"Watch The Steelers Today": NFL Insider Tom Pelissero Predicts Pittsburgh To Make A Big Move

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a little bit of drama when they were on the clock in Round 1. General Manager Omar Khan was on the phone with wide receiver Makai Lemon, telling him the Steelers were drafting him. Then, Lemon told Khan he was getting a call from the Philadelphia Eagles, leaving both sides confused. Sure enough, the Eagles jumped in and sniped Khan and Mike McCarthy’s pick, forcing Pittsburgh to pivot to Max Iheanachor at 21st overall.

The reaction from Pittsburgh fans, who were in the city watching the Steel City host the draft, was mixed and leaned toward disappointment. Many weren’t thrilled to hear Iheanachor’s name called in that moment, especially with the sudden twist that led up to it. Still, several draft experts believe the selection could age well for Pittsburgh, pointing to Iheanachor’s upside and fit within the roster.

The good news for Steeler Nation is that NFL insider Tom Pelissero believes Khan has something up his sleeve heading into Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft. With additional picks and flexibility, Pittsburgh could look to be aggressive, whether that means trading up or targeting a playmaker to address remaining needs, as the reporter noted on Good Morning Football.

"Certainly a different sort of pivot here, but I would tell you, watch the Steelers today," Pelissero said. "Keep an eye on what they do in Round 2. Do they potentially move up? Do they go get a different receiver now to fill both of those needs? I would certainly not rule that out."

Looking ahead to Day 2, the Steelers are still in a strong position despite the chaos of Round 1. They hold Pick 21 in Round 2 (53rd overall), followed by a trio of selections in Round 3 with Picks 12 (76), 21 (85), and 35 (99), the last of which comes as a compensatory selection. 

That kind of draft capital gives Khan flexibility, whether he wants to sit tight and let the board fall or package picks together to go get a specific player. After what happened in the first round, it would not be surprising to see Pittsburgh take a more aggressive approach.

Wide receiver remains one of the biggest positions to watch after the Lemon situation, especially if the Steelers feel they still need to add another playmaker to the offense. Safety and cornerback also stand out as areas where Pittsburgh could look to add depth and competition, depending on how the board shakes out. 

Quarterback is always going to be a talking point, but it feels unlikely the Steelers make that move on Day 2 unless something unexpected happens. For now, the focus appears to be on surrounding the roster with more immediate contributors rather than forcing a long-term project under center.

Steelers' Omar Khan Seeking Redemption In Round 2

What stands out most is the sense that Khan is not content to just sit back and hope things fall into place. Pelissero’s comments only add to that feeling, suggesting the Steelers could be one of the more active teams to watch as the second and third rounds unfold. 

With multiple picks and clear needs still on the roster, Pittsburgh has both the opportunity and the urgency to make something happen. After a frustrating twist on Day 1, the Steelers now have a chance to respond in a big way, and all signs point to them trying to make noise before the night is over. Khan will be trying to show Steelers fans it's not how you start, but how you finish.

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