I’ve gone over a lot of prospects that I’d love to see join the Steelers when the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday. Now that we’ve spent time poring over the players (i.e., reading Dane Brugler’s The Beast ), here's my pipe dream of a draft class, with the obvious acknowledgement that most of these guys might go much earlier (or later) than I would like.

If you’d like more in-depth scouting reports on these guys, I’ve written about most of them in earlier articles, so feel free to take a look there. For more exhaustive analysis, please refer to the aforementioned Beast, which should frankly be regarded as gospel.

21. Jordan Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Tyson has fallen several draft boards due to injury concerns, with Ohio State’s Carnell Tate eclipsing him as the media’s consensus WR1. That bodes well for his chances of coming to Pittsburgh, which is fine by me. He appears to be fully recovered from the hamstring issues that sidelined him in his final college season, which means he will be on the field for week one barring unforeseen setbacks.

Tyson’s superstar potential would immediately put the Steelers in the discussion for the best WR trio in the league, and whoever steps into the starting quarterback role next season will have an embarrassment of riches around him. It would also be a full-circle moment for Pittsburgh legend Hines Ward, who has taken Tyson under his wing during the ASU product’s journey to the league.

53. Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon

An older prospect who brings a wealth of experience and a whole lot of mass to an OL room, Pregnon is viewed as a very safe selection in most circles. His steady power kept Dante Moore clean as Oregon made a run in the CFP last season, and scouts love his run-blocking ability. Pregnon will look to make an immediate impact on the interior for Pittsburgh.

76. Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M

Will Lee’s tape is a joy to watch. A fluid athlete who makes plays all over the field, he has the technique to stick with any route-runner (Aggies fans referred to Lee as “The Blanket”), as well as the aggression to lay him out. He plays his best football in big-time moments and brings consistency to the secondary that Pittsburgh sorely needs after an injury-riddled 2025.

85. Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State

“Big Citrus”, as Iowa State teammates called him, is a devastating run-stopper who mows down blockers with ease. While Orange is still developing as a pass-rusher, he can be a key role player in Pittsburgh from the jump, with the opportunity to play his way into a starting spot.

99. Bud Clark, S, TCU

As I mentioned in my previous article, don’t let the stats watch the film for you. Bud Clark is awesome. The sixth-year senior is a home-run hitter in the secondary, and his playmaking ability can bring plenty of juice to a defense. Clark’s ballhawking tendencies will fit right in with a turnover-hungry Steelers defense.

121. Harold Perkins Jr, LB, LSU

I’m not sure how Perkins will be utilized at the next level. Honestly, I’m not sure anyone is. But for a talent like him, you figure it out. Perkins is a game wrecker no matter where he lines up, but he would benefit greatly from some consistency and an opportunity to fully develop into one position.

135. LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama

Overton likely won’t be a day one starter in the league, but with TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith lining up on both sides of the line, Pittsburgh won’t need him to be too much too early. A big recruit for Alabama coming out of high school, Overton has shown that he has the potential to be a star if a team is willing to work with him. Given the Steelers’ depth at the position, the gamble here is a worthwhile one.

161. Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame

I’ve been high on Fields joining the Steelers for a while, and not much has happened to sway me from that stance. Fields brings size, combined with ball skills and great burst off the line. Even if Pittsburgh takes a receiver early, I think the Notre Dame standout can make a difference early for the Steelers.

216. Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

Cannon arms with accuracy issues are my kryptonite. I am all in on Drew Allar making it in the NFL. I accept my impending debut on Freezing Cold Takes with class and grace.

224. Caden Curry, EDGE, Ohio State

I think this is my third consecutive week writing about Curry joining the Steelers. I still don’t understand how a player with so much high-level production is projected to go this late in the draft.

230. Pat Coogan, C, Notre Dame

The veteran center was a glue guy for consecutive national championship appearances. His high-level processing and locker room presence add some depth to the offensive line.

237. Eli Heidenreich, RB/WR, Navy

Local kid who put up some truly gaudy stat lines as a versatile weapon for Navy. The potential is absolutely worth a seventh-rounder.