Steelers' Omar Khan Sends Legitimate Wake-Up Call To Mike McCarthy About Draft Capital's Future

The Pittsburgh Steelers are ushering in an entirely new era now that Mike McCarthy is in town. The schemes of old won’t change too much, at least on the defensive side of the football, but the offense is certain to undergo a change. The defense is expected to improve as well with several key additions. Obviously, the 2026 NFL Draft presents Pittsburgh with the exciting chance to improve their roster. 

They are loaded up with 12 draft picks, and that’s a big luxury heading into the draft. While speaking with Max Starks, Omar Khan revealed he has joked with McCarthy not to get used to having 12 draft picks every year. Khan did an excellent job maneuvering to stockpile these picks, and McCarthy is lucky to have them in his first year. However, Khan wants to be clear that this is a dream scenario for them and not going to be the norm, unfortunately.

For Pittsburgh, the influx of draft capital provides flexibility that few teams can match. With multiple selections across different rounds, the Steelers have the ability to address immediate needs while also investing in long-term development. That balance allows the front office to be aggressive in targeting specific positions on both sides of the ball, especially as they look to build around McCarthy’s offensive vision. The added picks also create opportunities to move up or down the board depending on how the draft unfolds, giving the team valuable leverage.

"Yeah, we spoiled coach McCarthy here," Khan said while speaking with Starks. "I am hopeful he understands it is probably not realistic we will have 12 every single year, but we have options. I am excited to have the 12 picks. There are some good players in this draft and some guys that can help us. You know, early and even later in the draft, there are opportunities to move up if there is a player we like available. I am not opposed to move back if the opportunity is there and we get more picks. That’s how good I feel about the draft, or we just end up with 12 picks. I am happy to have him. In today’s NFL, you can’t have enough good players, and I am confident we can get 12 good ones."

At the same time, Khan’s comments underscore a broader reality about roster building in the NFL. Accumulating this many picks is not a sustainable yearly strategy, which is why this particular draft cycle stands out as a pivotal moment. With McCarthy stepping into a new system and the defense expected to remain relatively stable, Pittsburgh is positioned to make meaningful strides. 

The combination of a coaching change, roster adjustments, and draft capital sets the stage for a transition period that could shape the franchise’s direction for years to come.

Steelers Are Still Waiting On The Most Important News Of The 2026 Offseason

Now the Steelers face a pivotal waiting game as offseason decisions loom, with Aaron Rodgers weighing whether to return. Stability at quarterback would shape the roster, draft strategy, and expectations, leaving the front office and fans watching closely overall.

His choice could signal either continuity or transition, influencing draft moves and coaching plans. Until a decision arrives, Pittsburgh remains in limbo, balancing optimism with uncertainty while preparing for multiple scenarios ahead of the draft and the upcoming season.

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