The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the harder teams to get a read on going into the 2026 NFL Draft. The franchise holds the 21st overall selection in the event, but the organization also has a ton of draft capital as it goes into the event with 12 picks. The Steelers should not be expected to pick 12 rookies as some of those picks will likely be packaged to move up in the draft, or for compensation in the 2027 NFL Draft. Pittsburgh has been very conscious about stacking up draft capital as the team is still on the hunt for its next franchise quarterback, but that player probably won't be on the board for Pittsburgh in 2026.
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Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan during a 2025 training camp practice being held in Latrobe, PA.
With the 21st overall pick, the Steelers should have some options. The roster is weak on the left side of the offensive line, at wide receiver, and obviously quarterback. An addition to the secondary or to the defensive line could also make sense in this spot, while there is a chance the franchise could move up or down. Moving down in the first round to obtain additional 2027 draft capital would make sense, but shooting up the draft board to grab a sliding star would be hard to pass up. In a recent article on ESPN from Bill Barnwell, he suggested the Steelers may move up to the 11 spot in a trade with the Miami Dolphins.
Barnwell suggests that the Steelers trade the 21st overall pick, 76th overall pick, and a 2027 second-round selection for the 11th overall pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick. This wouldn't be a bad deal for Pittsburgh, and Barnwell explained why the organization might decide to do something like this.
"The Steelers don't often make major moves up the board, but when they have in Round 1, it usually has been for defenders they see as future superstars," Barnwell wrote. "In 2003, the Steelers went from 27 to 16 and grabbed safety Troy Polamalu. That one worked out pretty well. If he falls out of the top 10, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs keeps lingering in my head as a player who could fascinate the Steelers. Downs has incredible instincts and football savvy. He's a big hitter."
The Steelers have three third-round picks in 2026, so attempting to use one to move up in the first round could make some sense. Miami also could want to trade down as the franchise is in a clear rebuilding phase, and the Dolphins could grab more draft capital while still being in a spot to grab a good player with the 21st overall pick from Pittsburgh.
Associated Press
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs in a game in the 2025 college football season.
Caleb Downs was the reason behind this logic from Barnwell, as the safety is viewed as one of the best defensive prospects seen in years. However, his positional value at safety doesn't guarantee that he will be a top-five pick, and there are also some medical concerns regarding Downs. He has not run a 40-yard dash throughout any of the pre-draft process, and some teams are worried about a potential knee issue for the safety. The Steelers could still make a play for him.
"On paper, the Steelers don't need immediate help at safety," Barnwell wrote. "Jalen Ramsey converted over from cornerback in-season a year ago. DeShon Elliott should return after an injury-impacted 2025. Pittsburgh GM Omar Khan also signed Jaquan Brisker to a one-year deal in free agency, adding another playmaker at the position this offseason. Remember, though, that the Steelers are willing to let even their first-round picks on defense sit and learn in reserve or situational roles as rookies. Polamalu didn't start during his rookie campaign."
The Steelers have safety figured out in the lineup for the 2026 season, but the future of the position remains unknown. Every safety in Pittsburgh currently is essentially on a one-year deal aside from Jalen Ramsey, who is also expected to play in the slot some.
Sean Meagher / The Oregonian
Former Ducks' safety Dillon Thieneman during his time in college.
Steelers Are Expected To Be Interested In The Safety Position
The contract situations in the safety room for the Steelers combined with Ramsey's positional versatility makes the safety position somewhat of a priority for the Steelers. Trading up for a player like Downs would be awesome to see and would probably pay off for the franchise for years to come, as long as his medicals check out okay. However, the Steelers can probably hang tight at 21 and still land Dillon Thieneman out of Oregon.
What do you think about this trade-up scenario for the Steelers? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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