Only three weeks to go before the 2026 NFL Draft begins. The entire football world will descend upon Pittsburgh for this year’s draft. The hometown Pittsburgh Steelers are embarking on a new era. For the first time in 20 years, the team will not be coached by Mike Tomlin. Leading the team now is Pittsburgh native Mike McCarthy, who will attempt to guide the Steelers to their first playoff victory since 2016. The success of this year’s draft class will go a long way toward determining how far the Steelers go in 2026. This draft class has loads of talent, and there are plenty of prospects the Steelers can select that will make the hometown crowd happy. Let’s look at the top 5 first-round targets for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
1. Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
No prospect in this draft makes more sense for Pittsburgh than Olaivavega Ioane. The massive guard, who was the top pick in my Steelers mock draft, would immediately step into the Steelers’ open spot at left guard. Once there, he will be a pillar of Pittsburgh’s offensive line for the next decade.
Vega is 6’4 and 335 pounds, with the talent to become a perennial Pro-Bowler. Isaac Seumalo left in free agency. The Steelers could have a younger, more talented upgrade fall right into their lap. Vega is a maestro in pass protection, allowing zero sacks or QB hits in 2025 at Penn State. Also known as a “mauler”, Vega can wipe a defender out of the play the instant he gets his grip on him. The draft’s undisputed top guard, Vega’s addition would certainly give QB Aaron Rodgers another reason to play another season with the Steelers.
2. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Jordyn Tyson would take the Steelers’ offense to a different level. If not for his injury history, Tyson may have been a WR1 in this draft class, which is loaded with quality receivers. His talent alone makes Tyson an extremely valuable pick at 21.
At 6’2 and 2023 pounds, Tyson has excellent size, as well as the versatility to play any WR spot. Over his final two seasons at Arizona State, Tyson accumulated 136 catches, 1812 yards, and 18 TDs. Tyson happened to spend those two years under the tutelage of Steelers’ legend Hines Ward, who is the Sun Devils’ WR coach.
Adding Tyson to a WR group that includes DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. could give Pittsburgh a lethal offense. Tyson’s injury history does bring risk to the pick, but his talent and production are unquestioned.
3. CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
CJ Allen would be quite a surprising pick for the Steelers, but one that could pay off big time. Allen is the Steelers’ top pick in the latest Yahoo mock draft, and it’s easy to see why. Allen projects as a future team captain and green dot-wearer for an NFL defense. There is nothing the Steelers love more than adding to their esteemed history of linebackers. Allen has the potential to be their next great one.
As noted by Yahoo, the drafting of Allen would allow the team to move on from Patrick Queen either before or after the 2026 season. Queen hasn’t been terrible with the Steelers, but it’s fair to say he hasn’t lived up to expectations. Allen would give the Steelers a talented, young playmaker in the middle of their defense.
Both Steelers’ GM Omar Khan and HC Mike McCarthy were present at Georgia’s Pro Day, giving them a front-row seat to witness Allen showcase his talent. The Steelers have prided themselves on the strength of their defense since the Steel Curtain days, and Allen could be next in line for greatness in Pittsburgh.
4. Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
If the Steelers want to add a dynamic playmaker for the back of their defense, Dillon Thieneman would be the perfect pick. After putting on a spectacular show at the Combine, Thienman has solidified himself as a Top-20 pick in this year’s draft.
Thieneman is 6 feet tall and 201 pounds with dazzling 4.35 speed. Along with his explosive 41-inch vertical and 10’5” broad jump, Thieneman is a world-class athlete. Having him patrol the back of Pittsburgh’s defense would give new DC Patrick Graham a big-time weapon.
Jalen Ramsey, who converted from CB to S, is on the wrong side of 30. Mid-season trade acquisition Kyle Duggar left for Cincinnati. Newly signed Jaquan Brisker is only signed for 2026. Dillon Thieneman could be the future of Pittsburgh’s secondary.
5. Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
The Steelers are in a precarious position at left tackle. Current LT, Broderick Jones, is recovering from fusion surgery on his neck. While Omar Khan recently expressed optimism about Jones’s recovery, there have been ominous reports about his injury. Khan has a $19 million decision to make by May 1 on the fifth-year option on Jones’s rookie contract.
Jones has been a polarizing and disappointing player since being Pittsburgh’s first-round choice in 2023. Kadyn Proctor is a tempting option to be the Steelers’ LT of the future. At 6’7 and 352 pounds, Proctor is a massive human being with surprising athleticism, earning a 9.28 RAS at the Combine. Proctor has 40 career collegiate starts and has the talent to possibly be the best of this year’s deep tackle class. It would be hard for Pittsburgh to pass up Proctor’s potential and enormous ceiling.
Any of these five selections should make the hometown crowd jump for joy at the Draft. Who would you like to see the Steelers choose? Let me know in the comments below.