Not receiving a pre-draft visit with the Pittsburgh Steelers is not a death sentence when it comes to eventually landing with the team, but it significantly lowers the likelihood. Throughout Omar Khan’s tenure as general manager, Pittsburgh has used its first-round picks since 2023 on players who were brought in for pre-draft visits.
Given Khan’s draft tendencies, there is little reason to expect that trend to change anytime soon.
After the Steelers officially completed their 30 pre-draft visits, along with three local visits, a clear plan has emerged. For those wondering, roughly 90% of Omar Khan’s selections in the first three rounds of the draft he has overseen were players who took pre-draft visits. If your favorite prospect did not make a trip to the Steel City, it is safe to temper expectations.
Pittsburgh Steelers potential first round options go out the window after no pre-draft visits
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Many expected Jordyn Tyson to be high on the Steelers’ draft board, but those expectations have faded.
The lack of a pre-draft visit suggests he may no longer be among their top options. It is possible the team had concerns about his medical background that were difficult to overlook. Tyson does have a private workout scheduled, and his only realistic path to Pittsburgh in Round 1 would be if the team’s top decision-makers are in attendance.
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
The Steelers have shown limited interest in the safety position, and Dillon Thieneman is unlikely to be their first-round pick. While he is a dependable presence on the back end, his inconsistency as a tackler and in man coverage makes him an awkward fit for Pittsburgh’s defensive scheme. Thieneman was once a reasonable consideration, but that no longer appears to be the case.
Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Aside from Tyson, the absence of a pre-draft visit for Omar Cooper Jr. is likely the most surprising. He was frequently linked to the Steelers in numerous mock drafts, yet he generated minimal interest from the organization. Despite being one of the top wide receivers available, Pittsburgh appears prepared to pursue other offensive weapons.
Cooper rose rapidly during the pre-draft process, but it was not enough to capture the team’s attention.
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Most around Pittsburgh expected this outcome, but Ty Simpson can be crossed off the list as a first-round option. Despite being viewed as the second-ranked quarterback on many draft boards, he did not receive much pre-draft interest from the Steelers. His absence from Pittsburgh for a visit only further diminishes his chances. Simpson is a developmental quarterback who will end up elsewhere.
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Things have not gone according to plan for Avieon Terrell and his draft stock in recent weeks. While he did hold a private workout, concerns surrounding his medical history continue to linger. Any team selecting him early would be taking a calculated risk, and it may not be one worth making.
Pittsburgh could theoretically consider Terrell if he slips to a reasonable value on Day 2, but even that scenario appears unlikely without a pre-draft visit.
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Add another wide receiver to the list of mock-draft favorites for the Steelers who never visited the team. KC Concepcion was frequently linked to Pittsburgh, yet he did not receive a pre-draft visit. He could have served as a potential first-round fallback option. Concepcion is undeniably a talented prospect entering the NFL Draft, but his inconsistencies remain a legitimate concern.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
Pittsburgh showed interest in several offensive tackles during the draft process, but Kadyn Proctor did not garner much attention from the team. While he is regarded as an athletic player for his position with the potential to develop into a solid tackle, the Steelers are prioritizing linemen who can compete immediately. Proctor remains more of a long-term project, and his tape is worrisome.
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