The Pittsburgh Steelers are prepared for war — and honestly, they need a win.
After a frustrating campaign filled with inconsistency and unanswered questions, the 2026 NFL Draft feels like more than an offseason checkpoint. It's a pivot point. General manager Omar Khan and his front office have an opportunity to reset the trajectory of this franchise without detonating the foundation. It will require discipline, vision, and a little courage.
Here’s how I believe the first three rounds will unfold without any additonal trades.
The Pittsburgh Steelers make intentional picks during the first half of the 2026 NFL Draft
Pittsburgh Steelers First Round Draft Pick (No.21):Â Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Finding a true partner in crime for All-Pro receiver DK Metcalf has quietly become one of Pittsburgh’s biggest priorities. Extending Metcalf for four years and $132 million last spring was a bold and necessary commitment. But it left the offense lopsided. Defenses keyed in on him, and the passing attack never fully found balance.
With uncertainty still hovering at quarterback — whether Aaron Rodgers returns or Will Howard ascends — investing in a wide receiver feels like the most stable move. I do not expect Makai Lemon (USC) or Carnell Tate (Ohio State) to remain on the board for long. But Denzel Boston checks every box. At 6-foot-4, he brings size, athleticism, and a natural ability to high-point the football. He ranked fourth in the Big Ten in receiving touchdowns (11) last season and consistently stretched defenses vertically.
What I love most is how seamless the fit feels. Boston can dominate in man coverage, win contested catches, and immediately ease the pressure on Metcalf. For an offense that desperately needs explosive balance, this is the perfect first-round strike.
Pittsburgh Steelers Second Round Pick (No. 53):Â Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
Quarterback debates are flashy. But investing in protection is foundational.
Last season, Pittsburgh ranked 12th in quarterback sack percentage at 5.65%. Respectable, sure — but far from dominant. And with veteran guard Isaac Seumalo potentially departing after an underwhelming year, reinforcements inside are essential.
Emmanuel Pregnon feels like a tone-setter. He plays with heavy hands, strong leverage, and the kind of physical edge Pittsburgh’s identity is built on. His ability to pull and move laterally in short-yardage situations would help reestablish a run game that never found consistent rhythm.
Whether it’s Rodgers at 42 or Howard stepping into the spotlight, a sturdy interior line keeps everything upright.
Pittsburgh Steelers Third Round (No.76):Â Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
It's envitable, improving Pittsburgh's defense must be a priortiy as well.
Even after acquiring All-Pro Jalen Ramsey, Pittsburgh’s secondary struggled mightily, finishing 29th in opponent passing yards per game (244.9). New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham needs range and playmaking on the back end.
Zakee Wheatley brings both. At 6-foot-3 with legitimate speed, he covers ground quickly and plays downhill in run support. His tackling consistency needs refinement, but the motor is undeniable. Pairing him with Deshon Elliot could give Pittsburgh long-term stability at safety — something this defense has lacked. He's an obtainable gem if Dillon Thieneman (Oregon) or Emanel McNeil-Warren (Toledo) are snatched before the third round.
Pittsburgh Steelers Third Round (No.85):Â Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
Fixing the secondary requires layers, not patches.
Veteran additions haven’t solved the issue. The signing of Darius Slay last off-season was the most recent example. It's clear, youth is the only answer. Malik Muhammad offers length, discipline, and ball skills. He recorded two interceptions last season and ranked tenth in the SEC in pass deflections. His instincts in zone coverage stand out, and his twitchy reactions allow him to close passing windows quickly.
Lining him up opposite Joey Porter Jr. could quietly transform the future of this cornerback room.
Pittsburgh Steelers Third Round (No.99):Â Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh
Defense starts in the middle.
Pittsburgh ranked 28th in total yards allowed per game (360.8) and struggled to maintain consistency at linebacker. Patrick Queen had flashes but uneven stretches. Payton Wilson and Cole Holcomb also battled inconsistency.
Kyle Louis feels like a culture pick. Over the past two seasons, he totaled 24 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and six interceptions. He reads blocks decisively and attacks the run with urgency. Yes, his aggression occasionally pulls him out of position. But that fire is coachable.
If this mock becomes reality, Pittsburgh won’t just add talent. They’ll add balance, physicality, and long-term vision. Omar Khan will check every box that is left vaccant entiring the off-season. They may evencollect a few gems in the process.
And for a team desperate to reclaim its identity, that might be the biggest victory of all.