Most people know that general manager Omar Khan prefers to follow a specific draft strategy. Since his first draft class in 2023, nearly every Steelers selection at the top of the draft has followed the same pattern. Any player chosen in rounds one through three had been a pre-draft visitor, barring unusual circumstances. The lone exception to this trend was Roman Wilson in 2024.
Khan has maintained a 90 percent average in selecting pre-draft visitors in rounds one through three.
That trend could shift with the Steelers holding 12 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, but if Khan has his way, the team is unlikely to stray far from its established approach. Still, the Steelers may rank certain prospects highly despite a lack of pre-draft interest, and those players could ultimately be the ones who convince the organization to break from its recent tradition under Khan.
Pittsburgh Steelers could target these prospects at the NFL Draft despite limited interest
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
It appears unlikely that the Steelers will select an offensive tackle in Round 1, which makes Kadyn Proctor a less probable option. That said, he could still be viewed highly on their draft board, with the organization potentially believing he may be selected before their pick. Injury concerns surrounding Broderick Jones could elevate offensive tackle as a greater priority than expected.
Keionte Scott, CB, Miami
Although Keionte Scott did not receive much pre-draft interest from the Steelers, he could still be an option on Day 2. Depending on how the board unfolds, he may emerge as an alternative if their preferred prospect is off the board. Scott is a solid player and notably had Ike Taylor lead his workout at his Pro Day. While he may not be the primary focus on Day 2, the Steelers will monitor him.
Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
It would be uncharacteristic of Khan to select a non-pre-draft visitor with a first-round pick, but this year presents a legitimate possibility. Omar Cooper Jr. has several connections within the Steelers coaching staff, which may have made Pittsburgh comfortable foregoing an official visit.
If that is the case, Cooper could have a strong chance to break Khan’s first-round trend and alter that recent history.
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Depending on how the team evaluates Dillon Thieneman, he may not currently be viewed as a primary option. Unless the Steelers believe he will be drafted earlier than expected, despite expert projections suggesting otherwise, Thieneman could still be worth consideration. He would be a safe first-round selection and addresses a long-term need for the team.
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Outside of Cooper, Garrett Nussmeier stands out as the most logical candidate without significant pre-draft interest from the Steelers, who could still land in Pittsburgh. His father previously served as the quarterbacks coach for the Cowboys while Mike McCarthy was the head coach, giving McCarthy familiarity with Nussmeier well before the draft process.
Because of that connection, the Steelers may have felt there was no need to dedicate extensive draft resources or a pre-draft visit to further evaluate him.
D'Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
Given the number of cornerbacks the team hosted, it was somewhat surprising that D’Angelo Ponds did not visit Pittsburgh. He is considered one of the better cornerback prospects in the NFL Draft despite his smaller stature. With teams limited to 30 pre-draft visits, it is possible he simply missed out due to the numbers. Ponds could be out of reach as projected as an early second-round pick.
Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon
One name that has rarely been linked to the Steelers, yet makes a great deal of sense, is Emmanuel Pregnon. He is expected to be selected early in the second round, but if he unexpectedly slips to pick 53, Pittsburgh may have to consider breaking tradition. Pregnon fits the offensive line profile Khan prefers in the trenches, and his value at that spot could be too tempting for the Steelers to pass up.
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