3 bold Steelers draft-day predictions

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 01: Ty Simpson #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on prior to the game against the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The spotlight will be brighter than ever in Pittsburgh as the NFL Draft arrives in the Steel City, bringing with it massive expectations for the hometown Pittsburgh Steelers. Armed with a league-high 12 selections and led by general manager Omar Khan, Pittsburgh has both the flexibility and the motivation to make a splash on night one.

Here are three bold but realistic scenarios that could define a memorable opening round:

Steelers trade up for USC wide receiver Makai Lemon

With a surplus of draft capital, the Steelers are widely expected to be active — and trading up at some point feels inevitable. One name to watch closely is Makai Lemon, who has already drawn interest from Pittsburgh during the pre-draft process.

Lemon is viewed as one of the most complete receivers in the class, particularly thriving in the slot and over the middle of the field. His toughness, route-running precision, and ability to create yards after the catch would complement an offense that already features established perimeter threats. If Pittsburgh believes he won’t last until pick No. 21, packaging mid-round picks to move into the teens could secure a player who immediately elevates the passing attack.

Steelers will take a defensive lineman early

After selecting Derrick Harmon in the first round a year ago and adding depth with Yahya Black, it would be easy to assume the Steelers are set along the interior. However, long-term planning may dictate otherwise.

Veteran leader Cam Heyward is nearing the twilight of his career, and while Keeanu Benton remains a key piece, Pittsburgh could prioritize maintaining dominance in the trenches. Prospects such as Clemson’s Peter Woods or Florida’s Caleb Banks would fit the Steelers’ identity — physical, disruptive, and built to stop the run in a league that has begun to lean back toward ground-heavy offenses.

Steelers trade back into the first round for Alabama QB Ty Simpson

If Pittsburgh truly wants to make headlines, the boldest move may come after their initial selection. Utilizing their remaining draft capital to trade back into the first round for Ty Simpson would represent a clear investment in the future.

Simpson is one of the most polarizing quarterbacks in the class. His mobility and physical traits are undeniable, showcasing the ability to make high-level throws and stretch defenses vertically. At his best, he displays the tools of a prototypical NFL starter.

However, inconsistency has created a divide among evaluators. Simpson has shown lapses in decision-making and accuracy, particularly under pressure, and has yet to fully demonstrate week-to-week reliability against top competition, after making only 15 collegiate starts.

For the Steelers, though, those concerns may be mitigated by their organizational stability. Pittsburgh is not in a position where Simpson would need to start immediately, allowing time for development within a structured system. His raw talent, paired with patient coaching, could ultimately yield a high-ceiling outcome — a risk the franchise may be willing to take given its current flexibility.

With the draft unfolding on their home stage, the Steelers have a rare opportunity to match the moment with meaningful action. Whether it’s an aggressive trade up, a commitment to the trenches, or a bold move at quarterback, Thursday night could become one of the most defining evenings in recent franchise history.

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