Now that the dust has settled on the 2026 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers are receiving mixed reviews for their overall class.
The team made several solid additions, but some selections appear to have come earlier than expected. Much of the criticism stems from the awkward situation surrounding USC wide receiver Makai Lemon in the first round, and as a result, this draft does not seem likely to rank among general manager Omar Khan’s strongest efforts.
Only time will tell how those rookies develop in Pittsburgh, but the outlook surrounding the Steelers has not been particularly positive since the conclusion of the NFL Draft.
Looking back and playing the “what if” game is always easy in hindsight. Still, this re-draft illustrates that Omar Khan had an opportunity to assemble a class filled with potential stars. Had the organization executed this version of the draft in reality, it likely would have earned widespread praise.
Pittsburgh Steelers re-draft exposes that the team could've produced a fantastic class
In hindsight, this is exactly the approach the Steelers should have taken instead of remaining on the phone with Makai Lemon. Rather than staying put, Pittsburgh should have engaged the Cowboys in trade discussions to determine whether a modest move up was necessary to secure the receiver they clearly coveted. The Steelers likely would not have needed to pay a significant price.
Round 1 | Pick 20 (via DAL): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
After correcting their trade misstep from draft night, the Steelers land Makai Lemon, who was clearly their top choice in the first round.
In this scenario, moving up with Dallas to secure him would have generated excitement among the fan base. Pittsburgh entered the draft with 12 total picks, yet instead of making an early move for Lemon, the team waited until Day 2 to get aggressive in acquiring Germie Bernard. Only time will tell which decision ultimately produces the better receiver.
Round 2 | Pick 53: Markel Bell, OT, Miami
Because they did not land Max Iheanachor in this re-draft, the Steelers were still forced to reach for a tackle in Markel Bell. Many evaluators projected Bell as a third or fourth round pick, but given the limited depth at the position in this draft class, the selection is understandable. Bell is considered a project player, but unlike Iheanachor, he brings extensive experience at left tackle.
Round 3 | Pick 76 (via DAL): A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU
No, the Steelers did not select Drew Allar, as they had opportunities to add a quarterback later. Instead, A.J. Haulcy represented too much value to pass up at that point. Widely projected as a second-round pick, Haulcy stands out as an excellent value selection. While he may not have seen extensive playing time in his rookie season, he would have given the Steelers a long-term option.
Round 3 | Pick 85: Darrell Jackson Jr., DT, Florida State
Failing to add young talent along the defensive line is not catastrophic, but in hindsight, it is something the Steelers could have addressed.
Darrell Jackson Jr. did not come off the board until Day 3 of the NFL Draft, yet he would have represented solid value in this spot in the third round. He also would have provided a much stronger option than selecting Gabriel Rubio, who was unranked by most evaluators, in the sixth round.
The Steelers ultimately stuck with the trade-up that actually occurred late in the third round. After identifying a prospect, they truly valued in Gennings Dunker, Pittsburgh moved up three spots to ensure they secured him. Perhaps missing out on Makai Lemon earlier in the draft reinforced the importance of being aggressive when targeting players they covet.
Round 3 | Pick 96 (via SEA): Gennings Dunker, OG, Iowa
Just as they did in reality, the Steelers stayed committed to Gennings Dunker in this re-draft scenario. He represented excellent value at this point in the NFL Draft and should enter the season as the team’s starting left guard. Projected by many to come off the board in the second round, landing him this late on Day 2 qualifies as a steal. Dunker also adds versatility to the offensive line.
Round 4 | Pick 121: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
Waiting until the fourth round to address the cornerback position would have been a surprise, but the Steelers managed to find solid value late. Malik Muhammad was a player they expressed significant pre-draft interest in, and selecting him at this point would have been excellent value. He is a versatile cornerback capable of playing both inside and outside.
By adding Muhammad here, Pittsburgh would have secured a quality contributor to its secondary.
Another trade that actually occurred remains intact in this re-draft scenario, as the Steelers move back eight spots in the fifth round. It was a smart piece of business by Omar Khan, allowing the team to avoid having its late-round picks spread too far apart. The move back did not involve significant risk, as there were still plenty of intriguing prospects available.
Round 5 | Pick 169 (via KC): Riley Nowakowski, TE, Indiana
The Steelers remained committed to Riley Nowakowski at this point in the draft, as he represented solid value at a position of need. Pittsburgh would've entered training camp needing a third tight end behind Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. Nowakowski offers positional versatility, with the ability to line up as either a tight end or a fullback, and his overall skill set should integrate well.
Round 6 | Pick 210 (via KC): Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU
Passing on an inside linebacker was one of the more surprising decisions the Steelers made during the NFL Draft.
Many expected the team to consider the position with an early selection, yet it ultimately went unaddressed. Harold Perkins Jr. was still available in the sixth round and would have represented excellent value at that point. Selecting Perkins instead of Gabriel Rubio could have helped strengthen and balance this draft class.
Round 7 | Pick 224: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Watching Garrett Nussmeier slide to the very end of the seventh round cast the Steelers’ selection of Drew Allar in a less favorable light. While Allar may possess the higher ceiling, Nussmeier is far more pro-ready and profiles as a quarterback who could enjoy a long NFL career. His value this late in the re-draft was simply too good to ignore. In hindsight, Pittsburgh should've waited to take a QB.
Round 7 | Pick 230: Eli Heidenreich, RB/WR, Navy
Rounding out this re-draft class, the Steelers stick with the same final selection they made in reality.
Eli Heidenreich provided one of the more memorable moments of the NFL Draft, and this pick makes sense in this scenario. With Kaden Wetjen no longer in the mix, Heidenreich would have the opportunity to compete as a returner, running back, and wide receiver. His versatility is an intriguing asset, which is why he remains the selection here.
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