In a perfect world, the Pittsburgh Steelers come away with a mammoth offensive lineman and small-school wide receiver to lead off the top of this month’s draft. Wednesday, NFL.com’s Eric Edholm offered his take on the “ideal top two picks” for every team’s draft, including the Steelers.
When it comes to Pittsburgh, that begins with Alabama OL Kadyn Proctor at No. 21.
“Proctor feels like an ideal pick for the Steelers because he has three years of experience at left tackle, a position that’s the subject of some consternation in Pittsburgh now,” Edholm wrote. “He can also be tried at guard if needed, with a spot potentially open there, too. If the goal is to find the best starting five up front, Proctor could factor in at four different spots, potentially.”
At 352 pounds, Proctor is one of the biggest prospects in the draft. His athleticism also separates him from others, displaying light feet from his high school basketball days. He could also function at guard where Pittsburgh arguably has a bigger need. Earlier this week, HC Mike McCarthy indicated that he anticipated adding youth to the position to battle veterans Spencer Anderson and Brock Hoffman.
Proctor is one of the most polarizing players in the draft. Inconsistent tape makes him a boom-bust prospect who must receive good coaching and show discipline with his technique and weight. Our comparison to him was Mehki Becton, who found greater success inside than playing tackle.
In the second round, Edholm’s ideal Steelers addition is North Dakota State WR Bryce Lance.
“Lance also fits a need and possesses what both Mike McCarthy and the Steelers traditionally have looked for in receivers: length and explosiveness,” he wrote.
McCarthy made it no secret that he prefers bigger receivers and targets. Actions reflected in March’s trade for Indianapolis Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. Lance checks that box at 6033, 204 pounds with 32 1/8-inch arms. Starring in Fargo, he caught 51 passes for more than 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025 and was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, the FCS Heisman Trophy. He’ll need to adjust to the NFL level but is a worthy developmental prospect.
Proctor and Lance might not be the true “ideal” Steelers picks. But Edholm had to navigate the rest of the league, avoiding repeating picks, and didn’t make his Steelers selections in a vacuum. Adding offensive line and wide receiver help with two talented prospects is a fair assessment and would make for a solid haul out of the gate.
Recommended for you