Danny Crossman Claims Steelers Are Eyeing Explosive Special Teamer In 2026 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers basically got an entirely new staff after Mike Tomlin elected to walk away following the 2025 season. Danny Smith ended up leaving to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers staff, and now Danny Crossman is the Steelers’ new special teams coordinator in Pittsburgh. Crossman joins Mike McCarthy’s new staff as a highly experienced coach with a bit of a mixed review in terms of his reputation across the league.

For Crossman, you don’t stay around the NFL for two decades if you aren’t talented, so his longevity and experience speak volumes. Crossman’s career has been known for fielding units with solid Defense-adjusted Value Over Average, something Steelers fans really wanted to see improvement in under their previous coordinator, considering the hype Smith generated.

McCarthy clearly viewed Crossman as a safe and reliable option with his experience. He’s known for aggressive schemes and limiting big kickoff returns, another thing Steelers fans wanted improved under Smith. Crossman spoke to the Steelers media on Friday and dropped a big hint as to what direction the Steelers could go later in the draft, and if it happens, it would improve the Steelers’ return game.

"Well, we have been in the draft meetings for the last couple of weeks," Crossman said while speaking to several members of the Steelers media on Friday. "We have talked about a lot of players. I give input on every guy that I have looked at. It’s a lot of guys. At the end of the day, I give information. I give opinions, but Omar and Mike and the rest of the organization will make those decisions."

The Steelers kicked the tires on some versatile prospects during the pre-draft process such as Georgia's Cash Jones and NDSU's Cole Payton. Maybe that was telling as to what they are looking for with some of those Day 3 picks. 

The Steelers also lost Calvin Austin III in free agency, who was a speedy and reliable return man. With Crossman at the helm, he is looking to find a solid return man to replace Austin, and Day 3 of the draft should present plenty of value.

"I will be happy with whoever they give us," Crossman said. "We are going to coach up whoever they give us. There are some return guys in the draft that I think have upside. We will see what happens here in a week."

As for the players and where they could be picked, there are a few options that Crossman and the Steelers could target if they truly want to address the return game. Malik Benson stands out as a potential Day 3 priority, likely coming off the board in the fourth or fifth round. Kaden Wetjen and Desmond Reid are later options who could be available in the sixth or seventh round, both bringing versatility and return ability.

Jacob De Jesus and Michael Wortham round out the group as fringe draftable prospects, with either likely landing in the seventh round or as undrafted free agents. Both offer value as versatile return men and could compete for a role on special teams.

Steelers Will Have Plenty Of Chances To Find A Return Man

Of course, the draft will present plenty of opportunities, and the Steelers will have multiple chances to find the right fit. GM Omar Khan will certainly have his eyes open to try and help Crossman if the chance presents itself. 

Steelers fans will be closely watching to see how it all plays out and whether the team finally finds a true difference-maker in the return game.

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