The Pittsburgh Steelers are planning to enter the 2026 NFL Draft with over 10 picks at their disposal. The Steelers have many glaring holes on their roster, including linebacker, offensive line, and especially receiver. In this draft, the Steelers' first-round pick will dictate how much of their draft will progress. The Steelers could be inclined to trade up from their current draft position at pick 21 to choose a high-end player at one of their many positions of need. The safety position stands out as a weakness on the Steelers' defense, and it could be targeted with the team's first-round selection.
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Safety Caleb Downs makes a play for Ohio State.
Steelers beat writer Christopher Carter gave his take on the safety position group in this year's draft.
"I'm interested in how fast and explosive this safety class is. Caleb Downs looks like a sure superstar, but Oregon's Dillon Thieneman, Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, LSU's A.J. Haulcy, and TCU's Bud Clark are all on my radar to see who is the most athletic," Carter wrote.
The Steelers would be smart to pick a safety in any capacity to add to their defense. The position is thin, and the team could look to add high-quality talent if they choose to trade up in the first round.
Caleb Downs from Ohio State is one of the top overall prospects in the 2026 class. The Steelers could really shake things up if they choose to go with Downs. Downs has a possibility to slide down, and that could mean that the Steelers jump on the opportunity. This would be a huge decision, but it could make a huge difference in the future, as Downs has been compared to Steelers legend Troy Polamalu.
X / AJ Haulcy @Atwice_
LSU safety A.J. Haulcy flexes after making a play.
An intriguing option for the Steelers at safety in the draft is a LSU product, AJ Haulcy. Haulcy is projected to be an early-mid second-round talent. He is highly regarded for his high-level coverage skills (88.6 PFF grade in 2025), he can stop the run effectively, and is known for his role in the "box". The Steelers can use youth at the position, and if they don't want to invest their first-rounder, Haulcy could be a very attractive option in the second-round.
Steelers Desperately Need Safety Help No Matter What
The Steelers head into the offseason with only DeShon Elliott and (sometimes) Jalen Ramsey as the only safeties on the roster. Kyle Dugger, who was acquired from the New England Patriots during the 2025 season, will be a free agent.
The Steelers could re-sign him; however, the investment in youth may be a better choice. Ramsey has been rumored to be a cut candidate ahead of the season, too. If these situations were to happen, Elliott would be the lone safety. Elliott is coming off a season-ending knee injury.
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Steelers' defensive back Jalen Ramsey lines up against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9 of the 2025 NFL Season.
The Steelers could be left entirely depleted at safety depending on some of the aforementioned situations. If they don't invest in Downs, they could make a mid-round draft pick as the position group is a promising one. However, the group needs a total revamp as Elliott may not be at the same level he was before. Additionally, Elliott is known more for his contributions in the run game, as he is a sure tackler and hard hitter.
The Steelers could look for a "center field" safety that excels in coverage. In this year's free agency class, Arizona Cardinals' Jalen Thompson is an option that could benefit the Steelers. He is known for his coverage skills as well as his ability in the run game.
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Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson makes a play.
When all is said and done, in the 2026 offseason, the Steelers will add a safety through the draft and/or free agency to bolster their secondary. It's likely to be more than one. The Steelers look to remain competitive in 2026 and investing in their secondary will ensure that.
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