The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of position groups that could use an upgrade in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. However, some of the recent free agency acquisitions allow for Pittsburgh to be more flexible with their pick. At the beginning of the offseason, Steelers fans and media speculated that the team would be an automatic consideration for taking a wide receiver in the first round. The Steelers and General Manager Omar Khan just made a blockbuster deal though to add Michael Pittman Jr. to their receiving room -- a deal that many did not see coming. This can directly affect their draft plans.
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Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) points towards a referee to make sure he is lined up properly during a professional football contest at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Now that the Steelers have shored up their receiver room, at least with a reliable number two option, the team has several other positions where they could look to add a first-round talent. With the departure of Pro Bowler Isaac Seumalo, the Steelers have a hole at the left guard position. Seumalo recently signed with the Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh will now look to fill the gap that he left on the offensive line. There are some in-house options, but the franchise could find themselves drafting an upper-tier guard.
On a recent segment during 93.7 The Fan, Steelers beat writer Ray Fittipaldo commented on the Steelers' plans at guard in the 2026 NFL Draft.
"They need a guard after Isaac Seumalo left. Some people have been speculating guard might be in play now in the first round. But I still think it'll probably be a Day 2 or early Day 3 pick," said Fittipaldo.
The Steelers still have versatile offensive lineman Spencer Anderson, who could be in play for the starting left guard position. He has been a key part of the run game in jumbo formations and has even lined up at tackle, tight end, and fullback. Pittsburgh could consider him as a starter or could find another player in free agency and/or the draft to fill that role.
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Steelers' Spencer Anderson prepares to block in a 2023 preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Steelers may still want to give Anderson competition at the spot, and drafting a young player could be a good way to do that. Taking a flier in the second or third round doesn't sound like a bad idea. Pittsburgh has found gems at the position in the later rounds, like Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick, who are full-time starters on the line today. The Steelers have three third-round picks and two fourth-round picks that all could be used to grab a guard in 2026.
The Black and Gold have an offensive line unit that is continuing to improve, as the right side has a lot of upside with McCormick and Troy Fautanu. Pittsburgh could use some veteran help on the left side, with Broderick Jones and Dylan Cook in the mix for left tackle. This would allow the unit to stay relatively intact, as they continue to try to become one of the league's best units.
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Pittsburgh Steelers left tackle Dylan Cook (60) blocking during a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Steelers Should Embrace The Versatility Of Their First Round Pick
Pittsburgh has plenty of spots for upgrading; however, pick 21 will allow them to select what's best available for them. The Steelers do have the draft capital to be able to trade up for a player that could intrigue them if they want, whether that's a receiver, defensive back, or offensive lineman. However, with their recent free agency acquisitions, they are able to be choosy in what position they will spend their Day 1 pick on. This could be a huge benefit as this can allow them to pick the best player available and limit the chance for a reach pick. It should be interesting to see how the Steelers decide to attack the draft and what positions they truly value early.
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