Breaking down the Pittsburgh Steelers draft picks, team needs and 2026 first-round mock draft projections, including Vega Ioane.
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The Mike Tomlin era in Pittsburgh officially came to a close this offseason after 19 consecutive seasons without a losing record — a remarkable run of consistency by any standard. The pressure now shifts to new head coach Mike McCarthy to not only maintain that level of success, but also help the franchise take the next step forward.
Excitement surrounding the draft is especially high in Pittsburgh this year for two key reasons. The Steelers will host the festivities, and they also hold a league-high 12 selections.
Despite some fans hoping for a rebuild during the latter stages of Tomlin’s tenure, that approach appears unlikely under GM Omar Khan and McCarthy. The roster still features several veteran contributors, and the team’s offseason moves suggest a continued commitment to competing rather than resetting.
Let’s take a look at the full list of 2026 Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Draft picks, team needs and first round mock drafts.
Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Picks | 2026 NFL Draft
| Round | Pick | From |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 21 | |
| 2 | 53 | |
| 3 | 76 | via DAL |
| 3 | 85 | |
| 3 | 99 | Compensatory |
| 4 | 121 | |
| 4 | 135 | Compensatory |
| 5 | 161 | |
| 6 | 216 | Compensatory |
| 7 | 224 | via NO |
| 7 | 230 | via IND |
| 7 | 237 |
Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Draft Needs
Offensive Line
As things currently stand, the Steelers’ needs on the offensive line are centered around the left side. With Isaac Seumalo leaving in free agency, the left guard spot becomes a bit of a weak link. In addition, tackle Broderick Jones is entering the final year of his rookie deal. With the Steelers expected to decline his fifth-year option in 2027, the long-term status of that spot is in doubt and could be addressed via this talent-laden draft class.
Wide Receiver
With all signs pointing to Aaron Rodgers returning for another season, the Steelers would be well-served to boost their current wide receiver room in the 2026 NFL Draft. DK Metcalf returns, and Pittsburgh also traded for Michael Pittman Jr. this offseason. However, the departure of Calvin Austin leaves very little behind those top two on the depth chart. The Roman Wilson hype is all but dead entering his third season.
Linebacker
Aside from Patrick Queen, who is entering a contract year, the Steelers could really use more consistent performance at the linebacker position. The current depth chart lacks an additional three-down option in the middle of the defense. Perhaps Cole Holcomb could return to that status, but he was hardly the same player last year after missing 2024 with a severe knee injury.
Other Steelers Draft Needs
- Quarterback
- Safety
- Defensive Line
With these needs in mind, let’s take a look at how analysts are projecting the Steelers to approach the first round.
Steelers Mock Drafts | First-Round Picks
Here are four Pittsburgh Steelers mock drafts for the first round from ESPN, CBS, NFL Network and FlurrySports. Who do draft pundits think the Steelers will select with the 21st overall pick?
No. 21 | Steelers NFL Draft Pick
Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State | ESPN
Drafting Vega Ioane in the first round would allow the Steelers to replace the departed Isaac Seumalo at left guard. Ioane is the best true guard in this draft class and projects as a road grader in the middle. His size, strength and power enable him to move opposing defenders in any direction, and he plays well on the move to boot.
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State | CBS
As a student of Hines Ward, perhaps it would only be fitting if Jordyn Tyson wound up in Pittsburgh. Tyson is a smooth athlete but is also not shy about getting physical when making contested catches. One major concern is that he carries an injury rap sheet with him into the draft.
It should be noted that CBS also projects the Steelers to trade back in the first round in this mock draft. The by-product of that mocked trade has Pittsburgh securing quarterback Ty Simpson at No. 32 overall.
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson | NFL Network
With the frame and long arms needed to excel at the tackle position, Blake Miller brings an abundance of game experience with him. He explodes at the snap and is athletic enough to do damage at the second level. Drafting him here would certainly satisfy the Steelers’ need to lock down the position for the long haul.
Makai Lemon, WR, USC | FlurrySports
With the Steelers having such a glaring need for a third option at receiver, Makai Lemon makes a ton of sense as a first-round target. He’s a solid route runner who rarely drops passes that are thrown his way. That combination of skills would almost certainly land him in the good graces of Aaron Rodgers.
