The excitement is building on Pittsburgh's North Shore. In just a matter of weeks, the city will host the 2026 NFL Draft — a historic first for the Steel City — and the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in the enviable position of both hosting the event and holding 12 picks to work with. For fans who enjoy the strategic chess match of draft weekend as much as the action on the field, this one promises to be an event worth clearing your calendar for.
The NFL has now officially released the list of prospects who will be in attendance for the first round on April 23, and for Pittsburgh Steelers fans, there are a couple of names on that list worth paying close attention to.
The Green Room List
16 players have confirmed their attendance for the draft's opening night. The full list includes linebacker and defensive specialist David Bailey, defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr., cornerback Mansoor Delane, safety Caleb Downs, defensive lineman Keldric Faulk, cornerback Colton Hood, wide receiver Makai Lemon, running back Jeremiyah Love, offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa, defensive lineman Kayden McDonald, offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor, linebacker Arvell Reese, quarterback Ty Simpson, linebacker Sonny Styles, wide receiver Carnell Tate, and wide receiver Jordyn Tyson.
Notably, projected consensus No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza will not be present, choosing instead to spend the evening with his family in Miami.
Who Could the Steelers Target?
Pittsburgh holds the 21st overall pick in the first round, which naturally rules out several of the higher-profile names on that attendance list. However, the wide receiver position is where things get genuinely interesting for Steelers fans.
The wide receiver rankings remain unsettled heading into draft week, which means either Makai Lemon or Jordyn Tyson could realistically still be on the board when Pittsburgh makes its selection at No. 21. Both players could have the opportunity to don the black and gold on Day 1, and they represent the most realistic targets from those confirmed in attendance.
For a franchise that knows a thing or two about building through the draft — this is the organization that produced the likes of Troy Polamalu, Antonio Brown and T.J. Watt from careful selections — the prospect of adding a dynamic receiver with genuine upside is an exciting one. Just as seasoned players on Reveryplay Casino know that patience and timing are everything, the Steelers front office under Omar Khan has shown a willingness to stay disciplined and let the board come to them rather than reaching for a name.
The Quarterback Question
No Steelers draft conversation in recent memory is complete without the QB debate, and 2026 is no different. Alabama's Ty Simpson is among those confirmed in attendance, though he remains one of the more polarizing quarterback prospects in recent years. Should Pittsburgh select him, fan and media reaction would likely be deeply divided — making it an unlikely scenario for a pick that will play out on national television in their own city.
Crimson Tide Photos / UA Athletics
QB Ty Simpson celebrates during a game for the University of Alabama.
The majority of the other confirmed attendees — including Bain Jr. and Delane — are projected to go in the top 10 to 15, putting them well out of reach for the Steelers unless the front office opts to trade up.
A Historic Draft Weekend
Beyond the picks themselves, the significance of hosting the draft for the first time cannot be overstated. With 12 picks in total — including four compensatory selections — the Steelers are expected to bring in one of their largest rookie classes in recent memory, and the organization is widely anticipated to be active in trade discussions throughout the weekend.
Thousands of fans will descend on the North Shore for what promises to be a celebration of football in one of the sport's most passionate cities. For a franchise with six Super Bowl titles and a fanbase that spans the globe, hosting the draft is a fitting tribute to Pittsburgh's place at the heart of NFL culture.
Draft night starts April 23. The green room is set. Now the Steelers just need to make the right calls when their moment arrives.