It’s widely believed the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to target a wide receiver in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
But that isn’t guaranteed.
According to NFL insider Jason La Canfora, the Steelers may target a defensive player with their first-round selection, No. 21 overall.
Pittsburgh, of course, won the AFC North last season but replaced longtime head coach Mike Tomlin with Mike McCarthy. The offensive-minded coach is expected to target another weapon for whoever the 2026 quarterback is.
The Pittsburgh Steelers May Target an Oregon Defensive Player for the Second Straight Draft
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The Steelers ranked 26th in defense and were 13th against the run in 2025. But they spent their 2025 first-round selection on Derrick Harmon, an Oregon defensive tackle who has a solid rookie season.
That move worked out so well, the Steelers may target a defensive player from Dan Lanning system again, according to La Canfora.
“Pittsburgh used its top pick a year ago on Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, who flashed big-time potential when not derailed by injuries,” La Canfora reported for Sports Boom. “Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman is also the kind of hybrid defensive back the team would covet, and if he is still there at pick 21, he would surely be under consideration as well.”
Thieneman rated fourth among draft-eligible safeties in total combine rating by NFL Media. He is being graded as a prospect that “will eventually be a plus starter.”
But if Thieneman is gone, La Canfora spelled out other options for the Steelers if they choose to target defense in the first round. One option could be to target Cam Heyward’s eventual replacement.
“While Ohio State defensive lineman Kayden McDonald doesn’t have nearly that sort of pass rushing upside, he is a bona fide run stuffer and could be paired with Harmon for years to come to fortify a defensive line that got long in the tooth,” La Canfora wrote. “This is a weak defensive tackle draft and the value in grabbing the best of that bunch could be a smart play, with other position groups offering greater depth and variety.”
The Steelers Have Options if They Choose to Target Offense
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Pittsburgh is, of course, waiting on a decision from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, though La Canfora made it seem as though he would be back for a 22nd NFL season and a second straight in the Steel City.
The insider did mention an Alabama tackle Kadyn Prctor as a prospect if Pittsburgh “rightly addressed” its offensive line at No. 21.
Still, La Canfora has a player in mind if the Steelers went the predictable route and tried to land a No. 2 receiver to pair with No. 1 wideout DK Metcalf.
“If the Steelers do end up taking a receiver, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson’s injury issues and durability are a legitimate concern for NFL teams, but the talent is also apparent on film,” La Canfora reported. “If I had to throw a dart at one pass catcher with a pick that deep in the first round, he’d be the most likely candidate to get it.”
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