Ben Roethlisberger Gives A Definitive Answer On Steelers' Top Draft Need

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a lot of eyes on them across the NFL this offseason and it started when they were given the news they would be looking for a new coach for the first time in nearly two decades. The team has started to fill in many positional needs on their roster ahead of the 2026 season for new head coach Mike McCarthy. With several free agent signings last week after the NFL's legal tampering period opened up, the organization has one clear need as they approach the 2026 NFL Draft. 

On Tuesday's episode of Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, former Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger gave that answer on what the team should be targeting in round one with the 21st overall pick. The recent loss of one emerging player is what landed Roethlisberger on these comments. While several positions of need have been filled, including running back and wide receiver, he wants them to target one specific position in the first round without a doubt.

"But I think losing Isaac [Seumalo], you know, losing an interior lineman, I think was a big deal," Roethlisberger said. "What I think it says to me now in the draft is getting [Michael] Pittman, I think, takes receiver off the board at number one. I would do what I originally said and get a lineman."

The Arizona Cardinals signed Isaac Seumalo to a three-year deal worth up to $30 million last week. Seumalo's departure from Pittsburgh leaves a big need heading into the 2026 season for McCarthy's team. Not only was Seumalo a solid part of the offensive line, ranking 12th in Pro Football Focus' 2025 interior offensive line rankings going into the season, but he was a veteran amongst a group that is mostly younger. 

With the team having brought in several players on both offense and defense since the start of NFL free agency, they have plenty of flexibility once they enter the 2026 draft. This is especially considering they hold 12 overall picks, including three in the third round. While it was mentioned that the team may look to add one more wide receiver to round out that group for DK Metcalf and the newly-acquired Michael Pittman Jr., the team can wait on that as this wide receiver class is very deep.

It is worth noting that, while the team is still awaiting a final decision from quarterback Aaron Rodgers about his 2026 plans, they have taken a different approach and worked to structure their roster for 2026. The team has gotten younger talent to come in and fill gaps and they may look to do so at guard as well. While the rumors do lean towards Rodgers' return to Pittsburgh, replacing Seumalo's production should be atop the organization's list of needs as they continue their offseason.

Steelers Have Chance To Capitalize On A Great Offseason

While the team could have looked to rebuild going into this season, it was apparent the franchise did not have any interest in doing so --  rather retool. The moves the team has already made to fill positions of need on their roster now have them in prime position to really capitalize on their 2026 offseason with a tactical, strategic approach to the draft. General Manager Omar Khan has done some great work already to help out the 2026 team, but their is more work is still ahead of him.

Whether Rodgers does decide to come back or not remains to be seen for the Black and Gold. One thing that does hold true, however, is the organization has already found great replacements for those that have departed. Whether it is Rodgers or some backup plan, the team needs to address the offensive line following Seumalo's departure to continue to build momentum heading towards the 2026 season.

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