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The Steelers plans for the 2026 NFL Draft remain a mystery

The Pittsburgh Steelers have done some good work this offseason, but there is still a lot that needs to be accomplished before the team returns to action for the 2026 campaign. All eyes are on Aaron Rodgers as he continues to mull his football future, and for the second straight offseason, it appears the Steelers will have no clarity on his future ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Pittsburgh has the most picks (12) of any team in the league in this upcoming draft, but with Rodgers still deciding whether or not he wants to play in 2026, that has made things increasingly difficult for the team’s front office. The Steelers will make their first selection with the No. 21 overall pick in the first round, and according to one team insider, there isn’t anyone who has emerged as a clear favorite to come off the board at this spot.

Steelers’ Plan for No. 21 Overall Pick Remains a Mystery

The Steelers entered the offseason knowing that they needed some help on the offensive side of the ball. While DK Metcalf is a clear No. 1 option in the passing game, Pittsburgh struggled to find anyone else who could take attention off of him. Running back Kenneth Gainwell was probably the closest thing the team had to an answer, but he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency.

Pittsburgh has trimmed its offense this offseason, moving on from tight ends Jonnu Smith and Connor Heyward in addition to Gainwell’s departure. Coming to town is wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who should pair up nicely with Metcalf, and running back Rico Dowdle, who will likely allow Jaylen Warren to slide back into his Swiss Army knife role as the 1B to his 1A.

With the defense already featuring a lot of star power, that has put the Steelers in a unique position ahead of the draft. The quarterback position is obviously a big need if Rodgers decides to retire, but that isn’t a position Pittsburgh is going to worry about in the first round. As a result, insider Brooke Pryor of ESPN believes that all options are on the table for the Steelers with the No. 21 pick.

“Unlike recent years, there doesn’t seem to be a consensus player — or even position — for the Steelers to take in the first round,” Pryor wrote. “The front office addressed some of the most glaring needs (wide receiver, cornerback, safety) in free agency, giving them the flexibility to play the board. The Steelers’ predraft visits also don’t necessarily tip their hand because many of those brought in are considered middle-round picks.”

What Should the Steelers Do with the No. 21 Pick?

GettyPittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan has 12 draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Steelers look likely to have the ability to select the best player available when they are on the clock in the first round, which is a unique position to be in. Making matters even more complicated for general manager Omar Khan and the rest of the front office, the team already has 12 selections in this draft, so it isn’t as if they need to trade down the board and acquire more picks.

Pittsburgh could conceivably trade up, but the only guy that would seemingly make sense for the team in this scenario is Penn State Nittany Lions guard Olaivavega Ioane, and even then, doing so may cost the team a pretty penny. The Steelers may be better off selecting whoever falls to them, but at this stage of the game, it’s anybody’s guess as to who that player would be.