Insider: Steelers Planning Shocking Selection In Round 1

The Pittsburgh Steelers have the entire football world super curious about what the future is going to look like. With Mike McCarthy now serving as just the fourth head coach in Pittsburgh since the 1969 season, all eyes are locked on the Steel City. The spotlight only grows brighter as the franchise prepares to host the 2026 NFL Draft for the first time in its history, adding even more intrigue to an already pivotal offseason.

McCarthy has built a reputation for delivering some exquisite draft classes across his 18 seasons as a head coach in the league. When given the chance to make a defining first selection with a new organization, he has not missed. His first pick with the Green Bay Packers landed linebacker A.J. Hawk, while his first selection with the Dallas Cowboys brought in star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Now, he is aiming to strike gold for a third straight franchise as Pittsburgh prepares to pick 21st overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.

According to Steelers insider Gerry Dulac, there may already be a surprising direction taking shape. Dulac has hinted multiple times that Pittsburgh could be eyeing a stunning position in the first round, with tight end Kenyon Sadiq from the Oregon Ducks emerging as a potential target. If that becomes reality, it would signal a bold and unexpected move that could redefine the Steelers’ offensive identity moving forward.

"Absolutely! And I bet even before the end of Day 2," Dulac said about the chances of the Steelers drafting a tight end in the 2026 NFL Draft. "This isn't going to happen, but there would be some sentiment to take one at No. 21 if a certain TE were still on the board."

This is where it got super interesting, as Dulac answered the first question about the chances of drafting a tight end, especially after the Steelers lost Jonnu Smith and Connor Heyward. Dulac initially kept things somewhat vague, mentioning that a certain tight end could be on the board when Pittsburgh makes its selection. 

But as the conversation continued and he expanded on his thoughts, it became increasingly obvious which player he was hinting at. The clues started to stack up, and it did not take long for fans and analysts to connect the dots.

"Did you say Sadiq?" Dulac asked when a fan named five first round targets.

That is when the 6-foot-3, 245-pound tight end prospect, Sadiq was finally name-dropped, confirming what many had already begun to suspect. Dulac was asked one more time about the hinting at Sadiq and his response was telling when he said, "Did I??" The mention immediately sparked buzz, as Sadiq has been steadily rising up draft boards thanks to his blend of athleticism, size, and pass-catching ability. For a Steelers team potentially looking to retool its offense, adding a dynamic tight end could open up new possibilities in both the passing game and red zone situations.

Steelers Drafting A Tight End In Round 1 Would Be Viewed As Stunning

What makes this even more compelling is how direct Dulac’s tone became as the discussion went on. It was no longer just speculation or general draft talk. It felt intentional, almost like a calculated hint at a plan that is quietly gaining traction inside the building. If Sadiq is indeed the target, it would signal a clear commitment to evolving the offense and giving McCarthy another versatile weapon to work with.

The Steelers still have Pat Freiermuth in their tight end room, along with the hulking Darnell Washington. Adding a player like Sadiq in the draft would certainly be exciting, but it would also be viewed as stunning considering the team’s other roster needs. Still, the hints from Dulac are intriguing for Steelers fans and continue to fuel speculation about a potential surprise in the first round.

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