The Pittsburgh Steelers hold the 21st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with the event being hosted in the Steel City for the first time in league history. The excitement in the city is building, and it is only amplified by the fact that this marks an entirely new chapter led by Head Coach Mike McCarthy. There is a different kind of energy surrounding this team, one that feels tied to both the moment and the opportunity ahead.
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Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo has been keeping fans in the loop as the draft rapidly approaches, and his latest insight offers a glimpse into the team’s current thinking. As things stand right now, if the Steelers were on the clock, Fittipaldo believes they would select wide receiver Denzel Boston out of Washington with the 21st pick. It is a move that would give the offense another weapon and continue to reshape the identity of the unit.
However, that may not be the full story. General Manager Omar Khan could be tempted to get aggressive if the right opportunity presents itself. One name to watch is USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, a player who may not last until pick 21. If Lemon begins to slide within striking distance, the Steelers leaving the door open for a bold move suddenly becomes much more than just a possibility.
"I have them taking Denzel Boston at 21," Fittipaldo said while speaking to his Steelers chat on Tuesday morning. "If they move up, I think it might be for someone like Makai Lemon, who isn't likely to drop all the way to 21. I don't think you trade up for a guard or a safety."
If that is the direction, it tells you a lot about how this front office is viewing the board. Boston is seen as a safe, high-upside option who could realistically still be there at 21, which fits the idea of staying patient and letting the draft come to them. But at the same time, the mention of Lemon is what really stands out, because that is where things start to shift from conservative to aggressive.
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USC's Makai Lemon makes an acrobatic catch during a home game against Notre Dame.
That is something Khan has not been afraid to do. If there is a player they truly believe changes the offense, especially at wide receiver, this feels like the kind of year where they would take that swing. Lemon is not expected to be sitting there at 21, which means if the Steelers want him, they are going to have to go get him. And that is where things could get interesting as the board starts to fall on draft night.
Steelers Are Ready To Pivot Fast
At the end of the day, this feels like a classic wait-and-react scenario for Pittsburgh. Stay put and take a player like Boston if everything holds, or be ready to pivot quickly if Lemon starts to slide into range. Either way, the Steelers have made one thing clear: they are not locking themselves into one path, and with the draft unfolding in their own city, the door is wide open for something bold.
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USC WR Makai Lemon goes viral during the 2026 Scouting Combine.
The Steelers traded to bring in veteran wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. in the 2026 offseason. Pittman pairs nicely with DK Metcalf, but after that, the wide receiver room is in need of some young talent. Adding Boston, Lemon, or whatever exciting wide receiver is available to be picked by the Steelers is an exciting thought.
It all sets the stage for a pivotal moment when the Steelers are finally on the clock. Whether they stay patient or make a move, this decision could shape the offense for years to come. With multiple intriguing options on the table, the only certainty is that Pittsburgh has positioned itself to do something impactful.
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