The Pittsburgh Steelers loaded up on draft picks ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Pittsburgh had 12 picks at one point, before ultimately used 10 and selected a variety of players at multiple positions. The group has a unique mix of NFL-ready talent and some who will need some time to develop before earning a chance to start. The Steelers' brass continues to resist a total rebuild and has instead drafted by adding win-now players and talent who will need coaching up. Pittsburgh's three selections in the third round exemplify players who could end up being greatly effective later, while a player like Germie Bernard, the second-round pick, will have a big role.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Germie Bernard catches a pass during Phase Two of offseason workouts in 2026.
The Steelers made an atypical choice when they waited until the third round to take a defensive player, and then waited all the way until round six to select another. A team that has been based around its defense over the past few years decided it's time to revolve around the offense in this draft. With the defensive selections clearly being project players, the front office is seemingly very confident in the existing talent on the defense.
Pittsburgh's new coaching staff is inheriting a very experienced defense that has been one of the league's top units over the past few years. However, after a major down year, there will be some big fixes.
With this new staff, the opportunity to develop young players will be a key to their success, and the Steelers' sixth-round pick, Gabriel Rubio, who many fans were unsure about when he was selected, could be a make-or-break candidate in training camp. The Athletic's Mike DeFabo made this claim in an article for the publication.
"He [Rubio] is one of the few rookies at risk of being left off the initial 53-man roster," DeFabo wrote.
Rubio was a shocking pick to many, as he was not invited to the combine ahead of the draft, and his Pro Day numbers were nothing too surprising. The Notre Dame product will have to make a strong impression in training camp to carve out a spot on the team, and with the depth on the defensive line, this could be a tall task.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers defensive lineman Gabriel Rubio runs through a drill at the team's rookie minicamp in 2026.
Rubio played through an injury-riddled campaign with the Fighting Irish; his frame is what stands out, listed at six-foot-five and 321 pounds. However, he faced some legitimate criticism in his draft write-up by NFL analyst Lance Zierlein.
"Rubio possesses a good blend of size, length, and strength to play as an odd-front defensive end, but his production is lacking. He has some anchor at the point of attack and plays with efficient, heavy hands on contact. A lack of pass-rush talent means he will need to shine as a run defender to make a team," Zierlein wrote.
Rubio will have to prove he's more than just a big camp body and has more versatility than just being a gap stuffer. This camp will be hugely important not only for his role but even just for making the team. The implications are huge, and it will be an uphill battle for him.
Steelers Have Good Problem On The Defensive Line
The depth that Pittsburgh has built on its defensive front is commendable. One of the biggest issues of 2025 was stopping the run, and with a group led by Cam Heyward and the addition of run-stopper Sebastian Joseph-Day, the group has some key veterans to hold things down. Not to mention, three emerging young linemen, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, and Yahya Black.
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Steelers' Sebastian Joseph-Day during offseason workouts in 2026.
With the quality of depth that the Black and Gold have accrued, the numbers should be way up for the defensive line. The issue is that some of the lower-tier depth could have a difficult time making their way on the team, like Rubio. However, this could be a good problem with the level of talent that the Steelers have built up.
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