The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing in four more draft prospects for pre-draft visits on Friday. North Dakota State QB Cole Payton, Washington CB Tacario Davis, Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez and Georgia Tech OG Keylan Rutledge are all in Pittsburgh for a visit, per Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
North Dakota State QB Cole Payton is one of four intriguing pre-draft visitors today for the Steelers. Also:
• Washington CB Tacario Davis (6-4, 194)
• Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez (6-1, 231)
• Georgia Tech G Keylan Rutledge (6-4, 316)
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) March 20, 2026
Payton’s visit was already known as he told reporters at his Pro Day yesterday he was visiting with the Steelers today. Davis, Rodriguez and Rutledge all project as potential Day 2 selections.
Rodriguez had a breakout season as one of the best defenders in college football in 2026. He led Texas Tech with 128 total tackles while also posting 11 tackles for a loss and four interceptions with six passes defensed and one sack. He finished fifth in Heisman voting and also won the Bednarik Award as the nation’s best defensive player.
Our scouting report on Rodriguez by Nate Kosko praised his athleticism and mentality and gave him a long-time starter grade.
Rutledge was a standout at the Senior Bowl and is a physical offensive lineman who could help fill the vacancy left by Isaac Seumalo’s departure. Alex Kozora gave Rutledge an 8.3 (long-time starter) grade in his scouting report. He’s the second offensive lineman the Steelers have reportedly brought in for a pre-draft visit, along with Miami OT Markel Bell.
Davis transferred to Washington from Arizona and intercepted two passes last season. He’s a tall, long corner in the mold the Steelers have targeted in recent years. While the team did sign Jamel Dean and re-signed Asante Samuel Jr., it’s still expected they’ll add to the cornerback room during the draft in some capacity. Davis is an intriguing option with 25 career passes defensed.
The Steelers also brought in CBs Ephesians Prysock and Chris Johnson for pre-draft visits. Like Prysock and Johnson, Davis is an elite athlete with one of the highest RAS (relative athletic score) out of the 2026 defensive back class. Right now, it seems the Steelers are targeting highly athletic cornerbacks to add to their room.
It’s an intriguing group of players who all could fill a position of need. Payton is a project but the Steelers have demonstrated interest after sending Tom Arth to his Pro Day yesterday. Rodriguez would bring a lot of toughness to the inside linebacker room and is a solid mid-round option, while Rutledge is one of the best guards in this class and will likely be on the team’s radar come Day 2. Davis would add depth and athleticism to the secondary while bringing elite size for a cornerback.
With today’s visitors, the Steelers have brought in two quarterbacks, two offensive linemen, one off-ball linebacker and three cornerbacks for pre-draft visits.
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