It’s no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers had been intentional about stockpiling 2026 draft capital. Omar Khan admitted that their free agent acquisitions this offseason had been made with the comp choose system in thoughts, they usually additionally netted a third-round choose within the George Pickens commerce. Based on varied insider studies, the Steelers are all-in on drafting a quarterback within the first spherical of the 2026 NFL Draft, which will likely be held in Pittsburgh for the primary time within the fashionable period.
Whereas it’s been touted as a doubtlessly sturdy quarterback class, issues can dramatically change in a 12 months’s time. Simply take a look at the 2022 and 2025 NFL Drafts as current proof that first-round skills on the place will be onerous to return by.
With that stated, the Steelers aren’t the one workforce that’s seemingly positioning themselves to draft a quarterback early. Right now, I wished to take an early take a look at who their largest competitors is likely to be and what sort of draft capital they’re anticipated to have entry to.
With 4 projected compensatory picks coming Pittsburgh’s method and the George Pickens commerce, they’re anticipated to have 12 complete picks with seven of them coming inside the highest 150 (in comparison with three in 2025).
Listed here are a few of the largest draft contenders at quarterback subsequent 12 months and the draft capital they at present have entry to.
Cleveland Browns
Projected Picks: 9
First-Spherical Picks: 2
The Browns drafted two quarterbacks with Dillon Gabriel within the third spherical and Shedeur Sanders within the fifth, however neither choose screams franchise quarterback and Cleveland wants one badly. Kenny Pickett can also be within the combine there, so I suppose one of many three may pan out, however the Browns’ draft capital suggests they could possibly be seeking to make a splash in 2026.
They’re at present projected to have 9 draft picks to work with, together with a pair within the first spherical. Relying on whether or not Jacksonville really improves this 12 months and if the Browns stay one of many worst groups within the league, these first spherical picks may each find yourself within the prime 10 picks.
The underside line is, if the Browns desire a quarterback, they is likely to be inconceivable to compete with by way of buying and selling as much as choose the premium prospect.
The very best-case state of affairs for the Steelers (within the draft) is likely one of the Browns’ many quarterbacks on the roster having a robust 2025 season.
Los Angeles Rams
Projected Picks: 10
First-Spherical Picks: 2
The Rams have been kicking the can down the highway to maximise the top of Matthew Stafford’s profession. They as soon as once more restructured his contract for 2025, however they appear to be on a year-to-year foundation with him at 37 years outdated with a doubtful harm historical past. Even when he performs in 2026, they most likely want to start out drafting the way forward for the place for a clean transition.
They’ve eight projected picks to work with and 5 inside the highest 150. They managed to safe a second first-round choose because the Atlanta Falcons traded again into the primary spherical in 2025. Even when the Rams and Falcons each do nicely, it’ll be onerous for the Steelers to compete with a pair of first rounders in a possible commerce bidding state of affairs.
New Orleans Saints
Projected Picks: 7
First-Spherical Picks: 1
Whereas they only drafted Tyler Shough within the second spherical, they’re in the course of a full-blown rebuild. I doubt they might go on the possibility of drafting a franchise quarterback if one was accessible to them. They need to have loads of information on Shough with Derek Carr saying his retirement. If he does nicely, perhaps they don’t pursue a quarterback.
They at present are projected to have seven picks and 5 inside the highest 150. Relying how poorly their season goes, they could possibly be working with a top-five choose and the windfall of draft worth that comes with that.
New York Jets
Projected Picks: 9
First-Spherical Picks: 1
Justin Fields received a good two-year contract with ensures, however there’s a new regime on the town and the Jets possession doesn’t precisely have a historical past of persistence. There will likely be a way of urgency within the constructing to get issues proper, they usually wouldn’t hesitate to switch Fields if he has a mediocre 2025 season.
Whereas they’ve 9 picks, lots of them come late within the draft and they’re lacking a third-round choose in the meanwhile. They’ve solely 4 picks to work with inside the highest 150, however a poor season from Fields possible means a excessive choose within the first spherical. The very best-case state of affairs for the Steelers, nevertheless painful it is likely to be, is a strong season from Fields.
Indianapolis Colts
Projected Picks: 9
First-Spherical Picks: 1
Anthony Richardson is teetering on the sting of being a first-round bust and Daniel Jones isn’t more likely to abruptly flip the nook on his profession on his third workforce prior to now 12 months. With 9 complete picks, they need to have roughly 5 picks inside the highest 150.
Seattle Seahawks
Projected Picks: 6
First-Spherical Picks: 1
Sam Darnold’s three-year contract makes this much less possible, however he doesn’t have a ton of ensures exterior of the primary 12 months. Take into account that he’s basically a one-year surprise with a really poor observe file over the primary six seasons of his profession. Luckily, the Seahawks don’t have draft capital to compete on this possible aggressive market. Their greatest path to drafting a quarterback can be to have a really poor season.
Las Vegas Raiders
Projected Picks: 9
First-Spherical Picks: 1
An identical story to the Seahawks right here with Geno Smith. The Raiders gave him a brand new contract via 2027, however the ensures are closely front-loaded. They’re a workforce in transition and Tom Brady will likely be seeking to assist them determine and safe a future franchise quarterback now that he’s half proprietor of the workforce.
They’re at present projected to rival the Steelers with six picks inside the highest 150.
