With the NFL Draft just a month away, speculation is heating up about which direction the Pittsburgh Steelers will take in the first round. Mock drafts are all over the place, projecting a wide range of selections for the team.
One thing is clear: the Steelers need to get this pick right. While it’s too early to judge Troy Fautanu, Pittsburgh hasn’t truly hit on a first-round selection since drafting T.J. Watt in 2017. They can't afford another miss, nor can they afford to reach for a player, which some mock drafts suggest they might do.
With that in mind, here are the two position groups the Steelers should avoid reaching for in the first round.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must avoid reaching for a quarterback in a weak QB class
If the Steelers have learned anything from their past quarterback drafts, it’s that just because you need a quarterback doesn’t mean you should reach for one in a weak draft class. There’s been a lot of buzz about the Steelers showing interest in Jaxson Dart, with many mock drafts projecting them to take him in the first round.
Yes, the Steelers need a quarterback, and after several attempts, they’re bound to find the right one eventually. However, desperate teams often make rash decisions, selecting quarterbacks that come back to haunt them. The smarter move might be to wait until next year’s draft, which promises a much stronger pool of quality quarterbacks than this year.
With a stacked running back class, the Pittsburgh Steelers shouldn't waste a first-round pick
We’ve seen this play before when Pittsburgh drafted Najee Harris in the first round in 2021 to improve their running game, despite their offensive line needing a complete overhaul. It raised some eyebrows at the time, and teams have since learned that drafting running backs in the first round is not the smartest move, especially in recent years.
Ashton Jeanty is a name that’s been linked to Pittsburgh in the first round, but selecting him would be a mistake given the depth of this year’s running back class. This draft offers plenty of talent, with quality starters available even into the fourth round. Considering how easily replaceable the position can be, the Steelers can't afford to waste another first-round pick on a running back.
The only positions the Pittsburgh Steelers should target in the first round
The Steelers should focus on targeting defensive line, wide receiver, and cornerback in the first round. The defensive line is the most likely position they will address, as they didn’t make a significant move to secure a high-end free agent at that spot. This position is also one of the strongest groups in this particular draft class. Given their plans to move Benton to base 3-4 defensive end, they'll need a player who can solidify the middle of the defensive line.
Wide receiver and cornerback are also potential targets. WR could become a priority if one of the top receivers unexpectedly slips, especially if most of their preferred defensive line prospects are already off the board.
After trading for and signing DK Metcalf to a big deal, it’s clear the future of George Pickens is uncertain. Will he request a trade, be franchise-tagged next season, or simply walk away in 2026? Pittsburgh will need a reliable backup option in case of any changes, and someone who can pair with Metcalf long-term.
Cornerback is the least likely, but if a talent like Will Johnson falls unexpectedly, it’s a pick that can’t be ignored, and the Steelers need to find long-term solutions at the position.
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