{"id":587706,"date":"2026-04-05T20:15:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T20:15:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/587706\/"},"modified":"2026-04-05T20:15:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T20:15:08","slug":"pittsburgh-steelers-2026-nfl-draft-preview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/587706\/","title":{"rendered":"Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 NFL Draft Preview"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Pittsburgh Steelers ended their season with a disappointing 30-6 loss in the NFL Wild Card Round and still have not won a playoff game since 2017. After the season, the departure of Mike Tomlin was a wrench in offseason plans, but under Mike McCarthy, a new era of Steelers football is underway.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Since GM Omar Khan has taken over, the draft has been successful in acquiring an array of young talent to build around and develop. This includes players such as ILB <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/H\/HerbNi00.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-04_pfr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Nick Herbig;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Nick Herbig&quot;}\" class=\"link \">Nick Herbig<\/a>, CB <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=PortJo00,PortJo02&amp;search=Joey+Porter&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-04_pfr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Joey Porter;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Joey Porter&quot;}\" class=\"link \">Joey Porter<\/a> Jr, OL <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/F\/FrazZa00.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-04_pfr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Zach Frazier;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Zach Frazier&quot;}\" class=\"link \">Zach Frazier<\/a> and DL <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=HarmDe01,HarmDe00&amp;search=Derrick+Harmon&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-04_pfr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Derrick Harmon;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Derrick Harmon&quot;}\" class=\"link \">Derrick Harmon<\/a>. This year, the draft will be held in Pittsburgh, and Khan will have 12 draft picks to add to a talented roster. Seven of the 12 draft picks will sit within the prime position of the top 150.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Steelers Draft Picks:<\/p>\n<p>Not only are these picks in a prime position, but they could also be moved to secure a key player via trade. <\/p>\n<p>Steelers Positions of Need:<\/p>\n<p>The Steelers have options to address their diverse needs:<\/p>\n<p>Key Draft Targets for Steelers:\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Olaivavega Ioane \u2013 G \u2013 Penn State\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Olaivavega \u201cVega\u201d Ioane would be the perfect replacement for the Pittsburgh Steelers after the departure of offensive guard <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/S\/SeumIs00.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-04_pfr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Isaac Seumalo;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Isaac Seumalo&quot;}\" class=\"link \">Isaac Seumalo<\/a>. With a large gap looming at left guard, Ioane would be an anchor with the potential to be a franchise player and long-term starter. He has the impressive body control and contact balance he needs to succeed at the NFL Level.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Mock drafts consistently <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com\/players\/2026\/olaivavega-ioane\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:place;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;place&quot;}\" class=\"link \">place<\/a> Ioane as a mid-first round talent. The Steelers will certainly have him on their draft board.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/B\/BrazCh00.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-04_pfr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Chris Brazzell;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Chris Brazzell&quot;}\" class=\"link \">Chris Brazzell<\/a> \u2013 WR \u2013 Tennessee\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>After a trade for Colts\u2019 wide receiver <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=PittMi01,PittMi00&amp;search=Michael+Pittman&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-04_pfr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Michael Pittman;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Michael Pittman&quot;}\" class=\"link \">Michael Pittman<\/a> Jr. on March 9, drafting a wide receiver is not an imminent need. Even with the departure of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/A\/AustCa00.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-04_pfr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Calvin Austin;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Calvin Austin&quot;}\" class=\"link \">Calvin Austin<\/a>, waiting for the second round would be ideal. Enter Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell, who would complement Pittman and DK Metcalf perfectly. Brazzell originally started at Tulane, but in his final year with the Vols, he had 62 receptions for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns. He would elevate a receiving corps that was non-existent last season.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Brazzell is consistently <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com\/players\/2026\/chris-brazzell\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:referenced;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;referenced&quot;}\" class=\"link \">referenced<\/a> as a mid-second round draft prospect.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Miles Scott \u2013 S \u2013 Illinois\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Illinois defensive back Miles Scott would be the perfect depth piece for the Steelers secondary. Even with the additions of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/S\/SavaDa00.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-04_pfr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Darnell Savage;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Darnell Savage&quot;}\" class=\"link \">Darnell Savage<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/B\/BrisJa01.htm?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=theleadsm.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-04_pfr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Jaquan Brisker;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Jaquan Brisker&quot;}\" class=\"link \">Jaquan Brisker<\/a>, adding Scott would be a plus. Scott finished his career with 11 pass deflections, seven interceptions, and 182 total tackles.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Injuries have riddled the Steelers secondary in the past couple of years, and it\u2019s important to pursue a talent like Scott who will is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com\/players\/2026\/miles-scott\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:expected;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;expected&quot;}\" class=\"link \">expected<\/a> to be available through the late rounds of the draft.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The post <a href=\"https:\/\/theleadsm.com\/pittsburgh-steelers-2026-nfl-draft-preview\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 NFL Draft Preview;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 NFL Draft Preview&quot;}\" class=\"link \">Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 NFL Draft Preview<\/a> appeared first on <a href=\"https:\/\/theleadsm.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:The Lead;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;context_link&quot;,&quot;yModuleName&quot;:&quot;content-canvas&quot;,&quot;yLinkText&quot;:&quot;The Lead&quot;}\" class=\"link \">The Lead<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Pittsburgh Steelers ended their season with a disappointing 30-6 loss in the NFL Wild Card Round and&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":587707,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[559],"tags":[64,63,106066,5354,199822,67117,625,15832,109539,22815,42500,593,86701,216971,68392,1241,85,973,150406],"class_list":{"0":"post-587706","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nfl","8":"tag-au","9":"tag-australia","10":"tag-calvin-austin","11":"tag-colts","12":"tag-darnell-savage","13":"tag-derrick-harmon","14":"tag-dk-metcalf","15":"tag-draft-picks","16":"tag-isaac-seumalo","17":"tag-jaquan-brisker","18":"tag-mike-tomlin","19":"tag-nfl","20":"tag-nick-herbig","21":"tag-omar-khan","22":"tag-pittman","23":"tag-pittsburgh-steelers","24":"tag-sports","25":"tag-tennessee","26":"tag-zach-frazier"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/587706","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=587706"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/587706\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/587707"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=587706"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=587706"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=587706"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}