The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a new chapter as Mike McCarthy becomes just the fourth head coach since the 1969 season. McCarthy is no stranger to success in the NFL, but the pressure from a fan base that has not seen a playoff win in over a decade will be relentless. He is well aware of that and understood it when he chose to come to Pittsburgh as head coach. This is one of the most demanding fan bases in sports, and expectations are not just to compete, but to win immediately. Now, McCarthy and GM Omar Khan are determined to make the 2026 NFL Draft a defining moment for the franchise.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan picks up the phone and has a conversation in the team's war room during the 2023 NFL Draft weekend as he speaks with someone on the other line.
With a dozen picks at their disposal, all eyes are on how Khan and McCarthy will approach this draft. They have the flexibility to be aggressive or patient depending on how the board falls. Whether it is trading up for a cornerstone player, moving back to add more value, or staying put and trusting their evaluations, every option is on the table. As it stands on Thursday, the Steelers hold the 21st overall pick in the first round. That position puts them in range to land a high-impact player without needing to overreach. There has been plenty of speculation about which direction they will go and which positions they may prioritize.
Here are the three players most commonly linked to the Steelers in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Guard, wide receiver, and safety appear to be the most connected positions at this spot. Of course, no one truly knows what Khan could be planning with the luxury of draft capital at his disposal. The Steelers lost veteran guard Isaac Seumalo during the 2026 offseason, and many believe they could look to replace him here. A versatile lineman who can play multiple spots would make even more sense.
1. Olaivavega Ioane
One exciting name to watch is Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane. He projects as an ideal fit in McCarthy’s system alongside offensive line coach James Campen. He also brings a level of familiarity with physical AFC North-style football having played his college ball with the Nittany Lions.
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.
Ioane fills a clear need and could be considered a steal at 21st overall.
2. Omar Cooper Jr.
At wide receiver, Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. stands out as a strong connection. His relationship with Steelers wide receivers coach Adam Henry adds intrigue, as Henry previously recruited him. There is also a connection through senior offensive assistant Frank Cignetti Jr., whose brother Curt Cignetti coached Cooper during the 2025 season. That level of familiarity matters, making Cooper a name to watch, along with other receivers like Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon.
3. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
Safety is another position worth monitoring. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren out of Toledo is a true ball-hawk with a physical presence. He fits the prototype the Steelers have often targeted at the position. Of course, the Steelers could still surprise everyone. With the 2026 NFL Draft set to be hosted in Pittsburgh for the first time in franchise history, Steeler Nation will be locked in as the moment approaches.
Steelers' 2026 NFL Draft Is Setting Up To Produce Fireworks
If the draft breaks the right way, the Steelers could walk out of the 2026 NFL Draft with a true difference-maker in hand.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers' new head coach Mike McCarthy smiles as he addresses the media during his introductory press conference that took place at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
With talent lining up at positions of need, their first-round decision may end up being one of the most important moves of the offseason. McCarthy and Khan are eager to get off to a hot start in the draft. If they draft any of these players, many would believe they did just that.
Please feel free to share your Steelers takes and thoughts with me on X (@anthonyghalkias) and consider following for more Steelers-related content and discussion. I read and respond.
#SteelerNation