Following free agency, the Pittsburgh Steelers do not have many major holes on the roster, but several needs still remain heading into the NFL Draft. Much of the attention will be on what the team does in the first round. The Steelers enter the draft with 12 selections, creating increased flexibility and opening the door for potential trades. As a result, a move up in the first round is more realistic.
Several key needs, including wide receiver, offensive line, and positions in the secondary, remain at the forefront of the team’s focus during the pre-draft process.
That said, it would not be surprising if the Steelers go in a different direction with their top pick depending on how the board unfolds. If their preferred targets begin coming off the board early, the team could pivot to a prospect few anticipated.
12 potential Pittsburgh Steelers first-round targets to keep in mind during draft week
Ty Simpson, QB - Alabama
Few within Steelers Nation want Ty Simpson to be the team’s top pick, but the possibility cannot be completely dismissed.
He is widely viewed as the second-best quarterback in this class and possesses the skill set to potentially develop into a starting-caliber player. Aaron Rodgers is expected to return, but there are no guarantees. If Pittsburgh becomes aggressive in the first round, the Steelers could shake up the draft by selecting Simpson as their quarterback of the future.
Makai Lemon, WR - USC
Many in Pittsburgh expect the Steelers to select a wide receiver in the first round. Targeting one of the top three receivers in the class makes sense, and Makai Lemon may be the team’s top option. The Steelers hosted the USC standout for a pre-draft visit, but he is widely viewed as out of their current range. While the chances of landing Lemon remain slim, a trade-up might happen.
Omar Cooper Jr., WR - Indiana
If the Steelers do not move up early in the first round, they may need to settle for a receiver outside of the top three prospects. Omar Cooper Jr. has had an impressive pre-draft process and could be firmly in play if Pittsburgh stays at pick 21. He offers the versatility to line up both in the slot and on the outside.
Cooper Jr. is a name to watch as the draft approaches, as he could emerge as the Steelers’ fallback option in Round 1.
Jordyn Tyson, WR - Arizona State
Injuries remain the biggest concern surrounding Jordyn Tyson. His pre-draft process has not helped his stock, which could lead to a slide in the first round. When healthy, Tyson has shown explosive playmaking ability, but his inability to stay on the field has been the primary issue. Even with the injury concerns, his elite talent may still be worth the risk for a team willing to gamble.
KC Concepcion, WR - Texas A&M
He appears to be a lower-priority option for the Steelers, but KC Concepcion is still a prospect the team has shown interest in. Concepcion is an explosive playmaker and an even more polished route runner heading into the NFL Draft. The biggest concern surrounding him is his inconsistency in securing the football. While his drop count is concerning, there is no denying the talent he has.
Denzel Boston, WR - Washington
Outside of the top three wide receivers being the primary targets in the first round, Denzel Boston may represent the Steelers’ final option.
If players like Lemon, Cooper Jr., and Tyson are off the board, Boston could become the selection. He is a big, physical receiver capable of making an impact in any offense. The Steelers already feature similarly built receivers in Michael Pittman Jr. and DK Metcalf, and adding Boston would bring another size-driven target to that group.
Monroe Freeling, OT - Georgia
The Steelers sent their top decision makers to Georgia’s Pro Day, so none of the Bulldogs’ prospects can be completely ruled out. Monroe Freeling is widely projected to come off the board early in the first round, but there is still a slim chance he could slip past those expectations. While it would be surprising to see Freeling fall to their pick, the possibility cannot be dismissed entirely.
Olaivavega Ione, OG - Penn State
Adding a guard in the first round may not be the flashiest move, but it should remain an option for the Steelers. Olaivavega Ione is widely viewed as the top prospect at the position and would address a clear need for Pittsburgh. While the team has internal options who could compete for the starting left guard spot, selecting a player early with the intent to plug him directly into the lineup is ideal.
Ione is a physical, aggressive blocker who is not afraid to deliver punishing contact when the situation calls for it.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S - Toledo
After hosting him for a pre-draft visit, the Steelers cannot completely rule out selecting Emmanuel McNeil-Warren if they remain at pick 21. He comes from a smaller program at Toledo, but has established himself as a solid safety prospect. While he may not be the team’s top option, safety is a position that could surprise some observers if Pittsburgh chooses to go in that direction.
Dillon Thieneman, S - Oregon
Another potential safety option at pick 21 is Dillon Thieneman out of Oregon. He is not a flashy player, but he is generally reliable. Thieneman would be viewed as a relatively safe selection, as his football IQ is high and his athleticism stands out.
He has shown some shortcomings in man coverage and consistency as a tackler, but overall, the Steelers would be adding a player with the traits to develop into a long-term starter at safety.
Chris Johnson, CB - San Diego State
Few project Chris Johnson as a first-round pick, and even fewer expect the Steelers to trade back in Round 1. However, if Pittsburgh does slide back to a later selection, Johnson could emerge as a legitimate target. He would be a strong fit in the Steelers’ man-heavy defensive scheme and was also brought in for a pre-draft visit. Adding Johnson would give Pittsburgh a high-potential cornerback.
Kayden McDonald, DT - Ohio State
The Steelers selected Derrick Harmon in last year’s draft, but it is still possible they could surprise many by choosing another defensive tackle in the first round.
Kayden McDonald is one of the few defensive linemen who could realistically draw early interest from Pittsburgh. The franchise will eventually need to replace Cam Heyward, and while steps have already been taken to address that future need, adding McDonald would further strengthen the team’s succession plan along the defensive front.