Steelers May Luck Into Perfect Prospect To Eventually Replace Cam Heyward

The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to be one of the more exciting teams to pay attention to during the 2026 NFL Draft. For one thing, the draft is being hosted in Pittsburgh and the city is expected to be packed with passionate fans from all across the league. The other factor to consider is that the Steelers currently have 12 selections in the event, with five of those picks coming in the top 100 selections. The Steelers will be a team to watch when it comes to packaging draft capital to move up in the event, and it will also be interesting to see how the franchise addresses its needs.

Pittsburgh's needs are obvious. Quarterback is the biggest hole on the roster, but that is probably not going to be addressed in this draft. Wide receiver is another area to pay attention, while the entire left side of the offensive line is going to need to be fixed. Defensively, safety, inside linebacker, and the interior defensive line should be addressed. The franchise has placed an emphasis on injecting some youth and talent into the defensive line, but it is important to continue to bring in some valuable depth. Field Yates of ESPN recently discussed a defensive tackle that could end up being a perfect fit for the Steelers.

"This defensive tackle class lacks a guaranteed top-20 pick, but it offers a good blend of archetypes at the position," Yates wrote. "But one name that comes up with scouts as a brick wall to defend the run is South Carolina's Nick Barrett. He was excellent in 2025, posting 28 solo tackles, 14 run stuffs (tackles on runs for zero or negative yards) and his first two career sacks. Barrett should go off the board on Day 3."

This analysis from Yates fits perfectly with what the Steelers need, and his draft stock also aligns with how needy the franchise is at this position. It would be nice to add some quality depth to the defensive line, but the addition of Sebastian Joseph-Day makes it less of a priority. Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft might be a good time to look, and Nick Barrett out of South Carolina might be the perfect candidate to help replace Cam Heyward once he decides to hang it up.

Yates mentioned that Barrett will probably go on Day 3 of the event. It is hard to imagine a Day 3 selection one day replacing Heyward, but he can certainly be a part of the group of younger guys on the defensive line that could keep the group from falling off. Him, Derrick Harmon, Yahya Black, and maybe some other younger players. Keeanu Benton could be included in that group if he ends up staying in Pittsburgh past the 2026 season.

Heyward's contract was only supposed to run through the 2026 season, and many fans were speculating that could mark the end of his career. However, he signed a one-year extension and now his contract runs through the 2027 season. There is a world where he can play two more seasons, and if he is able to keep playing at the level he has been, that would be great for the organization. Selecting a player like Barrett would still be the smart move just to plan for the future.

Steelers Can Get A Great Group Of Mentees On The Defensive Line

Heyward has served as a mentor and leader for Black, Benton, and Harmon so far, and that is going to continue. Joseph-Day is another well-respected veteran who can help contribute to leading these younger players and showing them the ropes when it comes to being a professional. Adding another young guy like Barrett to that mix is going to be a recipe for success for the Steelers.

What do you think the approach should be on the defensive line during the 2026 NFL Draft? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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