First-Round Plans For Steelers In 2026 NFL Draft Revealed

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a new regime running the show after Mike Tomlin's resignation. General Manager Omar Khan will have a lot of say in what happens moving forward, but Mike McCarthy is also expected to have a voice when it comes to roster construction. There is no doubt that there will be a lot of pressure on the organization when the 2026 NFL Draft commences, and that is because the big event will take place in the Steel City. The team has several needs that need to be addressed, so it will be interesting to see which positions are considered a high priority in late April.

The Steelers need a long-term plan at the quarterback position; that is no secret overall. Will Howard has received a lot of attention, but he was a sixth-round pick, which should leave plenty of room for skepticism. It's possible that he could receive an opportunity if Aaron Rodgers decides to retire and not return to Pittsburgh. There is also a chance that the team drafts a signal-caller much higher than round six, leading to that individual being the favorite to take over.

While a legitimate starting quarterback is needed to win games often at the professional level, that player also needs to have weapons around him. The Steelers' eligible receivers in 2025 did not put together a great year, leading many to believe that a big trade or heavy investment in the draft will be coming.

In his weekly fan chat on Wednesday, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette was asked about the prospect of the franchise going with a wide receiver in the first round. He didn't just agree with the idea, but noted that there could be multiple selections related to pass-catchers.

"They will draft a WR high, if not first round, then second for sure. And maybe another after that," Dulac wrote.

Additionally, multiple fans chiming in to ask questions were curious about the Steelers taking a signal-caller in the first round. The insider doesn't expect the front office to reach, and emphasized that the organization pretty much is expected to go one of two ways.

"Only QB. No other," Dulac noted when asked about what other position could be taken in round one. "I don't think the Steelers are going to reach for a QB in the first round just to take one. But you can bet a WR will be the pick if not a QB."

The fans in Pittsburgh will be extremely excited when the team is on the clock. With all due respect to other positions, there may not be two more popular first-round options compared to a quarterback or wide receiver for Khan and co.

If Rodgers returns, it may be easy to believe that the Steelers won't even think about taking a quarterback early because that would prevent the offense from getting better for the 42-year-old. That, however, is also not the case according to Dulac. The future Hall of Famer's presence or lack thereof will not affect what happens early in the 2026 NFL Draft.

"Like I said countless times before, even if they bring Rodgers back, it will have nothing to do with their INTENTION to draft a QB high," Dulac wrote.

The key word there is intention. The Steelers aren't going to reach to select a signal-caller, but if someone who impressed during the pre-draft process is available in the first or second round, Pittsburgh will likely pull the trigger, even if Rodgers is signed.

Steelers Remain Likely To Target A First-Round Wide Receiver

The draft class for quarterbacks in 2026 is not very promising as the NFL Scouting Combine approaches. The wide receiver group, however, seems to have immense talent. With the 21st overall selection, Pittsburgh could certainly have someone fall right into its lap. That would give whoever is at quarterback an immediate top option next to DK Metcalf.

Do you think the Steelers are locked in to taking a quarterback or wide receiver in the first round? Let us know in the comments below!

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