The Pittsburgh Steelers had a very interesting draft class to say the least in 2026. There were some great moments to go with an embarrassing one. Some picks were beloved by all while others were ruthlessly criticized. Many fans are definitely questioning the team after the up-and-down event that was hosted in Pittsburgh. After three previous drafts that were mostly praised, this one seemed to be somewhat confusing. Only time will tell if this massive haul turns out to be a good or a bad thing for the team down the road.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan picks up the phone and has a conversation in the team's war room during the 2023 NFL Draft weekend as he speaks with someone on the other line.
Throughout the draft, the Steelers seemed to have one man in mind: quarterback Aaron Rodgers. While making an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, NFL insider Tom Pelissero explained the mindset of the front office as it made most of its picks.
"Everything [the Steelers] did in the draft may not have been designed for Aaron Rodgers, but certainly if you were saying 'What might Aaron Rodgers want?' A tackle, a guard who's a barroom brawler, and a big slot receiver. Those are three things that Aaron Rodgers likes. Everything seems to have been built in that direction. Aaron's got to make the final call."
While Rodgers did not officially make the final call on the draft picks or his contract situation, it seems like the Steelers are trying to appease him enough to come back for another ride with a more comfortable scenario than what he stepped into in 2025. His first season in Pittsburgh was a far cry from the MVP-caliber form that the NFL was used to seeing from him.
NFL Network
Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers stands with his hands on his hips during the tush push in Dublin.
He did not have a single game with over 300 yards passing, and he seemed unusually skittish in the pocket at times. He has the ability to read the field and throw a man open, but he did not do that much. Instead, he opted to get the ball out quickly to his checkdown targets or throw up a jump ball to DK Metcalf. That was not the least bit sustainable throughout the season, and that will have to change if he wants to be successful in 2026.
The Steelers brought in more weapons for him to use in March, including a trade for big veteran receiver Michael Pittman Jr. The draft was full of big moves to make him comfortable, including guard Gennings Dunker, who is expected to be a contributor sooner rather than later despite being drafted as low as he was. He should be much happier with this offense than the one he had previously.
Steelers May Have Made These Picks For Other Reasons
One little flaw with Pelissero's mindset is that many of these picks were moves that the Steelers would usually make regardless of Rodgers. Max Iheanachor is seen as a project tackle, so there is no guarantee that he is the Week 1 starter as he continues to learn the proper techniques and mechanics of being an offensive tackle. If that was a Rodgers move, they would've drafted a more pro-ready lineman in the first round.
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Steelers' newly drafted offensive lineman Max Iheanachor looks on during a college game while playing for Arizona State.
On top of that, Rodgers has shown a strong preference for veteran receivers over rookies. That means Germie Bernard may or may not see a ton of action in his rookie year. History says that the four-time MVP will be looking to target those who are not on their initial contracts like Metcalf and Pittman. The younger guys will likely end up being depth pieces that will have to earn every single snap and target they get.
What do you think about the Steelers possibly thinking about Rodgers when making these draft picks? Do you agree or disagree with Pelissero's report? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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