Steelers Could Make An Unexpected Pick At 21 As San Diego State Star Quickly Rises On Draft Boards

The Pittsburgh Steelers have endured a slew of rumors ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The team has stockpiled picks and utilized the compensatory formula. General Manager Omar Khan and his staff have their hands full; based on the positions of need, they should attack in the draft. The Steelers' first-round pick has been speculated to be used on a variety of players. After the top-30 visits that have been in Pittsburgh, the rumors continue to grow. Pittsburgh's picks will be some of the most highly anticipated. 

The Steelers have an underrated position that they have been attached to so far in this draft process: cornerback. The team has hosted multiple defensive backs with its top-30 visits, and a position group that could be rising on draft boards. The Black and Gold already have a star in Joey Porter Jr., but he is due for an extension. The team signed free agent cornerback Jamel Dean to a three-year deal too. However, the room lacks some youth, and it could be a point of emphasis in the draft.

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly floated a scenario on the Kaboly + Mack show, where Pittsburgh selected a cornerback with pick 21. 

"I would guess right now, maybe a wild card might be cornerback Chris Johnson out of San Diego State," Kaboly said. 

Johnson visited the Steelers already ahead of the draft. The Steelers wanted a second look at him, and he could be an option at pick 21. His stock is rising, and an addition to the secondary would be a positive. Porter's future is uncertain in Pittsburgh, as he awaits an extension, and Dean has yet to play in the Black and Gold. 

Johnson is a shade under 6'1" and is a physical cornerback. He is a sure tackler and has great footwork. He's projected to be a late first-round to early second-round pick, and would more than likely be there if Pittsburgh wanted him at 21. His play style would fit in well with the players that already exist in the Steelers' locker room. Pittsburgh has been known to like physical, hard-nosed players in its secondary, and Johnson fits that mold. 

Lance Zierlein offered an analysis of Johnson that should be intriguing for Pittsburgh's typical defensive style. 

"While many college corners lean on lax officiating to grab and maul, Johnson stays disciplined. He trusts his footwork and technique to remain tight to the route. He attacks the catch point with run-through force and is a tenacious wrap-up tackler who can quickly end plays. Johnson’s coverage versatility, toughness, and athleticism should make him an early starter for a coverage-hungry team," Zierlein wrote. 

This could be an under-the-radar selection from the Steelers that could really help bolster a secondary that needs some youth and ensure that there is a star corner for the future. Porter's future might not continue in the Steel City, and Johnson would play a similar role to him. However, if he decides to come back, this could be a very productive duo. The team needs a shutdown defense if they want to limit AFC North receivers.

This Pick By The Steelers Could Mean More Than Just Adding A Cornerback

As previously mentioned, Porter's contract is up after the 2026 season. He has yet to sign a deal to stay with the Steelers for the long-term, and a first-round pick at cornerback could mean more than just adding depth. If Pittsburgh picks Johnson or another cornerback with a high pick, it could mean that Porter is on his way out. The Steelers have a ton of players who need contracts come the 2027 season, and Porter's could be the most expensive. 

The Steelers' first-rounder will tell many stories, including the status of some existing players on the roster. If the front office goes with a corner, it might be the end of Porter in Pittsburgh, or they want to have a no-fly zone. This pick has a lot of implications. 

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