In just one month, the NFL world will descend on Pittsburgh for the 2026 NFL draft. The Steelers currently hold 12 picks and while we don’t expect them to use them all, the pressure is high on the Steelers in their own backyard to have a great draft.
This means the Steelers must hit on that all-important first-round pick on their home turf. This is a draft that is short on true blue-chip prospects and in many drafts wouldn’t be so highly regarded. Here are four prospects for the Steelers to avoid in the first round.
WR Makai Lemon – USC
When I watched Makai Lemon’s interview at the NFL Scouting Combine, it was somewhat shocking to see how different he seemed from the person who spoke before the start of the 2025 season. This might be for nothing, but when it comes to wide receivers, Steelers’ fans understand the power of a poor attitude, and with several talented options at the position, if the Steelers want a wide receiver, theycould look elsewhere.
QB Ty Simpson – Alabama
We aren’t saying the Steelers shouldn’t draft Ty Simpson at all. We do think Simpson has enough tools to build on that he could end up a solid starter in the NFL. But based on his struggles down the stretch, he’s not the quarterback I’m spending the No. 21 overall pick on.
LB C.J. Allen – Georgia
After the two Ohio State linebackers, Georgia’s C.J. Allen has been penciled in as the next linebacker off the board for some time. However, his Pro Day workout did him no favors and failed to showcase the type of movement skills NFL teams will demand from an off-ball linebacker.
OT Monroe Freeling
With Broderick Jones’ health status a huge question mark, we won’t be shocked to see the Steelers go with an offensive tackle in the first round. Georgia’s Monroe Freeling has gained a ton of traction over the last two months but we are cautious of how raw his is with his upper body and would prefer the Steelers opt for an offensive tackle with a bit more polish to his game out of the gate.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: 4 NFL draft prospects for the Steelers to avoid in the first round
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