Steelers GM Omar Khan Delivers Critical Pre-Draft Message: "Maybe We Have 14 [Picks]"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft. With this draft being hosted by the Steel City for the first time in NFL history, the excitement around the area continues to reach an all-time high. With 12 picks, there’s been a ton of discourse about how General Manager Omar Khan and new head coach Mike McCarthy will utilize those picks. The Steelers have a rare chance to reshape this roster with an influx of young prospects, and with the veterans already on the roster, that mix could be dangerous if done right.

There’s a real sense that this draft isn’t just about adding depth, it’s about defining the next version of Steelers football. Khan made it clear that flexibility will be key, hinting that they are not locked into one position or approach. McCarthy echoed that mindset, emphasizing competition across the board and the importance of bringing in players who fit both the culture and long term vision. The message was simple but important, they are not drafting for headlines, they are drafting for sustainability.

Khan and McCarthy met with several members of the Pittsburgh media on Monday to detail a critical pre-draft message. They stressed patience, discipline, and trust in their board as the foundation for what could be a franchise shaping weekend. There’s pressure, especially with the home crowd watching every move, but internally the focus remains steady. If they execute the way they believe they can, this draft could quietly become one of the most impactful in recent Steelers history.

"Love where we are at," Khan said while speaking with the media. "Obviously, we got 12 picks. I don't know come Saturday when I meet with you guys where we will end up. Maybe we will have 10, maybe we will have 14, I do not know, but having the 12 picks gives us lots of flexibility and a lot of opportunities."

That flexibility is really the headline here, and it speaks to a front office that understands how fluid draft weekend can be. The Steelers are clearly keeping all options on the table, whether that means packaging picks to move up for a targeted player or sliding back to accumulate even more capital. 

Khan’s comments reinforce the idea that nothing is set in stone, and that unpredictability could work in their favor.

Steelers Looking To Build For The Future In The 2026 NFL Draft

It also highlights a level of confidence in their scouting process. When you are comfortable potentially moving from 12 picks to 10 or even 14, it means you trust your board and believe value will be there across multiple rounds. That kind of mindset is often what separates average drafts from great ones, especially when a roster has multiple areas that can be upgraded.

For a team in transition, this approach feels intentional. With McCarthy now in the fold alongside Khan, there is a clear emphasis on building something sustainable rather than forcing short-term fixes. If they manage this draft the way they are signaling, the Steelers could walk away not just with talent, but with a foundation that shapes the next era of the franchise.

While the Steelers wait to find out if Aaron Rodgers will be their quarterback for the 2026 season or not, all eyes are on Khan and McCarthy as they gear up for a franchise-altering draft in the Steel City.

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