Omar Khan is known for making things happen. As the clock winds down toward the 2026 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers general manager continues to meet expectations. His involvement in hosting prospects for pre-draft visits is both intentional and necessary before the front office attacks the board.
They have also caught my attention. Here are a few players Pittsburgh has met with who are worth circling as April 23rd approaches.
The Pittsburgh Steelers scheduled the perfect pre-draft visits before the 2026 NFL Draft
Steelers NFL Draft Prospect: Skyler Bell WR UConn
The Steelers are not known for lighting up the scoreboard. Last season, the offense ranked 17th in points per game. Adding a receiver with speed and a nose for the end zone would help significantly, and Skyler Bell fits that mold. He turned 101 receptions into 1,278 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns last season, setting single-season records for UConn in both categories. That level of production is hard to overlook.
Bell’s 4.4 speed and polished route running make him a natural fit in the slot for Mike McCarthy’s offense. He could easily step into the role Calvin Austin III left vacant after relocating to New York. While Bell is an exciting prospect, I do not believe he is worth reaching for in the first round. In a deep receiver class, he could become a valuable option if Khan addresses another need early.
Steelers NFL Draft Prospect: Jakobe Thomas S Miami
The addition of Jaquan Brisker in free agency was a strong move by Pittsburgh’s front office. It brought experience to a secondary that needed stability, but there is still work to be done. That makes their interest in Jakobe Thomas noteworthy.
The former Miami Hurricane earned second-team All-ACC honors because of the chaos he created on the field. Thomas tied for seventh in the FBS with five interceptions and earned MVP honors in the College Football Playoff semifinal. His 76 tackles and six pass deflections across 16 games highlight his versatility. Patrick Graham’s defense must limit points and generate turnovers, and that is where Thomas thrives. If the board falls the right way, he feels like a strong Day 2 investment.
Steelers NFL Draft Prospect: Keylan Rutledge OG Georgia Tech
Controlling the line of scrimmage is fundamental to Mike McCarthy’s offensive philosophy. The addition of running back Rico Dowdle made it clear this team wants to play with a physical edge. Keylan Rutledge fits that identity perfectly.
The Georgia Tech guard has been climbing draft boards after an impressive NFL Combine. Athleticism and power are the staples of his play style. Plus, he displays the grit that few offensive linemen are born with. There will be plenty of headline moves available on draft weekend, but investing in a First Team All-ACC guard like Rutledge could be the kind of decision that pays off for years. He has the tools to become a staple in Pittsburgh.
Steelers NFL Draft Prospect: Jacob Rodriguez LB Texas Tech
Mike McCarthy has made it clear he wants to restore Pittsburgh’s defensive identity. After a disappointing final stretch under Terryl Austin, Patrick Graham has an opportunity to reshape the unit without starting from scratch. I believe adding Jacob Rodriguez would go a long way in that effort.
Rodriguez is a complete linebacker. He finds ball carriers, sheds blocks, and creates turnovers. In 2025, he totaled 128 tackles, four interceptions, and six pass deflections. He also earned All-American honors and was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Prospects with that kind of production do not linger on draft boards. If Pittsburgh has a chance to select him outside the first round, it would be difficult to pass up.
Steelers NFL Draft Prospect: Denzel Boston WR Washington
Improving the offense cannot be ignored. It must be the priority heading into the draft, and the 21st overall pick could be used on a dynamic playmaker. Denzel Boston is an intriguing option.
During his time at Washington, Boston proved he could produce and lead. In 2025, he set career highs with 881 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns, and 14.2 yards per catch. At 6'4", with strong ball tracking ability, he presents a challenge for any defender. Pairing him with DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. would give Pittsburgh a physical and imposing receiver group. They would terrorize opposing defenders. Plus, Boston would also benefit from developing alongside established veterans willing to plant seeds for Pittsburgh's future.
It is nearly impossible to predict how things will unfold on April 23rd. What we do know is that Pittsburgh has a history of drafting players they host during 30-visits. Any of these prospects could find themselves part of a roster that is quietly building toward something promising.