Head coach Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers came up short in the Wild Card Round of the NFL Playoffs once again, falling to the Houston Texans in blowout fashion, and attention quickly shifted to the 2026 NFL Draft and the pick order of the eliminated teams shortly after the game.
ESPN NFL insider Field Yates revealed the NFL draft news on X, relaying the new order for picks 19 through 24, which included the Steelers.
19. Panthers 20. Cowboys (via Packers) 21. Steelers 22. Chargers 23. Eagles 24. Browns (via Jaguars)
Per Yates, the Carolina Panthers will fall in at No. 19 in round one of the 2026 NFL Draft order, with the Dallas Cowboys getting the 20th pick (via the Green Bay Packers). Pittsburgh will then officially be on the clock next, barring a trade, at No. 21 overall.
From there, Yates listed the Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Cleveland Browns (via the Jacksonville Jaguars), from slot Nos. 22 through 24.
The remainder of the 2026 NFL Draft order will be decided in the coming weeks, once more teams are eliminated from the postseason.
Steelers Currently Have 12 Picks in 2026 NFL Draft
GettyThe Pittsburgh Steelers will pick at No. 21 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh has no shortage of picks in 2026, as The Sporting News cites a total of 12 selections this April. The current crop of draft capital can be found below.
- Round 1 (No. 21 overall).
- Round 2.
- Round 3.
- Round 3 (via Cowboys).
- Round 3 (projected compensatory pick).
- Round 4.
- Round 4 (projected compensatory pick).
- Round 5.
- Round 6 (projected compensatory pick).
- Round 6 (projected compensatory pick).
- Round 7.
- Round 7 (via New Orleans Saints).
For some time, many believed the Steelers would use this plethora of draft picks to trade up for a franchise quarterback. However, circumstances may have altered this theory.
Outside of Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to be selected by the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 1 overall, there are very few clear-cut NFL starters in this QB class. Oregon’s Dante Moore could be another, but he has yet to declare. On top of that, Moore could be selected by the New York Jets at No. 2 overall if he does.
Sitting at No. 21 in the NFL draft order puts the Steelers between a rock and a hard place. Aaron Rodgers could retire or leave in free agency, leaving Pittsburgh with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard.
Needless to say, the Steelers could easily be QB hunting again in 2026.
Could Pittsburgh trade all the way up for Moore? Is there another quarterback for the franchise to fall in love with, like Ole Miss breakout Trinidad Chambliss or Alabama’s Ty Simpson?
All that remains to be seen, but the Steelers certainly have an arsenal of draft capital at their disposal, should they elect to move up in round one.
Steelers Will Set Sights on Hosting NFL Draft After Texans Defeat
The city of Pittsburgh will, of course, host this year’s draft. Steelers.com recently put out a press release on the event.
“The 2026 NFL Draft is coming to the Steel City on April 23-25, 2026! We are excited to welcome all fans across the league to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and to showcase the rich football history our city holds,” it began.
Continuing: “Our city is working hard to get football fans from around the world information on the 2026 NFL Draft. Details are still being finalized with activities expected to take place on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, including Acrisure Stadium and Point State Park. Among the activities that will take place is the NFL Draft Experience, a free fan festival that includes exhibits, games, musical performances and more.”
“For all updated information pertaining to the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, fans are encouraged to go to Visit Pittsburgh and check back in the coming months as more information is announced,” the press release concludes.
Unfortunately, it’s now free agency and draft season in Pittsburgh. And the overarching offseason questions are eerily similar to years past.
How can the Steelers get over the hump? And is Tomlin still the head coach to do it?
Steelers’ NFL Draft Order: Insider Reveals Where Pittsburgh Will Pick in 2026