The draft is quickly coming up for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and this team will be. Predictions are all over the place as to what people expect this team to do on draft night.
It’s time to start narrowing some lists down, though.
I’ve spent the better part of the last three months reviewing draft prospects, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of this class. Now, I’ll go position by position and provide the best round that I think this team can target a certain position.
Be on the lookout, as I plan to create a follow-up list of my favorite prospect fits for the Steelers in a future post. And, spoiler, a lot of those names line up in the rounds I’m about to project.
We’ve already seen what the offense can offer. Now we get the chance to see where the best fits line up on defense for the Steelers in 2026.
The best rounds for the Pittsburgh Steelers to target defensive players in the 2026 draft
Defensive Line: Round 3
I’m relatively high on this defensive line class. There are a lot of names I like, even if I know the Steelers won’t be in line to draft them.
The sweet spot for the Steelers for the defensive line feels like round three. While you miss out on some of the top names, there is still a slew of great fits in this range.
You also have the flexibility of three picks at different ranges here. Maybe you find a falling gem with the top pick, or perhaps you get a higher floor player at the end of the third round. The options are endless.
Could a Caleb Banks slip this far? If not, Darrell Jackson is a nice consolation prize. Want a more traditional nose tackle? Domonique Orange or Dontay Corleone are more your style.
You can wait until day three, but you are then taking pure backup options. This team has a long-term need in the defensive line room, and the third round could help fill it.
Edge: Round 7
Unless someone is traded, it is hard to justify using a higher pick on an edge rusher. While I believe in keeping the cupboards stocked, this team typically only carries four edge rushers. Anyone you draft is more than likely destined for the practice squad in year one.
I don’t even have a list of names here. If an edge rusher is taken don’t expect it to be anyone notable.
Linebacker: Round 2
My call in this draft is that we see a linebacker early. Like second or third pick of the draft early. Luckily for the Steelers, that is where the value can be had in this class.
Jacob Rodriguez, Anthony Hill, Jake Golday, and Josiah Trotter all make sense in this range, and depending on how the board breaks, all of them could be available here. While they lack elite coverage traits, all profile as solid run defenders with the chance to be more.
The Steelers clearly don’t see a long-term fit with Patrick Queen, so finding his replacement is a must. This draft is filled with good linebackers, and the team should capitalize.
Cornerback: Round 4
The Steelers did a good job of adding to their cornerback room in the offseason. Jamel Dean is a solid starter, while Asante Samual is a great third option. This team needs some developmental help, but they certainly don’t need to splurge.
The fourth round feels like the right spot for a variety of reasons. A guy drafted in this range won’t need to play right away and can instead sit and develop while cutting his teeth on special teams. A lot of the freakishly big cornerbacks are also in this range, which is the profile this team seems to covet.
Tacario Davis, Ephesians Prysock, and Devin Moore are getting pushed down because of a talented cornerback class. Each has developmental traits worthy of drafting, and the fourth round feels like their likely landing spot.
Safety: Round 3
Like cornerback, the safety draft class is deep. While the middle round guys lack some of the elite traits of the top safeties, the position as a whole is devalued. Given the depth in the room right now, you don’t have to splurge.
Instead, names like Kamari Ramsey, Zakee Wheatley, and Bud Clark are all likely third-round picks and can develop into capable starters for this team. I’d expect a third-round pick to be used at the position come draft night.