The big name in the news for the Pittsburgh Steelers throughout the 2026 offseason has been Mike McCarthy. The team's new head coach is offensive-minded, and fans are expecting a nice change of pace when it comes to philosophy. Lost in a lot of the turnover has been the presence of Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham. The veteran has led groups before, but has never had a very talented unit around him. Now, he will have the opportunity to work with some legitimate playmakers on that side of the ball, which will either leave the Steel City missing Mike Tomlin or forgetting that he ever played a part in the defensive approach.
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Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin roams the practice field as his team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
The Steelers possess a stout edge rusher group and had a very productive free agency period that helped bolster the secondary. For the short term, it seems as if the group could be set up for success if Graham's game-planning works out well. There will be a lot of pressure on the starters to perform well, as they will remain one of the highest-paid collectives in all of football.
Another situation that will come into the equation is the 2026 NFL Draft. With 12 total selections, McCarthy and Co. will have the opportunity to inject youth into all three phases of the game. The depth is pretty decent all the way around the depth chart, so going with the best player available, particularly in the early rounds, is a solid way to round out the roster.
In a fan chat hosted by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac on Wednesday, he was questioned about a lot of things regarding the Steelers and the big event coming to the Steel City. When asked about Pittsburgh trading up for a falling safety such as Caleb Downs, the insider confirmed that he wouldn't put it past the organization.
"Nothing would surprise me," Dulac said. "Safety isn't necessarily a need, not now, but it would be getting an elite player that could fit somewhere."
That response from Dulac didn't seem all that convincing, but he was pressed again about what position the Steelers could find themselves moving up the board for in the first round, where the franchise currently holds the 21st overall pick.
"Maybe FS," Dulac noted.
In a room that currently features DeShon Elliott, Jaquan Brisker and Jalen Ramsey, with a signing of Darnell Savage pending, there aren't really a pair of fresh legs within that group. Pittsburgh is likely to go after the position very early, but it really depends on who is available and when. If someone like Downs slips out of the Top 10, the Steelers might absolutely be in play to go get him.
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Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey runs on the field as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Graham is going to have a very talented group of individuals to work with on the defensive side of the ball. The goal won't just be to get the most out of the unit, but also find consistency that has been lacking in recent seasons. Having a solid group of veterans, but younger players in the room to challenge them, will be critical. Pittsburgh has the draft capital to do it, and safety may be at the top of the list.
Someone like Downs or Dillon Thieneman finding his way to the Steel City would lead to a fascinating positional battle right out of the gate. It's quite possible that a newcomer could earn legitimate time on the field, leading to a lapse in playing time for one of the returning players or free-agent signings.
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Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) stands on the field as Pittsburgh goes through a workout during the annual Friday Night Lights practice at 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Have Plenty Of Ammo For First-Round Move
Pittsburgh will easily be able to skyrocket up the draft board in round one if the right player is falling. With three third-round selections, and plenty more later on, General Manager Omar Khan can pretty much do whatever he wants. If there is a prospect that the front office and coaching staff loves, the team is very much in play to go up and get him.
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