Steelers 2026 NFL Draft: Picks by round, biggest needs, best fits

TL;DR

The 2026 NFL Draft for the Pittsburgh Steelers starts on April 23, with a primary need for a quarterback. Aaron Rodgers is expected to return, but the Steelers may delay addressing the QB position until next year's draft.

Key points

2026 NFL Draft starts on April 23 in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Steelers need a quarterback
Aaron Rodgers expected to return for 22nd season
Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are backup QBs

Mentioned in this story

Aaron RodgersBen RoethlisbergerMason RudolphWill Howard

Pittsburgh Steelers

The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off live from Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23 and the latest crop of rookies will be hearing their names called all weekend long. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, the biggest need is an obvious one: Quarterback.

All signs indicate 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers will return to Pittsburgh for his 22nd NFL season. The Steelers haven't had a long-term solution at QB since Ben Roethlisberger. However, Pittsburgh might not fill its quarterback need until next year's draft. Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are in line to back up Rodgers again.

MORE: Biggest need for every team entering 2026 NFL Draft

Here's everything you need to know about the Pittsburgh Steelers for this year's draft, including a round-by-round look at picks and a potential trade candidate already on the roster.

Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Draft best prospect fit: CB D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana

Per USA TODAY's Ayrton Ostly:

Ponds is undersized but tested as one of the most athletic cornerbacks at the NFL combine. At 5-foot-9 and 182 pounds, he could be a force in the slot for the Steelers' defense. Joey Porter Jr. and Jamel Dean look set on the outside. Ponds could thrive at the nickel alongside those two in an improved secondary.

NFL DRAFT: Finding the perfect prospect for every team