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Steelers Draft OT Iheanachor, QB Allar; Keep Queen

4/28/2026

49 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Steelers finished the 2026 NFL Draft with OT Max Iheanachor at No. 21 and QB Drew Allar at No. 76, earning Fox Sports an A--grade, AFC’s second-best rating.
Linebacker Patrick Queen stayed, got a $2.5 million bonus, and entered the year of his $41 million contract.
The Steelers, after trading to select WR Germie Bernard at No. 47 and moving from No. 216 to No. 96 to take tackle Gennings Dunker, signed TE Lake McRee despite injuries.

History

Historical Context

In 2004 the Steelers, coming off a 6-10 season, used their highest pick since 2000 (11th overall) to select quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, their first first-round QB since 1980. Roethlisberger sparked a 15-1 rookie season and a Super Bowl XL win, establishing a pattern of aggressive early-round picks that the 2024 selection of OT Max Iheanachor continues.

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Story summary

The Steelers finished the 2026 NFL Draft with OT Max Iheanachor at No. 21 and QB Drew Allar at No. 76, earning Fox Sports an A--grade, AFC’s second-best rating.
Linebacker Patrick Queen stayed, got a $2.5 million bonus, and entered the year of his $41 million contract.
The Steelers, after trading to select WR Germie Bernard at No. 47 and moving from No. 216 to No. 96 to take tackle Gennings Dunker, signed TE Lake McRee despite injuries.

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