By Ray Porter Jr. for Urban Media Today
The 2026 NFL season represents a new era for the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Mike McCarthy taking over as head coach, a revamped coaching staff, and a wave of new free-agent additions, the organization now turns its attention to the NFL Draft—which, from April 24–26, will take place in Pittsburgh for the first time.
“I wanted to start off by just reiterating how excited we all are about the draft being here in Pittsburgh. It’s long overdue,” said general manager Omar Khan. “I always tell people how great this region is and how great the people are. It’s exciting that so many will experience it this week. I’m sure we’re going to make the NFL proud.”
For McCarthy, the draft process has also marked an important step in building cohesion within a new coaching structure.
“I think the biggest thing for us as a coaching staff—it’s been great to get acclimated here to Pittsburgh,” McCarthy said. “The draft process has been a lot of fun. The collaboration between the coaches and personnel staff has been outstanding. I’ve really enjoyed working with Omar and his group. At the same time, we’ve been able to get valuable work in with our current players.”
The Steelers enter the draft with significant capital, holding the No. 21 overall pick along with 11 additional selections: one in the second round, three in the third, two in the fourth, and one each in the fifth and sixth rounds, plus three in the seventh—for a total of 12 picks.
“I trust our process,” Khan said. “When we’re done Saturday, whether it’s 10, 12, or 14 players, I feel really good about where we are and the work we’ve put in. I wish the draft was right now—we’re ready.”
While trade speculation always surrounds draft week, McCarthy emphasized a foundational approach.
“I believe in draft and develop—that’s the bloodline of building a roster,” he said. “I like the mix we currently have: young players and established veterans. To add a full draft class on top of that would be huge.”
Khan echoed a similar sentiment when asked about potential movement on the draft board.
“All options are on the table,” he said. “It’s probably too early to say anything definitive, but we’re open to whatever is best for the Steelers.”
Analysts project several possible directions for Pittsburgh’s first-round pick, including wide receiver, offensive line, safety, or quarterback. McCarthy noted the unpredictability of positional runs.
“There are definitely some deep positions,” he said. “It’s always interesting when a run starts—like last year with the offensive line—because once it begins, it tends to keep going. I expect that to be consistent again this year.”
As for the team’s preparation, Khan indicated that the draft board is essentially finalized.
“The process has been very similar to what we’ve done before,” he said. “We’ve incorporated some of Mike’s experiences, but overall, we feel very good about where things stand.”
One lingering storyline remains the status of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has yet to publicly confirm his plans for the 2026 season.
“We’ve had great communication with Aaron,” Khan said. “Nothing has changed—it’s all been positive. He knows how we feel about him, and we know how he feels about us.”
Beyond football operations, the significance of hosting the draft in Pittsburgh isn’t lost on McCarthy, even if his role will keep him behind the scenes.
“It’s great for the city,” he said. “My family will probably enjoy it more than I will. I’ll be in the draft room—this will be my 33rd year doing that. But for everyone else, it’s going to be a special experience.”
Notes: Former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has reached agreement on a deal to join NBC as a top studio analyst on its Sunday night pregame show, “Football Night in America.”
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