The Pittsburgh Steelers addressed many positions of need in the 2026 NFL Draft. Those ranged from offensive linemen, wide receivers, and defensive backs. The front office accumulated three picks in the third round. They nabbed a backup quarterback in Drew Allar, a guard who will be able to fight for a starting spot in Gennings Dunker, and a dynamic cornerback in Daylen Everette. The three likely won't make an immediate impact, but are projects for the coaching staff to work on throughout the season and beyond.
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Steelers quarterback Drew Allar walks out on stage during the third day of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
A closer look at the Steelers' secondary this offseason suggested that the team would need to add some more depth there. The team lost breakout star James Pierre in free agency, and cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. was a free agent. Pittsburgh elected to re-sign Samuel on a one-year deal, but he's more of a depth piece. The big splash came when former Buccaneers star Jamel Dean signed a three-year contract with Pittsburgh.
Now that the Steelers have established some depth in the secondary and they have a clear number two to go with rising star Joey Porter Jr., the organization opted to go with some youth and add more of a project player in Everette. With these additions, though, it seemed unclear how much of an impact he would have in his rookie season. Steelers beat writer Ray Fittipaldo answered that question in his recent Steelers chat, where fans could ask him questions related to the team.
"The fact that he's versatile helps. He might be a backup at a few spots as a rookie. I don't see him on the field much unless there are injuries," Fittipaldo wrote.
Everette was obviously someone who was a raw talent that the Steelers brass wanted to develop. The three picks in the third round gave the front office some versatility and going with a corner who could be a future starter was important.
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Steelers' Daylen Everette participates in drills at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
Everette played all four years at the University of Georgia, and his role grew each year. He initially played more on special teams before earning a starting job. His senior season was his best overall, registering 50 combined tackles, 10 pass deflections, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. The national champion will probably face the same thing he did in college: start on special teams and create a role for himself on the defense as his career progresses.
The Steelers' secondary is crowded right now, but that doesn't mean he won't be a part of the unit's long-term plans. The corner's raw speed (4.38-second 40-yard dash) and his ability to be a great press corner are foundations that can be built on. He'll have some time to acclimate to NFL speed if he waits a year before becoming a potential starter, which could help him.
Why Did The Steelers Make This Pick?
Porter's rookie deal comes to an end after the 2026 season. While this will be the number one priority for the Steelers in terms of re-signing players from their 2023 draft class, there is a world where he goes elsewhere. The Dean signing helps this, but having a young corner to develop will help in case that doesn't happen. Everette will essentially have a year to learn the language of the defense and learn from the veteran corners in front of him.
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Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. walks off the field after an NFL game in 2023.
In a world where Porter stays, Everette can be just another solid addition to the defense. This pick was purely as a safeguard to ensure depth, especially after things got hairy at the safety position in 2025. The Steelers know they need some safety nets at all positions in case of injury. Also, Pittsburgh wanted to bring in some guys they were high on who needed more time. Everette may have to wait to hear his name in the starting lineup, but his intangibles and learning behind some veterans will only help his future.
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