Story perspectives

Pittsburgh Hosts Record Draft, Steelers Pick Iheanachor, Hire McCarthy

4/29/2026

Summary

Steelers Draft Offense

Pittsburgh hosted the 2026 NFL Draft, drawing a record 805,000 fans over three days.
The Steelers used the No. 21 overall pick to select Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor.
Seven of Pittsburgh’s ten draft picks were offensive players, including quarterback Drew Allar and receiver Germie Bernard.
The Steelers signed undrafted USC tight end Lake McRee and hired native Mike McCarthy to replace longtime coach Mike Tomlin, seeking offensive improvement.

Summary

Steelers Draft Ten

The Steelers' ten-player 2026 draft class, largest since 2010 and second time since 1999 they passed ten picks, features Max Iheanachor, first Arizona State first-round pick since 2002, and Eli Heidenreich, second Navy draftee after 1973.
Ten of the Steelers’ 17 recent picks came from the Big Ten and three from the SEC.
Mike McCarthy has drafted eight Iowa players, the most from any school in his career.

Summary

Steelers Draft Review

The Steelers entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a record 12 picks, traded a fourth- and seventh-rounder to the Indianapolis Colts, picking receiver Germie Bernard, leaving ten picks.
Draft analyst Dane Brugler ranked Pittsburgh 17th and praised end Riley Nowakowski.
Speculation arose about trading linebacker Patrick Queen after the draft.
Polls graded from A-minus to C-minus, and analyst Omar Khan gave it a C rating, citing missed preparation and missteps.

Summary

Steelers Draft Allar

Steelers drafted quarterback Drew Allar after his stock fell from a projected first-round pick due to a fractured ankle in fall 2025.
Coach Mike McCarthy reportedly favored Allar over Carson Beck despite having liked Beck.
Allar’s selection leaves rookie Will Howard’s starting hopes in doubt.
The Steelers now have three quarterbacks on the roster, including backup Mason Rudolph, with no clear starter.

History

Historical Context

In 1970, the Steelers, under new coach Chuck Noll, selected quarterback Terry Bradshaw first overall, beginning a turnaround from a 1-13 season. Bradshaw and the “Steel Curtain” defense helped Pittsburgh win four Super Bowls (IX, X, XIII, XIV) within six years, cementing a draft-driven dynasty. The 2026 team’s twelve-pick haul echoes that historic reliance on transformative selections.

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Steelers Draft Offense

Pittsburgh hosted the 2026 NFL Draft, drawing a record 805,000 fans over three days.
The Steelers used the No. 21 overall pick to select Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor.
Seven of Pittsburgh’s ten draft picks were offensive players, including quarterback Drew Allar and receiver Germie Bernard.
The Steelers signed undrafted USC tight end Lake McRee and hired native Mike McCarthy to replace longtime coach Mike Tomlin, seeking offensive improvement.

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