Steelers Choosing Surprising 2026 Draft Strategy Just Became Possible

The Pittsburgh Steelers come into the 2026 NFL Draft with many major holes on their roster. With many key players becoming free agents and some needing contract extensions, the draft will be an important one. The Steelers have over 10 picks in this draft, and while many believe that they could utilize that overhaul on a trade up, it could be unlikely. The team needs to fill its ranks with young talent as it looks to build for the future. Newly-hired Head Coach Mike McCarthy will bring the team in a more offensive direction compared to the defensive mind of now-former Head Coach Mike Tomlin. 

The change will affect how the Steelers attack the draft as they likely will want to score more points compared to previous years, as the collective has heavily relied on its stout defense. The Steelers will have over 10 picks, and while that may seem intriguing for a trade-up early, NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah believes that the Steelers may go a different direction.

"It’s a good Day 2,” Jeremiah said. “I would not anticipate the Steelers parting with those picks to move up in this draft. Usually, you move up for quarterbacks or [offensive or defensive linemen] or pass rushers. Those are the guys you usually go up for. They’ve invested in the offensive and defensive lines, and there’s not a quarterback worth chasing."

Since the Steelers have used their Day 1 picks on linemen as of late, with last year's pick being Oregon's Derrick Harmon and the years prior being two tackles in Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu, the Steelers don't have an immediate need in the trenches that warrants a first-round pick selection. The Steelers need a quarterback; however, this year's class only has one true first-round talent in Fernando Mendoza. 

The Steelers seemingly prepared to take a quarterback in the first round as they acquired a plethora of picks through trade and used the compensatory pick system to their advantage. The Steelers have the potential to receive four compensatory picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, potentially bringing their total draft capital to 12 selections. These projected picks include a 3rd-rounder for Dan Moore Jr., a 4th-rounder for Justin Fields, and two 6th-rounders for Russell Wilson and Donte Jackson.

Since the Steelers don't have a dire need for players from the aforementioned positions or the position doesn't warrant a first-round pick (QB), the team could look to utilize most, if not all, of its picks. The team has a huge hole in the receiver room, and this year's draft is loaded with talent. The Steelers have the ability to double up on receivers in this draft based on the talent available and the need. 

The Steelers need help in the secondary to pair with their rising star, Joey Porter Jr. This draft is deep in talent that the Steelers need, and could play an advantage for the team, as they can use their plethora of picks to address their needs and maybe even double dip on certain position groups. 

Steelers Do Need To Get Younger

The Steelers head into 2026 with a chance to completely revamp their roster. There is a ton of rising star talent on the defensive side of the ball, including Porter Jr. and Nick Herbig. The two are both awaiting extensions, but if extended provide star power and youth to the defense. The Steelers have some young defensive linemen who could be exciting. However, the Steelers should use this draft to add talented youth on the offensive side. 

The offensive line is young and beginning to gel. The team needs to add some receivers to the mix. If the Steelers utilize all their picks, it provides a safety net. The Steelers won't need to rely on aging veterans as they have in previous seasons. The team has offered too many short-term deals to aging vets. By adding a ton of youth, the Steelers don't only save money, but could find a ton of star power. Use all the picks.