Steelers Eye Surprise First-Round Twist as WR Not the Only Priority in 2026 Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been trying to expand the scope of their passing game for years and are widely being linked to wide receivers in the upcoming draft, but that’s hardly a foregone conclusion and the team could surprise some with the direction of its top pick.

Aaron Rodgers has yet to commit to return to the Steelers at quarterback for 2026, but that is seen around the league as a near certainty, so grabbing a pass-catching weapon for the aging future Hall of Famer is a natural connection to make. 

But there are a few prospects on the defensive side of the ball, despite all of the financial and draft investments already made to that part of the roster, who might be hard to pass on as well, according to league sources. 

It’s also hardly out of the question the team turns to a tight end, even having made some substantial investments to that position in the recent past, too – instead of going with a receiver.

Which Prospects Are Catching The Steelers Attention?

Pittsburgh used its top pick a year ago on Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, who flashed big-time potential when not derailed by injuries. 

While Ohio State defensive lineman Kayden McDonald doesn’t have nearly that sort of pass rushing upside, he is a Bonafide run stuffer and could be paired with Harmon for years to come to fortify a defensive line that got long in the tooth. This is a weak defensive tackle draft and the value in grabbing the best of that bunch could be a smart play, with other position groups offering greater depth and variety.

Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman is also the kind of hybrid defensive back the team would covet, and if he is still there at pick 21 he would surely be under consideration as well. 

Offensive line is another area that could rightly be addressed in the first round, and Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor would be the name to watch there should he still be on the board.

If the Steelers do end up taking a receiver, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson’s injury issues and durability are a legitimate concern for NFL teams, but the talent is also apparent on film and if I had to throw a dart at one pass catcher with a pick that deep in the first round, he’d be the most likely candidate to get it.