The Pittsburgh Steelers head into the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear priority at quarterback, although one of the best positional matches for them could be cornerback D’Angelo Ponds. Meanwhile, linebacker Patrick Queen has emerged as a possible trade option.
The draft begins on Thursday, April 23, in Pittsburgh, where a new class of players will hear their names announced throughout the weekend. For the Steelers, the most pressing concern remains the quarterback position.
There are strong indications that 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers will return for his 22nd NFL season in Pittsburgh. Despite this, the team has yet to secure a long-term answer at quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger’s era ended. It’s possible that Pittsburgh delays addressing this need until the 2027 draft. In the meantime, Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are expected to serve as backups once again…Read more
2026 NFL Draft Insights 2024 Best Picks and Predictions
Looking ahead to this year’s selections, the Steelers hold several picks across all rounds. Their first-round selection comes at No. 21 overall, followed by additional picks in each subsequent round, including multiple compensatory selections and acquired picks via trades.
One player who stands out as an ideal fit is Indiana cornerback D’Angelo Ponds. Although slightly undersized at 5-foot-9 and 182 pounds, he impressed at the 2026 NFL Draft Combine with elite athleticism. He could become a strong contributor in the slot position, complementing outside cornerbacks Joey Porter Jr. and Jamel Dean, and strengthening the team’s secondary unit.
On the other hand, linebacker Patrick Queen may be on the move. After an impressive Pro Bowl season in 2024, his 2025 performance declined, highlighted by an increase in missed tackles and reduced effectiveness in pass coverage. With 2026 NFL Draft being the final year of his contract, the Steelers might explore trading him to a team in need of linebacker help. Such a move could provide Pittsburgh with additional draft assets to bolster their offense following an inconsistent 2025 campaign.
Overall, the Steelers enter the2026 NFL Draft with flexibility, multiple picks, and key decisions to make, particularly regarding their long-term quarterback solution and potential roster adjustments…Read more
