Every year, the same familiar refrain echoes throughout NFL cities: “This is the most important draft in franchise history.” While that sentiment is often exaggerated, the upcoming draft truly carries a different level of intrigue for the Steelers.
For the first time, the organization will draft under head coach Mike McCarthy, marking the beginning of a new era. How the reshaped leadership structure approaches the quarterback position — whether aggressively or with patience — will define the tone of this class. Adding to the significance is the setting itself: the draft will take place in Pittsburgh, placing the franchise squarely in the spotlight as it builds its future in its own backyard.
While free agency will inevitably reshape needs and priorities, here is my early projection of how the Steelers could approach the Draft.
Round 1, Pick 21: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
It’s a great year to need a wideout, as the Steelers obviously do. After DK Metcalf’s suspension, they turned to veterans Adam Thielen and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, two players who likely won’t be on rosters in 2026 (Thielen retired).
Any other year, Boston is likely a top 15 pick. I think there are a “big four” at wideout in this class. Those include Carnell Tate (Ohio State), Makai Lemon (USC), Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State), and Boston.
He’s a huge target at 6-foot-4 and has a tremendous catch radius. He’s also versatile, comfortable lining up in the slot, although he’ll largely play outside.
Questions about his top-end speed will surface during the combine process. Even if he times in the low 4.5 range rather than the high 4.4s, his size, body control, and versatility suggest he can thrive at the next level.
Round 2, Pick 53: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
As we currently stand, corner is probably the Steelers second biggest need – and Johnson would be an outstanding pick at this spot. He came from a demanding scheme that asked him to play both press and off-man as well as zone regularly. He’s a polished, multi-year starter who could start alongside Joey Porter Jr. on day one.
Round 3, Pick 76: Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State
I think round three is going to be trenches-heavy, as the Steelers will use their wealth of picks to get deeper in those pivotal areas.
Jackson is a mammoth space eater, but he’s more than just a classic nose. He can generate pressure on the quarterback; he just wasn’t always consistent on tape. There’s major potential to be unleashed, and I’d take my chances if I were GM Omar Khan.
Round 3, Pick 85: Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech
I don’t think the Steelers are likely to retain the aging Isaac Seumalo, which means they’ll need to likely add two guards this offseason.
Rutledge is a relentless and tenacious lineman who reminds me of Mason McCormack. He’s a potential developmental starter with long-term upside. Adds needed depth and competition to the interior.
Round 3, Pick 99: Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
Questions linger at inside linebacker. Will Patrick Queen be a surprise cut candidate? Do they actually trust Payton Wilson to play every down?
Lawson won’t overwhelm with athleticism, but is a steady eddy with a high IQ who will generally be in the right spots. He’s a reliable tackler who plays with discipline, who offers rotational value with potential to grow into a larger role.
Round 4, Pick 121: Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma
I think the Steelers will double-dip at wideout, and Burks is one of my favorite players in the class. He could last this far due to the depth of the class. He’s just 5-foot-10, but is extremely twitchy and has a great feel for finding soft spots against zone. He’d add versatility and dynamic ability to the offense, potentially replacing Calvin Austin III should he leave in free agency.
Round 4, Pick 135: Austin Barber, OT, Florida
Another lingering question is what happens at left tackle for the Steelers? Does Broderick Jones come back healthy? If he doesn’t, is Dylan Cook the long-term answer? I think they’ll take a tackle in the first four rounds.
Barber is a developmental prospect with starting upside, who continues to emphasize strengthening the trenches.
Round 5, Pick 159: Caden Curry, EDGE, Ohio State
It doesn’t officially qualify as a class until the Steelers take an EDGE or an Ohio State player. They check both boxes here. Curry continues Pittsburgh’s tradition of fortifying the pass rush pipeline.
Curry is a developmental rotational piece with upside in sub-packages, who will add major special teams value.
Round 6, Pick 213: Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech
I hear you – I’d prefer they take a safety earlier also, but sometimes that’s just how the cookie crumbles.
Wisniewski was a key cog on arguably the best defense in the country. He’s a physical presence with imposing size, at 6’4, 220lbs. – So he’s someone that receivers and tight ends will want to avoid in the middle of the field.
Round 6, Pick 214: Eli Heidenreich, RB, Navy
How about some local love? The Mt. Lebanon native was one of the most productive players in all of college football, and leaves Navy with the most receiving touchdowns in school history. He’ll play both running back and wideout, but this is the area the Steelers love to pluck special teamers, and if nothing else, I have zero doubts he’ll be exceptional on that unit.
Round 7, Pick 224: Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State
There’s the quarterback of the future you’ve been waiting for!
Kidding, of course. Here’s my logic with this pick: I think both Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph will be back in 2026. If that’s the case, there’s only room for one more player on the active roster, and that’ll be Will Howard.. UNLESS a dart throw at someone like Payton forced their hand, which would be an awesome problem to have.
If you have to cut him, no harm, no foul.
He’s a funky, left-handed, raw prospect with a prototypical build and well-above-average mobility. But he obviously needs plenty of reps.
Round 7, Pick 237: Ryan Eckley, P, Michigan State
Corliss Waitman wasn’t very good last year. Bringing in some completion here isn’t a wasted pick.
This draft may not ultimately prove to be the “most important ever,” but it unquestionably feels pivotal. With new leadership, lingering questions at quarterback, and the rare opportunity to build the next chapter at home, the Steelers have a chance to shape their trajectory in meaningful ways.
As the combine unfolds and free agency reshapes the roster, projections will shift. But one thing remains certain: this draft weekend in Pittsburgh will be watched with heightened anticipation.