The 2026 NFL Draft marked another major reset point for the Pittsburgh Steelers, as the front office continued reshaping the roster with a blend of long-term upside and immediate competition. Headlined by first-round offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, the class reflects a clear emphasis on protecting the future and surrounding the quarterback position with more stability and athleticism. From Day 1 through Day 3, the Steelers leaned into versatility, targeting players who can either start early or develop into key rotational pieces across multiple position groups.
Barry Reeger / Associated Press
Steelers' Drew Allar looks on during his time playing for Penn State in college.
The offensive haul stands out as the central storyline of the draft. Pittsburgh added wide receiver Germie Bernard in the second round, followed by quarterback Drew Allar in the third, signaling a renewed investment in both passing-game explosiveness and long-term quarterback planning. Later selections like receiver Kaden Wetjen and tight end Riley Nowakowski further deepen the skill group, giving the offense a noticeably different shape compared to recent years. Even along the line, guard Gennings Dunker reinforces the team’s continued focus on youth and physicality up front.
Defensively, the Steelers balanced the class with developmental depth and athletic upside. Cornerback Daylen Everette and safety Robert Spears-Jennings bring coverage flexibility to the secondary, while defensive end Gabe Rubio adds rotational strength to the front. Late-round running back Eli Heidenreich rounds out a draft class built on competition at nearly every level of the roster. With the 2026 rookie class now in place, the focus shifts immediately to the undrafted free agent tracker, where Pittsburgh’s next wave of hidden contributors often begins to emerge.
Steelers undrafted free agent signings (UDFA) 2026:
Kevin Jobity Jr - Syracuse - DL
Congratulations to our guy Devan Boykin on signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers ✍️ #BeExclusive • @thedevanboykin pic.twitter.com/CoH8tb1NJo
— Exclusive Sports Group (@Exclusive_SG) April 25, 2026
Source: The #Steelers are signing former USC tight end Lake McRee.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) April 25, 2026
Was an All-Big Ten selection last season after earning honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition in 2024. Posted 80 catches the last three years. pic.twitter.com/MJspq84mdG
Congratulations to @Takeemdeep7 on signing with the @steelers! #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/sSmCLU9thY
— KLUTCH Sports Group (@KlutchSports) April 26, 2026
Laith to Pittsburgh! 🔥@LaithMarjan x @steelers pic.twitter.com/XSTRILVLfO
— Kansas Football (@KU_Football) April 26, 2026
Steeler Nation I promise you! You got a dog coming . Me & Max Reunited Let’s do it !
— Chamon Metayer (@Takeemdeep7) April 26, 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Draft results 2026:
Round 1: OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
Round 2: WR Germie Bernard, Alabama
Round 3: QB Drew Allar, Penn State
Round 3: CB Daylen Everette, Georgia
Round 3: G Gennings Dunker, Iowa
Round 4: WR Kaden Wetjen, Iowa
Round 5: TE Riley Nowakowski, Indiana
Round 6: DE Gabe Rubio, Notre Dame
Round 7: SAF Robert Spears-Jennings, Oklahoma
Round 7: RB Eli Heidenreich, Navy