The Pittsburgh Steelers finally addressed their defensive tackle need in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Oregon standout Derrick Harmon. So color me shocked that ESPN has this team addressing the interior defensive line in the first round of their way-too-early 2026 mock draft.
Exactly one week after the 2025 draft kicked off, ESPN's NFL Draft expert Jordan Reid conducted a full first-round mock draft for 2026. Reid has the Steelers going with Alabama Crimson Tide defensive tackle, LT Overton.
"Sure, the Steelers drafted Derrick Harmon this year, but you can never have too many defensive tackles," Reid wrote on ESPN. "Cameron Heyward will be 37 entering the 2026 season; the defensive line could see some turnover.
Reid continued to talk up the selection and why it makes sense for Pittsburgh.
"Overton fits what the Steelers have looked for in the past, as the 6-foot-5, 283-pounder can play off the edge or reduce inside, Reid continued. "His 13.4% pressure rate at defensive tackle last season was second best in the FBS. He probably would have been a top-60 pick had he declared for the 2025 draft, but Overton has the opportunity to boost his stock even more -- especially if he can improve his sack total (two last season)."
When Pittsburgh turned their card in for Derrick Harmon, it marked the first time in 14 years that the Steelers had selected an interior defender in the first round of the NFL Draft (Cam Heyward was the last one they selected in Round 1). While the Steelers would never turn away good defensive line help, they will have numerous pressing needs to fill in 2026—none greater than the quarterback position.
What's perhaps most disheartening about Reid's mock is that he has the Steelers selecting 16th in the first round of the 2026 draft. This means that the ESPN draft expert has Mike Tomlin's team falling short of the playoffs, and considering this draft positioning, maybe even falling below .500 for the first time in Tomlin's career.
The Pittsburgh Steelers won't select a defensive lineman in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft
We can't expect everyone to be as plugged into the Pittsburgh Steelers as we are, and Jordan Reid does a great job. But when you look ahead to next offseason, there's almost no chance this team selects a defensive lineman with their top draft choice.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Steelers spent three of their first four picks on the defensive trenches with defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, defensive tackle Yahya Black, and edge rusher Jack Sawyer. Even if Heyward elects to retire after the 2025 season, it feels inevitable that Pittsburgh will take their big quarterback swing next offseason.
I can't say I've sat down and watched a ton of LT Overton tape. I'm sure he's a good football player, and he has a chance to finally break out as a senior. However, ESPN went off the deep end with this one. General manager Omar Khan has spent five of Pittsburgh's top six picks over the past three years on the trenches, and they are destined to look elsewhere in the 2026 NFL Draft.