Dream 2026 Draft Situation For Steelers Could Be Quickly Developing

It is no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers have had some inconsistencies at the quarterback position ever since Ben Roethlisberger retired from the NFL after the 2021 season. It has been a bit of a cluster, and the organization still does not have any true answers for the future. Aaron Rodgers is 42 years old and unlikely to play another professional campaign, which may lead fans to root for Will Howard to get a chance at some point. General Manager Omar Khan is expected to be stocked with over 10 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, so an aggressive trade-up could also be possible.

It may suit Pittsburgh best to use another band-aid type of solution moving forward because the 2026 draft class is currently not expected to have too much firepower. The 2027 collective, however, could have several more options. Regardless, there's nothing stopping the Steelers' brass from falling in love with one or more prospects in the near future, throughout the College Football Playoff and pre-draft processes.

What's most intriguing right now is that typically top quarterbacks will go in the Top 5 or so, but as the order stands today, there may only be one organization that desperately needs a signal-caller. According to Tankathon, the current five with the best positioning, in order, are the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints. The Washington Commanders even come in at six.

Overall, five of the first six teams may not need quarterbacks with Jaxson Dart, Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, Tyler Shough and Jayden Daniels in the picture. This presents a very interesting situation, particularly for a front office like Pittsburgh's. Khan has so much many picks that a wildly aggressive move into the Top 10 cannot be ruled out. The Raiders would be expected to take Fernando Mendoza, but everything else is a mystery, giving Khan options.

The Steelers currently have the best chance to win the AFC North, which would mean having a pick somewhere in the 20s (or 30s if by some miracle the unit finds its way to the AFC Championship Game). That is not an easy place to trade-up from, especially because there aren't any other first-round picks in 2026 within Khan's grasp. The matter of the fact, however, is that there are so many questions at the top of the draft board.

The Browns and Cincinnati Bengals (currently slotted at 10) wouldn't engage in trade talks with Khan, but there are several other teams in the Top 10 that might. This could open a window of opportunity for Pittsburgh to move all the way up and get its guy. Fans would be hoping that it wasn't an ultimate reach, as the franchise already did that in 2022 when Kenny Pickett was taken without any kind of trade even being necessary.

Cleveland could also go after a quarterback if Sanders isn't believed to be the answer, even though the rookie performed well against the Titans most recently. The good news for Khan and co. is that there could be the option to make a blockbuster move. It will depend on how the draft order is finalized and where the Steelers' compensatory picks come in at, but a dream scenario could be developing.

Steelers Have Another Crucial Position To Consider In Round One

Pittsburgh finally got its break-out game from DK Metcalf in Week 14. The receiver hauled in seven catches for 148 yards. He could seriously use another weapon opposite of him, which is why if the organization chooses not to be aggressive looking for a signal-caller, a first-round wide receiver would likely be in the cards. Fans know that a franchise quarterback is necessary for long-term success; however, 2027 may be the better year to target one.

Do you think that the Steelers could mortgage their future for a Top 5 pick in 2026? Let us know in the comments below!

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