Full Breakdown
2026 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh’s Record-Setting Host and the Steelers-Ravens Selections
4/27/2026, 11:43:08 AM
Pittsburgh’s Record-Setting Host
The 2026 NFL Draft took place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, the city’s first time hosting the three-day event. The NFL reported a record attendance of 805,000, eclipsing Detroit’s 775,000 mark. Organizers credited extensive public-transport planning and Sheetz’s underwriting for smooth traffic flow.
Steelers’ Day-3 Selections
The Steelers entered with 12 picks and had used 10 by Day 3. Notable selections were Iowa return specialist Kaden Wetjen (121st), fullback Riley Nowakowski (169th) for two-back versatility, and Navy cadet Eli Heidenreich (230th), a local hero with record-setting high-school and Naval Academy receiving stats. Additional picks added depth on the line, safety group and a developmental quarterback.
Ravens’ Draft Strategy and Analyst Reactions
The Ravens completed the draft with 11 picks focused on size and physicality. Edge rusher Vega Ioane (14th) earned an “All-In” rating; pass-rusher Zion Young (45th) was labeled “Skeptical.” Wide-receiver Ja’Kobi Lane (80th) and tight-end Matthew Hibner (133rd) received “Pumped” and “Skeptical” grades respectively. Later picks like punter Ryan Eckley (211th) and cornerback Chandler Rivers (162nd) were praised as “All-In” and “Pumped” by analyst La Canfora.
Official Statements & Team Perspectives
Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy said he felt the room’s collective pride when Eli Heidenreich was selected. Special-teams coordinator Danny Crossman called Kaden Wetjen a “catch-run-cut” player with strong decision-making. Ravens GM Eric De Costa’s focus on size at the line showed in the picks of Ioane and Young, though he gave no comment.
Criticism & Analyst Concerns
Analysts flagged concerns about the Ravens. Zion Young’s limited pass-rush upside earned a “Skeptical” label, and tight-end Matthew Hibner was critiqued for lacking elite burst. Chad Reuter noted the draft’s lack of a true center as a major league gap. The Steelers also drew modest criticism for not drafting a high-profile quarterback.
Data & Statistics
The draft featured 257 players over three days. Pittsburgh’s attendance hit 805,000, a new NFL record. The Steelers made 12 picks, executing 10 by Day 3; the Ravens used all 11 selections. Key pick numbers include Wetjen (121st), Nowakowski (169th), Heidenreich (230th), Ioane (14th) and Young (45th).
Verbatim Quotes
- "Wetjen is a return specialist first and foremost," — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com draft analyst
- "He's a threat to flip the field at any time as a punt returner. He eludes or breaks the first tackle, maneuvers around opponents in the open field with great vision." — Scouting report, Pittsburgh Steelers
- "All In – Absolutely great pick for them." — Jason La Canfora, NFL analyst
- "Ioane's size, strength, and nimble feet made him a solid mid-first round pick — though I do wonder if the Ravens might have been better off taking edge Rueben Bain Jr. at 14 and meeting the need for a guard later on." — Chad Reuter, NFL.com analyst
What’s Next
Both clubs will evaluate new talent in the 2026 preseason. Pittsburgh aims to integrate Wetjen’s return game and Heidenreich’s versatility, while Baltimore expects Ioane and Young to anchor a more physical line as the Ravens chase a deeper playoff run.
