Steelers Have A Legitimate Shot To Get Their Next Great ILB On Day 2 Of The 2026 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers are setting themselves up very nicely for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. They have made a number of big acquisitions this offseason, so much so that they're now in a much better position to select the best player available in round one, and not just look for a specific need. It previously felt destined that the organization was going to select a wide receiver with their first-round pick, and that still feels like it could be the case. Cornerback also felt like a huge need early, but with the acquisitions of Jamel Dean and Michael Pittman Jr., the Steelers can now be flexible. There is one sneaky need however, the Steelers have that could look to be addressed on Day 2 of the Draft. 

The team has invested a lot in the middle linebacker room. They gave Patrick Queen the most expensive contract in Steelers history at the time just two offseasons ago. They also spent a third-round pick on Payton Wilson in the 2024 NFL Draft, and in the 2025 offseason, signed Malik Harrison from the Baltimore Ravens. Wilson was solid in his rookie season, but didn't make that year-two leap many had hoped for. Wilson started off rough in 2025, but got better as the season went on. He is solid in coverage, but struggles against the run. 

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette had a live chat recently where fans asked him questions about the team. Fittipaldo was asked about the possibility of the franchise taking a middle linebacker next month. Fittipaldo believes the team could look to address the position and even named an exciting prospect for Patrick Graham's defense. 

"Yes it is," said Fittipaldo. "They had Jacob Rodriguez in last week. They've been focused on some other ILBs too."

With Queen not quite living up to expectations, selecting Jacob Rodriguez would be a huge move for the team. Rodriguez had a monster year in 2025, racking up plenty of accolades. He won the Butkus Award, the Bednarik Award, the Lombardi Award, and was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Rodriguez is one of, if not, the best middle linebacker in this draft class, and with middle linebacker not necessarily a premium position in the NFL, he will likely be available on Day 2.

Rodriguez is an excellent three-down linebacker; he can defend the run and cover the pass. The current Steelers linebackers have very specific skill sets and some pundits argue they're not every down players. Rodriguez also wore the green dot at Texas Tech. Queen has been the green dot player for the Steelers the last two seasons, but has had many miscommunications in coverage. Whether that's Queen's fault or not is unknown, but that is something that needs to be addressed in 2026.

Steelers Should Seriously Consider Rodriguez

The Steelers have arguably not had a do-it-all linebacker since Ryan Shazier. They tried in 2019 with Devin Bush, but after an ACL injury, Bush just wasn't the same player. Rodriguez has a rare do-it-all ability that the team desperately needs. Queen is set to be a free agent after the season, and the jury is still out on Wilson. Rodriguez could slot in very nicely in the Steelers' front seven and be the battering ram they need in the middle of their defense. 

Rodriguez already has connections to the Steelers. New outside linebackers coach CJ Ah You was on Texas Tech's staff in 2025. The team recently brought Rodriguez in for a top 30 visit. They are clearly interested in the former Red Raider, but where they are willing to take him is the question. Middle linebacker is not necessarily a huge priority in round one for the Steelers, but if Rodriguez falls to the second round, they shouldn't waste any time to trade up for him.

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