As the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 season draws to a close with the mark of the New Year, there is still plenty of football to be played. The hope for playoff success looms, but every member of Steelers Nation holds fast with weighted breath. A lack of postseason success could indicate a shift in Pittsburgh’s future, a direction that may become evident during the 2026 NFL Draft this April.
There are quality players in the upcoming draft, with many within the Steelers organization holding onto hope for a top quarterback. That plan is becoming less likely to materialize, potentially opening the door to other positional priorities. The pre-draft process will be critical for the Steelers’ prospective draft targets to elevate their stock.
It could see them rise draft boards during the first half of the New Year.
Pittsburgh Steelers might witness some 2026 NFL Draft prospects shoot up their boards
Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon
With Isaac Seumalo potentially leaving as a free agent after the season, Pittsburgh might need a starting guard. If prior drafts are any indication, Emmanuel Pregnon could be a top target. Most mock drafts have him going on Day 2 of the event, but he could shoot up the rankings with a strong performance at the Senior Bowl. Pregnon would be a terrific replacement for Seumalo.
Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
He's only a Junior heading into the draft process, but Malik Muhammad is an interesting cornerback to target.
He has good size for the position, and the Steelers might need several additions to their secondary this offseason. Muhammad possesses notable starting experience with the Texas Longhorns, and excelling in the pre-draft process could significantly improve his standing.
READ MORE: Steelers' top draft need is crystal clear (and it isn't a quarterback)
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
He's already projected to go early in the NFL Draft, but Carnell Tate could become a top-five pick. He has been an outstanding contributor for Ohio State over the past two seasons. The electric receiver has been picked by the Steelers in several mock drafts, but that is becoming less realistic by the day.
Tate is already generating strong momentum on draft boards, and his prospects are expected to improve further.
Zxavian Harris, DT, Ole Miss
Few defensive linemen in the 2026 draft will garner more intrigue than Zxavian Harris out of Ole Miss. He is a massive force to be reckoned with in the trenches, standing at 6'8 and weighing 330 pounds. He is coming off the best season of his collegiate career and should catch the eyes of most NFL teams. Pittsburgh could use some help in the trenches, and Harris is an intriguing piece to consider.
Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
Despite him missing the final six games of his Penn State career, Drew Allar should be healthy for the pre-draft process. Expect him to get a lot of hype when he does his workouts. Allar is an interesting prospect who has high ceiling potential.
The issue is that many will compare him to Josh Allen and Ben Roethlisberger due to his arm strength, but he hasn't proven he can live up to that kind of hype.