"They Would Take Him": Steelers Falling In Love With Top Prospect And Hoping For Draft Day Miracle

The Pittsburgh Steelers have done a very good job at keeping their cards close to their chests. General Manager Omar Khan filled out the roster in a certain way so that the team is not tied to any one position when the 21st overall selection comes around in the 2026 NFL Draft. The organization is known for taking the best player available in the past, and that could absolutely be the case when it is on the clock in the first round. Positions of need include wide receiver, offensive line and safety. However, there are some talented playmakers that could make the front office think twice.

Because of how Khan and company attacked free agency, there will be freedom to do whatever the brass sees as the best possible approach to better the roster. Quarterback is something that is on everyone's mind, but the class of prospects is not all that attractive after Fernando Mendoza. This is what could cause the Steelers to go in a direction in which no one truly saw coming.

Pittsburgh has two reliable tight ends in Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, but after not adding anyone notable at the position throughout the offseason, a rookie could certainly come in and make a big impact. The best at his position is none other than Kenyon Sadiq, who has impressed with his incredible athleticism and pass-catching abilities.

Mark Kaboly recently dove into the top six prospects that the organization could simply not say no to if available when the 21st overall selection comes around. The Oregon tight end topped the list.

"The Steelers aren’t necessarily in the market for a first-round tight end with the likes of Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington on the roster, but if a potential generational talent slips down into the early 20s and in range of the Steelers, they would be more than tempted to add the freakish (a record 4.39 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine) Sadiq to their roster," Kaboly wrote.

There are obstacles that could come into play regarding Sadiq. The idea of him falling all the way into the 20s may be foolish. There are going to be teams after him earlier, per Kaboly.

"Despite being No. 1 on this list, it just means that if Sadiq is there at 21, they would take him," Kaboly wrote. "After showing out at the NFL Scouting Combine, that might be as likely as consensus top overall pick Mendoza dropping to the back third of the draft (it’s just not going to happen). Sadiq has taken four top-30 visits, with three of those being with teams slotted ahead of the Steelers, so there are plenty of obstacles to overcome to even get a chance to think about Sadiq."

The best part about bringing Sadiq in is that he can line up as a receiver. His presence shouldn't necessarily take away too many opportunities for other players in the room such as Freiermuth and Washington.

The Steelers could form one of the best tight end rooms in the entire NFL if Sadiq was injected into the equation. It might not go over well with someone like Freiermuth, who was unfortunately neglected in 2025.

With that said, Washington only has one year left on his rookie contract and if the team decides to not sign him to an extension, Sadiq's arrival would hypothetically fill the gap and allow for a transition.

Steelers Suddenly Have Smoke Arising Surrounding Sadiq

Pittsburgh's interest in the former Oregon tight end has been noted by more than one analyst. Gerry Dulac has also been quoted writing and/or saying that the brass in the Steel City has a legitimate affinity for the prospect. The team also has the ammo to trade up if it wants to jump over some of those franchises that are also expressing a desire to potentially draft him.

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