Every year at the NFL Draft, clear winners and losers emerge as time reveals which selections were strong and which fell short. First-round prospects are expected to contribute immediately and make a positive impact on their teams. Anything less often results in negative attention and criticism. The Pittsburgh Steelers must avoid unnecessary risk and the possibility of drafting a bust.
Holding the 21st overall pick may increase the risk of selecting a potential bust, but with 12 picks available, it is unlikely the Steelers will remain passive.
Pittsburgh has the flexibility to trade up for a highly-regarded prospect at any point throughout the seven rounds if they choose to do so. However, some prospects display clear red flags, which should raise legitimate concerns for the Steelers as they evaluate certain players.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must pass on these prospects tonight in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Without a pre-draft visit and with limited connections to Pittsburgh, KC Concepcion does not appear to be high on the Steelers’ draft board. That is largely good news, as he is generally viewed as a second-tier wide receiver prospect in this year’s draft class. Although he is an effective route runner with notable explosiveness, his issues with dropped passes are a massive red flag.
Aveion Terrell, CB, Clemson
Uncertainty continues to surround Aveion Terrell and his chances of being selected in the first round.
While it is nearly guaranteed that he will be available to the Steelers with the 21st overall pick, several concerns accompany his draft profile. He is coming off a hamstring injury, and his testing numbers raised questions about his athleticism. Although Terrell’s game film is solid, selecting him would represent a significant risk, as his athletic limitations could become a long-term issue.
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
According to most expert pre-draft predictions, Kenyon Sadiq is projected to be selected in the middle of the first round of the NFL Draft. The Oregon standout is widely regarded as the top tight end in the class by a significant margin and warrants a strong investment. However, tight end is not a major need for the Steelers. While Sadiq would be an intriguing option at pick 21, the Steelers have more pressing roster needs.
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Similar to Aveion Terrell, Jermod McCoy carries an elevated injury risk. He missed the entire previous season due to injury, and additional concerns remain regarding his knee issues. While McCoy possesses the talent to become the top cornerback in this draft class, the red flags surrounding his health are difficult to ignore. Given those concerns, Pittsburgh would be wise to play it safe with him.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
It is unclear how urgently the Steelers view offensive tackle as a need, but if they are prioritizing the position, Kadyn Proctor could be high on their draft board.
Proctor is expected to be a first-round selection, potentially in Pittsburgh's draft range. However, the massive Alabama prospect should be approached with caution. He remains an unfinished product and has the potential to become a draft bust. While his game film does not particularly stand out, his size and athleticism may be appealing enough to persuade some teams to overlook those concerns.
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