It took some grueling roster cuts and a pair of unexpected trades, but the Pittsburgh Steelers finally have their initial 53-man roster set ahead of the 2026 NFL season. Fans were intrigued to see second-year quarterback Will Howard make the team, while they were busy discussing veterans like Elandon Roberts and Travis Homer who missed the cut.
But while all of this was going on, the Steelers casually made roster history.
For the first time in the modern era, the Steelers had 10 rookie draft picks make the official 53-man roster. While it's not a surprise to see an entire draft class make the team (this has been the case early in Omar Khan's tenure as GM), it's rare that double-digit rookie draft picks make the team all in the same year.
Adding to the rarity of the situation, undrafted rookie free agent defensive lineman Kevin Jobity Jr. also made the team. Though Jobity was not a draft pick, he is a rookie. This means that a whopping 11 rookies made the Steelers' final roster.
Shockingly, rookies account for one-fifth of Pittsburgh's 2026 roster. And with that, we've reached uncharted territory.
The Pittsburgh Steelers had 10 rookie draft picks (and 11 rookies) make the 53-man roster
In today's NFL, a team can hardly end up with ten or more draft picks organically. Since 1994, there have been just seven rounds in the NFL Draft. So in order to get more picks, the Steelers would either have to trade or get awarded picks from the compensatory formula.
This year, fans wondered if general manager Omar Khan and the front office would make all 10 selections in April. Double-digit picks seemed excessive at the time, and not many believed that all of these selections could make the team at once.
As it turns out, we were all wrong.
At least initially, the Steelers are keeping 10 rookie draft picks (plus an undrafted rookie) on their 53-man roster ahead of the 2026 season.
The biggest name that appeared to be in jeopardy of making the cut following the Steelers' preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills was running back/wide receiver Eli Heidenreich. The local prospect and former Navy standout had a quiet summer, and he seemed destined for the practice squad.
We can't explain why all 10 draft picks made the team, and some are already questioning Khan's decision. Some would argue that there were veterans (such as linebacker Elandon Roberts) or journeymen players (such as cornerback Doneiko Slaughter) who were more deserving of roster spots.
And we don't want to believe that Khan kept all 10 rookie draft picks just to save face (especially after ditching former high draft picks with Broderick Jones and Kaleb Johnson trades).
Regardless of his motives, it's noteworthy that the Steelers have 11 total rookies on their initial 53-man roster. These players are hardly guaranteed to remain with the team throughout the season, but they bring a youth infusion into a team that otherwise has aging veteran stars who are past their prime.
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