Steelers Could Go Completely Off Script During 2026 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered 2025 with the idea of stockpiling draft picks to find their franchise quarterback in 2026. They got all those elections, but the talent at the position is nowhere near what it was projected to be, and it feels like any passer they select in the first round would be a massive reach. Now, the expectation is that they will address the skill positions by addressing either wide receiver or cornerback to begin the 2026 NFL Draft as they scramble for options with all 12 of their projected picks, including a possible trade-up. 

Brian Batko has another idea though. In his column on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, he explained how the rest of the AFC North could force the Steelers' hand in the first round and go away from where everyone thinks they will go. 

"Going back-to-back defensive linemen in the first round might be a bit too much to commit to one position, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Steelers keep stockpiling talent and physicality up front," Batko said. "After all, the Ravens have Lamar Jackson in his prime, and the aforementioned Henry doesn't appear to be slowing down. Even Cleveland has a stud young running back in Quinshon Judkins...the AFC North is a rugged division, and the Steelers need their defensive line to set the tone in those games."

The AFC North is known as the most physical division in the league. Even with the star-power of the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals, no team can truly dominate a division unless they can win in the trenches, especially on defense. That's why the Bengals have not even made the playoffs in the past two seasons despite having possibly the most talented offense in the entire NFL. 

The Steelers did double-dip in defensive line in 2025, including using their first-round pick then on Derrick Harmon. Both of those rookies performed well, but not enough to keep the team from addressing that position in 2026. Even if it's not immediately, Pittsburgh will most likely use a Day 2 pick to fortify the position. Batko thinks it could happen before that to keep up with everyone else in the division.

The defensive line is expected to go through a lot of turnover in the next offseason or two. Many of the depth pieces who were on the 53-man roster are expected to walk away in free agency now. In 2027, Cameron Heyward could retire, and Keeanu Benton may also end up leaving as well. That, combined with the rest of the division, could make the Steelers reinforce the trenches as much as they can now.

Steelers May Be Looking At Some Super Bowl Winners As Well

Batko also brought up how the last two Super Bowl winners won the big game with pure dominance on the defensive line, especially from the interior, which Pittsburgh could use some more help on at this point. 

"If the Seattle and Philadelphia victories in the past two Super Bowls showed anything, it’s that the best interiors come at you in waves and don’t rely too heavily on one or two difference makers," Batko said.

The Steelers have built their recent teams based off of past champions. After watching the two most recent Super Bowls, the organization may just load up on interior defensive linemen, as quality wide receivers can be found later on. That's usually the case more often than with players in the trenches. If the Steelers' defense can't pressure the quarterback consistently, the franchise has almost no hope of winning the big game, let alone a single playoff contest. 

What do you think about the Steelers possibly passing on receiver or cornerback in favor of defensive line in the first round in back-to-back years? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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