The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 NFL Draft plans have everyone talking. With a new era being ushered in for the first time since 2007, the Steelers have a new head coach in Mike McCarthy. He comes to Pittsburgh eager to get off to a hot start and continue his winning trend as a head coach. McCarthy's NFL record all-time in his 18 seasons as a head coach is 174–112–2. He went 11–11 all time in the playoffs and also won a Super Bowl over Pittsburgh with Green Bay when he had Aaron Rodgers. Now he may get Rodgers again for the 2026 season, but the focus is on the draft.
Smiley N. Pool / Dallas Morning News
Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers hugs his old head coach Mike McCarthy after their team won a big professional football game.
Former Steelers great, Ben Roethlisberger went on his podcast Footbahlin on Tuesday night to share urgent draft advice to GM Omar Khan and McCarthy. Roethlisberger emphasized the importance of surrounding the roster with young, high-impact talent, especially along the offensive line and at skill positions. He suggested that building stability in protection and adding playmakers should be the top priorities if the team wants to maximize its chances of competing in a tough AFC landscape.
"There is not much going on," Roethlisberger said. "Nothing else struck me, but I am still sticking with getting a lineman in the first round. I think you take the best available lineman. I don't care if it is a tackle, guard, or center. I don't care what side of the line it is on. I do not care what you even have right now. You take the best available lineman."
As anticipation builds, the Steelers’ draft strategy is expected to reflect both immediate needs and long-term vision under McCarthy’s leadership. With a potentially experienced quarterback situation and a roster in transition, the draft could serve as the foundation for a new competitive window. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether Khan and McCarthy follow through on a plan that balances proven leadership with youthful upside, setting the tone for the next chapter of Steelers football.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks down at his play sheet while he watches practice in street clothes as the team works out during 2025 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Now, if the idea of Rodgers coming back to Pittsburgh does hold true, as many Steelers insiders believe it will, then it’s important to consider how he looked during the 2025 season and the reality that he won’t be getting any younger in 2026. That context makes roster support even more critical, especially for an aging quarterback who thrives with strong protection and reliable targets.
"In the second, I would take either a receiver, or maybe the best available [player], but James Harrison said he would take another lineman," Roethlisberger said. "You know what? I agree. In the second, you can never have enough linemen. When guys go down, you need to have fillers, and I think that would be… so I wouldn’t be opposed to it, I would say. I know it’s not the sexiest pick, like getting a defensive back or something, but I think what you have done in the secondary through free agency is really good. I don’t think you need a running back. I do think receiver makes sense."
Steelers Could Give Aaron Rodgers Elite Support In 2026 NFL Draft
That’s exactly why Roethlisberger doesn’t oppose the idea of doubling down on another offensive lineman in the second round or adding a wide receiver.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Either option would directly benefit Rodgers and help stabilize the offense, giving the Steelers a better chance to compete right away while still building for the future.
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