The Pittsburgh Steelers have five selections in the top 100 picks for the first time since 1999, when they drafted Troy Edwards in the first round. That top-100 haul underwhelmed, but they have a chance to right those wrongs and transform the future of the franchise in the process. Top 100 picks are meant to start—or at least meaningfully contribute—right away. With that in mind, I wanted to rank the Steelers post-free agency draft needs for the five positions I would like to see addressed by the end of Day 2.

For the sake of this exercise, I am not going to include quarterback. It’s obviously the Steelers’ biggest need for now and the future, but the draft class is well-covered as weak at the position this year.

Top Five Draft Needs
1. Offensive Guard

Guard is the biggest immediate need on the Steelers’ roster following the departure of Isaac Seumalo in free agency. Spencer Anderson has on-field experience, but is probably best to continue in his jumbo package and top backup role. Anderson can begin the season as the starter, but ideally they draft somebody capable of taking over after the first handful of games. Note that, just because it’s their top need, doesn’t mean they must prioritize it at all costs in the first round. For whatever reason, guards often get pushed down the board. Picks 53 and 76 feel like prime spots to address the position if they don’t land Vega Ioane at No. 21.

2. Wide Receiver

Pittsburgh has clear starters on the outside, but gone are the days of 12 and 13 personnel dominating the snaps. Mike McCarthy’s offense calls for three receivers, and unless Roman Wilson finally emerges, the Steelers need a good third. They have two physically imposing receivers who can create explosive plays and make the tough catches. Now they need to add an elite separator. Pittsburgh hasn’t had one of those since Diontae Johnson. Jordyn Tyson, KC Concepcion, Antonio Williams, and Makai Lemon are some names near the top of the draft that fit the description. Expect this to be a strong contender to be the Steelers’ top pick.

3. Inside Linebacker

Patrick Queen has one year remaining on his deal, and an every-down inside linebacker is too important to the 3-4 defensive system to not have a strong pipeline for the future. There are plenty of intriguing talents in the class, but the value really falls off a cliff after the top 100. In my mind, inside linebacker is the biggest dark horse for the Steelers as a position that could surprise in the first round.

4. Safety

The addition of Jaquan Brisker in free agency helps, but he signed just a one-year deal and Jalen Ramsey is getting long in the tooth. Even DeShon Elliott has just two years remaining on his contract and will be approaching 31 by the time he hits free agency in 2027. Fortunately it’s a strong class at the position with at least seven or eight prospects in the top 100. Safety is another position that is undervalued and gets pushed down the draft board. It should be considered in-play for the Steelers at No. 21, but there will be plenty of opportunities to grab one later if not.

5. Nose Tackle

Keeanu Benton, Sebastian Joseph-Day, and Yahya Black are all capable of filling this role to a degree, but I think a true two-gap nose tackle could change the game for Pittsburgh’s defense. They haven’t had an effective one in far too long. The position has been disappearing around the NFL, but with run games cycling back into style, they should be making a comeback. The issue is finding good value with a much thinner class than the 2025 group a year ago.

Honorable Mention: Tight End

Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington still form a strong tandem, but what happens if one of them gets hurt? Pittsburgh could be in a world of hurt in a hurry after Jonnu Smith and Connor Heyward both departed. According to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, there is no bottom to this TE class with more draftable prospects than ever before.

Positions To Avoid
Cornerback

The Steelers would be insane not to extend Joey Porter Jr., and they just signed Jamel Dean to a three-year deal. The depth is in decent shape with Brandin Echols and Asante Samuel Jr., and who knows what Cory Trice Jr. or Donte Kent may bring to the table if they can stay healthy. I don’t see a point in drafting an outside corner with a top-100 pick. A fourth-round developmental piece feels like a better investment. The slot is a different story, but they could kill two birds with one stone by drafting the right kind of safety prospect, and Brisker helps alleviate that need in the meantime.

Offensive Tackle

This one is controversial. I just can’t help but think Broderick Jones, who is reportedly on track to return by training camp from his spinal fusion surgery, will get every chance to improve and remain the long-term solution. He was Omar Khan’s first draft pick as the general manager in charge, and he traded up to get him. He has slowly been rounding into form and was playing decent football prior to his 2025 injury. With a new OL staff in place, and in year two at his natural position, maybe he finally takes off. And if he doesn’t, Dylan Cook showed promise. I just don’t see the point in drafting a tackle early when they almost certainly won’t see the field in Year 1. Take a project in the fourth round, like Jude Bowry or Markel Bell.