The 2026 NFL Draft recently wrapped up, and the Pittsburgh Steelers netted their biggest draft haul in over 15 years, selecting 10 total players. Omar Khan's team started with a dozen draft picks, but after two trade-ups, the front office ultimately made 10 picks. This was the most made by the Steelers in one class since the 2010 NFL Draft.
While it's unlikely all 10 picks will make the team's final 53-man roster before the start of the 2026 season, we know the coaching staff is going to give these rookies every chance to prove their worth to the team this summer.
This is bad news for a collection of returning Steelers.
The influx of draft picks will consequently push some players out the door while forcing other notable names into reduced roles for the 2026 season. And seven names were most impacted by Pittsburgh's 2026 draft haul.
These Pittsburgh Steelers could be on the hot seat following the 2026 NFL Draft
Broderick Jones, OT
The Steelers' 2023 first-round pick already had a lot on his plate as he attempts to recover from spinal fusion surgery, but Pittsburgh's draft results are a bad sign for his future in Pittsburgh. Not only did Pittsburgh draft a first-round offensive tackle for the third time in four years, but they also grabbed another offensive lineman in Round 3. Between Max Iheanachor and Gennings Dunker, Jones will soon be on his way out.
Roman Wilson, WR
Entering Year 3, Roman Wilson already had an uphill battle to hang onto any shred of relevancy on this roster. Now his path to playing time (and even a roster spot) got more difficult. With the Steelers trading up in Round 2 for Alabama's Germie Bernard, Wilson will be, at best, the team's fourth receiver entering the year—and that's if they don't add anyone else.
Will Howard, QB
Just when things were starting to look up for Will Howard with the Aaron Rodgers uncertainty, the backup QB's stock came plummeting back down to earth. With the No. 76 overall pick, the Steelers invested in Penn State quarterback Drew Allar. This was twice the capital used to acquire Howrard in the sixth round of the year prior. As such, this is the young QB Pittsburgh is likely to pour its time and resources into.
Spencer Anderson, G
After the departure of Isaac Seumalo, there was a brief path to a starting role in Pittsburgh at left guard, and perhaps there still is. However, the free-agent addition of Brock Hoffman already added stiff competition. Now hearing that Gennings Dunker is going to be labeled as a guard brings Anderson back to square one.
Mason Rudolph, QB
Mason Rudolph had his time in the spotlight, and that might be the last chance he gets in Pittsburgh. If Rodgers returns, Rudolph won't see the field. And even if he does return, it sounds like the Steelers would move forward with Howard as their QB1 to begin the offseason. Now with Allar in the fold, Rudolph could be sent packing.
Brock Hoffman, G
Brock Hoffman's solid performances as a versatile interior offensive lineman in Dallas and his connection with Mike McCarthy might not matter much if he gets flat-out beaten by the competition in training camp. Dunker is bigger, stronger, younger, and significantly more athletic. Considering he's a third-round draft pick, the Steelers may want to get him on the field early in his NFL career.
Cory Trice Jr., CB
There's only room for so many big, long developmental cornerback prospects on the Steelers' roster, and Cory Trice Jr. has an extensive injury history. After spending third-round capital (No. 85 overall) on Georgia cornerback Daylen Everette, this could be the move that finally forces Trice off the roster.
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