The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot to focus on in terms of the 2026 NFL Draft. There are numerous prospects that they have to look through, and strategizing will be challenging. With the team selecting at pick No. 21, there are a plethora of ways that their draft plans can go wrong, especially with all three AFC North rivals picking ahead of them. Almost everything is likely on the table for General Manager Omar Khan and his staff, which would include trade-ups and trade-downs to acquire more selections for the future.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan intently making a crucial phone call during the intensity of draft night, coordinating key decisions to shape the future of the franchise.
One of the many ways that the Steelers could have a plan messed up could come courtesy of their most hated rivals, the Baltimore Ravens. They recently received news that guard Daniel Faalele has followed John Harbaugh to the New York Giants after agreeing to a one-year deal. He was already maligned for his performance, but there also is not a lot of depth and upside behind him on the roster
The #Giants continue to add their O-line before the Draft, agreeing to terms with former #Ravens G Daniel Faalele on a 1-year deal, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 8, 2026
The 6-foot-8 Faalele started every game over the last 2 seasons and has a familiarity with several coaches, including John Harbaugh. pic.twitter.com/PHpYDPFVGj
That would put Baltimore in perfect position to use the 14th overall pick on standout guard Olaivavega Ioane. He is easily the best interior offensive lineman in this class, and he has elite upside. That position is not usually valued extremely high in the draft, but the Ravens have had plenty of issues with their offensive line in recent years. MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson has left the pocket less and less as time has gone on, so this becomes a much bigger need for them.
Penn State Athletics / Mark Selders
Former Penn State offensive guard Olaivavega Ioane sets up as he begins pass blocking for his quarterback during a collegiate football game.
If Harbaugh had stayed, he may have been able to convince General Manager Eric DeCosta to keep Faalele, which would make them pass on Ioane. Now, however, the Ravens are a legitimate threat to steal him away from the Steelers. If Pittsburgh truly does want him, Khan will have to pay up to move ahead of Pick 14 and get his guy. The big question here would be if it's worth it or not.
If the Steelers want to swap with the Los Angeles Rams and get pick No. 13, they will most likely have to give up their second-round pick to do so. The Rams are certainly willing to make first-round deals, as they have shown over the last decade. This would easily be the most realistic trade-up scenario for Khan, whether he does want to jump Baltimore to get Ioane or not.
Steelers Could Lose Other Top Picks To Ravens
The Ravens have had issues with developing a quality, capable receiving core in recent years. They could easily end up going for one of the top wideouts in the draft. Meanwhile, the Steelers have made it obvious that they are very interested in adding one of the top options at that position in the draft as well. They could also add a defensive back, which Khan has made a specific note of trying to address recently.
Trevor Ruszkowski / USA Today
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan speaks to members of the media during a press conference at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, IN.
On that same wavelength, the Steelers could watch what the Ravens do and use that to solidify their plan. If Baltimore picks Ioane, then there's a much better chance that a top-flight receiver prospect falls to 21 overall. If they go wide receiver, Ioane will likely be available when Pittsburgh picks. If Khan has a strong desire for a player, he should move up to get him. If not, he can afford wait and see who falls.
What do you think about the Ravens possibly stealing Ioane from the Steelers? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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