coach James Campen in town, adding another young weapon on the line is an exciting revelation.

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