When the Pittsburgh Steelers are on the clock in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, they should have a myriad of intriguing options. One prominent beat writer believes they will only have their eyes on two positions.
In his weekly Steelers chat on Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Gerry Dulac was asked what position the Steelers might target if not a WR in the first round.
“Only QB. No other,” he wrote.
Quarterback was said to be their top target dating back to a year ago when they stockpiled 12 draft selections, but the draft class did not break in a favorable way for that to happen. Solving the WR issues in Pittsburgh seems like a safe bet as the next most likely outcome.
Are those the only two options they will consider? There are certainly other needs on the roster, and they have draft capital to move up for premium prospects if they so choose. They have needs on both the offensive and defensive lines as well as the secondary that could come into play.
In my first mock draft of the year, I had the Steelers trading up for Ohio State S Caleb Downs. He is arguably the best overall prospect in the class, and one of just a few blue-chip talents. Pittsburgh rarely has a chance to acquire those talents. Safeties tend to slide and the Steelers have the ammunition to move up.
Cameron Heyward can’t play forever, and the defensive line still isn’t solved. Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black were a nice start, but Peter Woods, Caleb Banks, or Kayden McDonald could be the missing piece. And with Isaac Seumalo set to become a free agent and Broderick Jones’ status up in the air, an offensive lineman could help complete the rebuild of the offensive line that’s been ongoing for a number of years.
If James Pierre or Asante Samuel Jr. walk in free agency, the Steelers will be in desperate need of a starting outside corner. Jalen Ramsey proved that his days starting on the outside are behind him, and his price tag might prove too rich to retain his services as a safety. Downs could solve the safety position for years to come.
If Dulac is correct, there are a number of receivers that could make sense. Jordyn Tyson, Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, Denzel Boston, and KC Concepcion are all viable first-round options at receiver. Quarterback is a different story with Ty Simpson and potentially Trinidad Chambliss as the only two options after Fernando Mendoza is long gone at the top of the board.