Steelers shock fans with first-round pick in 2026 NFL Draft

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Steelers shock fans with first-round pick in 2026 NFL Draft

Originally posted on Steeler Nation | By Brogan Noey | Last updated Apr 23, 2026 10:33 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers have kept fans on their toes leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft when it comes to how the franchise would be attacking the board. There were a lot of questions about how the organization would handle things. The event is being hosted in Pittsburgh, so there was some worry that the team might try to reach and make some sort of splash to please the fan base.

There were also questions about what the front office would do with 12 picks, as picking that many rookies is never a good idea, especially when considering how many of those selections would come in the later rounds.

The fan base was curious about what position might be addressed during the first round, as this was the first year when it was truly hard to tell. Pittsburgh could have used another wide receiver, the left side of the offensive line is a problem, and the secondary can always be addressed.

Fans got their first answer on Thursday as the Steelers made their selection in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft: Max Iheanachor out of Arizona State.

No. 20 pick is in: #Steelers have selected Arizona State OL Max Iheanachor per sources. pic.twitter.com/97zdmRDEHs
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 24, 2026

The entire offseason of speculation finally came to a close as Steelers fans now know the top pick that will be joining the roster. It comes at a position of need as well, and there is a chance that he can be a high-impact rookie for the Steelers in 2026. All teams that find success deep in the postseason are able to have first-year guys that make an impact, and the Steelers took a step in the right direction with this pick.

This is a historic selection for the Steelers as the event was being hosted in Pittsburgh, and it is also the first selection by new head coach Mike McCarthy. Hopefully the two are able to have a great relationship with one another that translates into success and progression on the field. The Steelers have put together some decent draft classes over the year since Omar Khan has taken over, and hopefully that trend continues.

Bringing in quality rookies all throughout the draft is a great way for a team to become competitive in the grand landscape of the NFL. Rookie contracts are like gold, especially when a player is able to outperform one. The Steelers have plenty of more selections to make in the event, which will hopefully end up being a very impressive draft class.

This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

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