There’s still three weeks left in the NFL season.  We are also operating under the premise that the Steelers will be playing at least one playoff game.  Then there’s the rest of the playoffs, and NFL free agency.  In other words we are a long way from the draft.  All that said, it is never too early to talk NFL draft.  So with that in mind, here are our way too early Steelers top 5 draft needs heading into the 2026 NFL draft:

1. Quarterback:

The super obvious need for this franchise going into 2026 is quarterback.  Aaron Rodgers has turned back Father Time the last two weeks, but he can’t be counted on as viable option next season.  The problem here is this quarterback class has turned out to be a whole lot weaker than anyone could have thought going into the season.  Big names like Arch Manning, LaNorris Sellers, John Mateer all had rough seasons, and appear to be staying in college.

What you’re left with is up to six teams vying for Fernando Mendoza, and possibly Dante Moore.  With Pittsburgh likely drafting in the mid to late 20s, quarterback seems out of the question. Even though the need is great, they would be much better off passing on the position this year.

2. Wide Receiver:

Omar Khan has drafted exactly one wide receiver in his first three drafts.  That one is the infamous Roman Wilson who has not even dressed for the last two games, and probably won’t for the remainder of the season.  To say this is a Steelers top 5 need in the upcoming draft would be an understatement.  The 2018 all star team of Adam Theilen and MVS will not be back in 2026.  It’s a good bet that free agent Calvin Austin also will not return leaving the team with DK Metcalf , Ben Skowronek, and Roman Wilson (maybe) as the only veteran receivers under contract.  There is a good argument that this is a position the team should double dip in for the upcoming draft.

3. Guard:

With Isaac Seumalo’s contact expiring, guard should be among this team’s top priority come April.  Andy Weidl has done an excellent job putting together a good young line through the draft.  A veteran free agent could also work here, but drafting a young player to add to the likes of Fautanu, McCormick, and Frazier makes a lot of sense as well.

4. Safety:

What the Steelers plan is with Jaylen Ramsey will affect this positon group immensely.  Ramsey has played well at free safety, and could remain there for years to come.  If Mike Tomlin decides to move him back to corner, there is a dire need to replace him at safety.  Strong safety is also a concern. Kyle Dugger will be a free agent, and DeShon Elliot is coming off a major injury that cost him most of the 2025 season.

5. Corner:

As we said with the safety position, this will have a lot to do with what the Steelers think of Jaylen Ramsey.  Pittsburgh has plenty of two and three corners, but could really use a bona fide number one shutdown corner.  Rolling the dice with JPJ, and Asante Samuel Jr. as your starting corners is risky at best.  There is depth with Brandon Echols, and the surprising James Pierre.  Adding a young potential number one corner to this group could make this elite.

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