There could be significant movement in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and the Pittsburgh Steelers may be one of the most active teams. They currently hold the 21st overall pick, though that could change if they decide to trade up or down in the opening round. One thing is certain: the team has shown its hand, and its top first-round targets appear fairly straightforward.
One of these seven prospects will ultimately be announced as the Steelers’ first selection in the draft.
Based on the 30 pre-draft visits and the limited Pro Day attendance by top decision makers in Georgia, the list of candidates can be narrowed to seven names. While it would be unusual for the organization to stray from tradition, this year could be an exception.
Regardless, the Steelers still have a clear path forward with someone from this group.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' list of first-round options at the NFL Draft is pretty cut-and-dry
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
One of the highest graded players on the Steelers’ board in this class could be Makai Lemon. Omar Khan and Mike McCarthy spoke glowingly about his pre-draft visit. While selecting Lemon would be appealing, it would likely require a significant trade-up in the first round.
If the team values him enough to pay that price, he should be considered one of the favorites to become their first selection.
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
A dark horse candidate entering Round 1 is Monroe Freeling. He is projected to be selected well before the Steelers’ 21st overall pick, but if he were to slip, he could become a viable option. Georgia was the only Pro Day that Khan and McCarthy attended in person, signaling a strong interest in that program. Freeling could also help ease concerns surrounding Broderick Jones’ injury recovery.
Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
While he has not been widely listed as a first-round candidate, Chris Johnson’s name has gained momentum as the NFL Draft approaches. He could be a sneaky prospect who works his way into the opening round. Pittsburgh hosted him for a pre-draft visit, so the team’s interested. Johnson could become an intriguing option if the Steelers trade back or if their top targets come off the board early.
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Many believe selecting a wide receiver in Round 1 is the most likely outcome, and that approach makes sense for the Steelers.
Denzel Boston may be the most realistic option available to them. His projected range aligns closely with Pittsburgh’s 21st overall pick, making him a solid value at that spot. The primary concern surrounding Boston is whether he can continue to win consistently in contested catch situations at the next level.
Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
While it seems unlikely, if the top wide receivers are off the board and the Steelers still consider trading up, Olaivavega Ioane could emerge as their best fallback option. He would represent strong value for the team, though with Spencer Anderson and Brock Hoffman already on the roster, adding a guard is not as urgent as it once was. That said, Ioane would still be an excellent addition.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
There are no guarantees that Emmanuel McNeil Warren will come off the board in the first round, but he is a prospect who deserves it. Whether the Steelers trade back or remain at pick 21, McNeil-Warren would make sense as an option. While safety is not a pressing need, Jaquan Brisker is only under contract for one more season, and adding McNeil Warren could provide a long-term solution.
Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
This is where Khan could break tradition by selecting a player who did not take a pre-draft visit in the first round.
Omar Cooper Jr. has strong connections within the Steelers’ organization, which could explain why there was less urgency to meet with him during the pre-draft process. Cooper is a versatile receiver capable of playing both inside and outside and could be the most realistic option if the team is comfortable deviating from its usual approach.
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