Steelers' First-Round Draft Focus Is Becoming Crystal Clear Despite Outside Buzz

The Pittsburgh Steelers are nearing the 2026 NFL Draft and they currently hold 12 selections (the most in the entire NFL this year). After their big free agency period over the last two months, they are thought by many to be selecting the best player available at 21st overall. There have been plenty of names thrown around in mock drafts, all at different positions, like wide receiver, offensive line, quarterback, and even a tight end. One of these needs is much bigger than the others, and Steeler Nation may have gotten a hint about which position the team will likely draft first.

Though the franchise acquired wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. in March, the position room remains questionable in the Steel City. Pairing Pittman with star wide receiver DK Metcalf has been received as an overwhelmingly great move, but depth is lacking. The next men up are Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek, with Skowronek primarily a special teams player, also mainly being used as a blocker on offense. Wilson remains unproven going into his third season, unable to get a helmet consistently each week. With only four receivers being under contract currently, the team is most certainly going to add at least one more to fill out the roster. Though, where and when that will come is not guaranteed. 

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly recently appeared on his show Kaboly + Mack. In the episode, he and his co-host talked about all Pittsburgh sports, including the NFL Draft. Kaboly was asked about the possibility of the Steelers selecting an offensive lineman in the first round, where he said it was possible, but so are other positions, also mentioning tight end. He believes the franchise will still select a wide receiver in the first round however, but says it depends largely on who is there.  

"Wide receiver is number one, 1A in my book. Now, depending who's left at wide receiver compared to who's left at tackle or guard, then maybe if your tight end's there, then you look at that," Kaboly suggested. "I still think everything points towards a wide receiver. It has been for a while now in my mind because of the need, what they did in the offseason, where they have holes at [WR3] and [WR4] right now." 

The possibility exists for the Steelers to draft an offensive lineman, possibly Olaivavega Ioane or Spencer Fano. They both would likely have to fall down the draft board for the team to go that route. Kenyon Sadiq is also an option if he falls, which could sway the organization away from a receiver early. The receiver class is deep, and there are plenty of first-round talents. One of them will be there for the Steelers; they just won't know who until April 23rd. 

Head Coach Mike McCarthy likes bigger targets out wide. Metcalf, Skowronek, and Pittman are big body guys, but Wilson has a slot body type. The upcoming receiver class has a mix of size and speed throughout. It's reasonable to assume guys like Denzel Boston and Jordyn Tyson will be high up on McCarthy, and General Manager Omar Khan's radar. Boston is a big, physical receiver, and Tyson, who is 6'2", is one of the most complete receivers in the class. 

Steelers Shouldn't Mess Around

Wide receiver has arguably been the team's sore spot for the last two seasons. The number one target has missed time, and the offense has suffered tremendously because of it. This year, the star power will be there, but an injury to one of them could spell the same problems from years past.

Khan should make sure injuries won't kill the receiver room and select one in the first round. With how deep the class is, a double dip could even be in play, taking a pass-catcher on Day 1 and late on Day 2 / early Day 3. 

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