ClutchPoints
The Pittsburgh Steelers have approached a franchise moment that demands bold answers. For nearly two decades, Pittsburgh lived in a state of remarkable stability. No losing seasons. No identity crisis. That era officially ended with a thud in January. A 30-6 Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans didn’t just extend the Steelers’ playoff losing streak to seven games. It also detonated the foundation. Head coach Mike Tomlin stepping down after 19 seasons marked the most consequential organizational shift in Pittsburgh since the Bill Cowher era ended. The 2026 NFL Draft, then, isn’t just about talent acquisition. It’s about defining what Steelers football looks like next.
On paper, the Steelers’ 2025 season checked nearly every box the franchise prides itself on. A 10-7 record matched the previous two seasons. It also delivered their first AFC North title since 2020. Their performance also extended the franchise-record streak to 22 consecutive seasons without a losing record. That achievement remains unmatched in modern NFL history. The roster added star power with quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver DK Metcalf. Their defense remained a weekly problem for opponents.
Context matters, though. The Steelers beat up on the middle class of the league and struggled mightily against elite competition. When the playoffs arrived, the gap was exposed brutally. Houston overwhelmed Pittsburgh in every phase. The offense never looked capable of responding. What followed mattered even more: Tomlin’s decision to step aside signaled that ‘good enough’ was no longer acceptable. The reset had officially begun.
The Steelers enter the 2026 NFL Draft facing rare uncertainty at multiple premium positions. Quarterback tops the list, with Rodgers’ future unresolved and retirement a realistic possibility. Pittsburgh must begin planning for the next long-term answer under center, whether that player starts immediately or develops behind a veteran bridge.
Wide receiver is another priority. Metcalf gives the offense a true alpha. However, the lack of a reliable WR2 showed up repeatedly late in the season. On the offensive line, left tackle remains an area to monitor as the team looks to stabilize protection.
Defensively, the foundation is strong but aging. Cameron Heyward is nearing the end of his career. The secondary needs an infusion of young talent, particularly at cornerback. While TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith anchor the EDGE group, adding depth and long-term insurance is never off the table for a defense built on pressure. Their productio has been waning, too.
Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the Steelers’ 3-round mock draft based on the PFF 2026 NFL mock draft simulator.
Height feels like a very Steelers pick in a transitional moment. He’s not a finished product, but he understands how to rush the passer with intent. His hand usage, bend, and ability to attack tackles with a plan translate cleanly to the NFL level. What separates Height is his versatility. He can rush, drop into coverage, and function in multiple fronts....
