Our 2026 draft needs as of 8-29-25

Pittsburgh desperately needs help on the IDL stat. Derrick Harmon being out revealed a hell of a lot more than just mere depth issues. This IDL is devoid of talent sans Harmon and to a lesser extent in Black. Black's inconsistency is going to be a major challenge for him for the rest of his Rookie Season. Heyward is likely gone while Benton simply isn't it or isn't a fit on this Defense. Kayden McDonald would be another rock solid investment for that is yet another IDL who can both stuff the run but also generate pressure.

 

Next year we will have Harmon, Benton, and Black. Maybe Heyward will play another year. Either way, a draft pick on DL and a free agency add is needed.

 

My personal updated draft needs for the Steelers as of December 10th, 2025.


1.) Wide Receiver: Self explanatory. There isn't a true Number One WR on the roster (D.K. Included) and the team needs a serious performance boost in that regard. Makai Lemon, Jordyn Tyson (Medicals Pending) and Carnell Tate are among the best of the best. Wild card picks for me are K.C. Concepcion, Germaine Bernard and Denzel Boston although to much lesser extent. Pittsburgh needs a route running savant, not another big bodied contested pass catcher. Antonio Williams from Clemson or Zachariah Branch from Georgia would be worthy options on Day 2 if Pittsburgh opts to look elsewhere on Opening Night.

2.) Interior Defensive Lineman: Cameron Heyward is likely going to retire next season, Keeanu Benton isn't it and Isaiah Loudermilk is well on his way out more than likely. Peter Woods is still the dream scenario pick but odds he is available will be slim to none. Kayden McDonald is another solid choice; everything one liked in Tyleik Williams from Ohio State but a bit more pass rushing chops. Finally, Keldric Faulk isn't a true EDGE in the sense some make him out to be and would be a devastating 5 Tech in a 3-4 alignment. As for later picks?! Derrick Harmon's teammate in A'Mauri Washington is a good start. Darrell Jackson Jr. from Florida State would be another solid look.

3.) Cornerback: Technically speaking, this can easily be number one but again, these results are as of the date listed above. Can easily jump to number one without question. Avieon Terrell, Jermod McCoy and Mansoor Delane. That is, more or less, what you have to work with as far as Round One Corners go. A.J. Harris from Penn State can be had later; same goes for Will Lee III from Texas A&M.



No Quarterback?! Nope. Why?! None are worth trading up for at this current time given the amount of holes the team has on the roster. Dante Moore technically is the only one that would warrant such a trade up but he has yet to declare (assuming he even will). Should he declare?! Quarterback returns but not nearly as high on the list.

 

I totally agree with you on QB. No way I'm trading up for Mendoza or Simpson. Moore I would if we really like him... but it will take a lot, because he probably considered QB1 in the draft (which, is why he should declare, he'd be stupid not to).

1. WR makes sense for sure. In the first round Tyson and Tate are my favorites... but there are others that are good here. Second round and beyond maybe Germie Bernard or Elijah Sarratt? Will Bell's injury drop him into round 2 range?

2. IDL - yeah, this is where I want to go too probably. I think Benton has had a solid year, but he just isn't the DT the Steelers are playing him at. He seems more natural in Ogunjobi's old role. If we have Harmon - IDL - Benton... I'd feel pretty good about that. I love Woods.. but he wont be there. McDonald would make a lot of sense though. He's a true run stuffer, but does bring value as a 3 down player. I love A'Mauri Washington too, though he's probably a round 2 guy, right?

3. Yeah, idk enough about the top CB's to have a feeling one way or another. Igbinosun from OSU on Day 2 would be wonderful though. He's a lot of what we like in Porter Jr., but a better athlete. He might be best in zone, but is long and rangy enough to be a quality man player. He gets handsy too, but he's worth a shot at CB2 IMO and brings a lot to the table in coverage.

 

If the Steelers can swap 1's, give them a 2's and 3, and 5, AND next years #1, I would consider it.

We can always ask ...

 

If they're looking to replace Seumalo then I'd love to see Vega Ioane from my Nittany Lions. Guy is huge, with really good lateral movement, and his hand fighting as amazing. Fantastic pass blocker. I don't know if he has elite level athleticism out in space because of his size. He's like 6'4/330.

He's a guy I'd be looking at for a mid second rd pick.

 

With who and for who? Moore MIGHT be worth moving up for. I might not even take Mendoza with the pick we have naturally. Simpson I would, but I don't think he's worth moving up for.