First impressions matter. For new Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, they can define an entire era.
Just a few months into his tenure as HC of the Steelers, McCarthy has already begun laying the foundation for what he hopes will be a return to tradition—physical football, smart decisions, and most importantly, winning. And as he made clear during his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show Monday afternoon, he sees the upcoming NFL Draft as a major step in that process.
“We have 12 draft picks,” McCarthy said, almost with a sense of excitement you couldn’t ignore.
That number alone tells you everything about where Pittsburgh stands. A chance to reshape the roster in his vision. But what makes McCarthy’s outlook even more intriguing is his history with first selections—something he didn’t shy away from reflecting on.
“AJ Hawk was my first ever draft pick… great draft pick,” he said, smiling.
He’s not wrong. A.J. Hawk became a cornerstone for Green Bay’s defense, bringing consistency, leadership, and longevity. The kind of player every coach hopes to land when starting fresh.
Then came another example.
“CeeDee Lamb was our first pick in Dallas.”
Different position, same impact. Lamb evolved into one of the league’s premier wide receivers, stacking production year after year and proving McCarthy’s eye for talent isn’t limited to one side of the ball. Over 7,000 receiving yards and 40-plus touchdowns later, that pick speaks for itself.
So naturally, the question shifts to Pittsburgh.
Can McCarthy do it again?
Mike McCarthy must make a meaningful selection during his first draft with the Pittsburgh Steelers
That’s where things get complicated. This isn’t Green Bay or Dallas. The Steelers enter the 2026 draft with more uncertainty than either of those situations presented. The ongoing speculation surrounding Aaron Rodgers looms large, and multiple areas of the roster still need attention.
Quarterback. Offensive line. Secondary depth. Even playmakers.
It’s a lot to balance for a coach trying to make a strong first impression. And yet, there’s something about McCarthy’s confidence that feels… earned.
Maybe it’s his track record or his understanding of how to build a team from the ground up. Or maybe it’s simply the way he talks about the process—with patience, clarity, and just enough conviction to make you believe he’s already a step ahead.
Prospects like Jordyn Tyson and Carnell Tate have surfaced as potential targets—dynamic wide receivers who could immediately inject life into Pittsburgh’s offense. Adding a playmaker like that would certainly energize the fanbase and give the offense a much-needed spark.
But drafts don’t always cooperate.
Boards fall differently while prospects rise unexpectedly. Runs on positions can change everything in a matter of minutes. For Pittsburgh to land “their guy,” things will have to break just right.
Still, if there’s one thing we’ve learned about McCarthy, it’s that he prepares for those moments.
He understands the weight of a first pick—not just in terms of talent, but in terms of message. That selection will tell us exactly how he views this roster, this rebuild, and this opportunity.
And if history has taught us anything, his first move is rarely accidental.