The Pittsburgh Steelers were aggressive on Day Two of the 2026 NFL Draft, moving up the board for Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard and also taking quarterback Drew Allar out of Penn State. They also added to their defensive backfield by taking Georgia cornerback Daylen Everette and took Iowa offensive lineman Gennings Dunker.
With five picks still in hand, the final day remains wide open. If they stay put, here’s how I see it playing out:
Round 4, Pick 121 – DL Darell Jackson Jr, Florida State
A massive presence on the interior, Jackson brings size,
length, and raw power. The Steelers showed significant interest, bringing him in for a top-30 visit, and met with him at the combine. They’ve addressed the trenches, but have yet to take a defensive lineman. He’s the type of defensive lineman who can clog running lanes immediately while still developing as a pass rusher. The upside here is a rotational piece early who could grow into a starting-caliber anchor in the trenches.
Round 5, Pick 161 – LB Harold Perkins, LSU
Another top 30-visitor, Perkins is an explosive, sideline-to-sideline linebacker with elite athleticism. While he’s still refining his instincts and consistency, his versatility as a blitzer and coverage defender makes him a potential chess piece in a creative defense. This would be a steal for the Steelers in round four.
Round 7, Pick 224 – WR Lewis Bond, Boston College
If Pittsburgh wants to add another wideout, they can find solid slot options as potential Calvin Austin III replacements in the later rounds. Bond offers depth and reliability to the receiver room. He’s a smooth route runner with dependable hands who can contribute on special teams right away. At this stage of the draft, finding a player who can carve out a role quickly adds real value.
Round 7, Pick 230 – RB Desmond Reid, Pitt
Reid brings juice to the backfield. He’s a quick, elusive runner who thrives in space and can contribute in the passing game. I like to see his as Kenny Gainwell-lite. His versatility makes him an intriguing late-round option who could earn touches as a change-of-pace back, or as a returner.
Pick 7, Pick 249 (from Colts) – TE Khalil Dinkins, Penn State
The Steelers will definitely take a tight end at some point today – but the early run on them has the value lacking in the earlier rounds. Dinkins is a developmental tight end with intriguing traits. He has the size and athletic profile worth betting on late, but he never really had the production. Quite similar to his quarterback Allar, who also now dons the black and gold. He’ll likely begin as a depth piece and special teamer, but there’s upside if his blocking and route-running continue to improve.
If this is how it unfolds, the Steelers will stack some upside across the roster and position themselves for some intriguing camp battles this summer.
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- Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 NFL Draft grades: OL Gennings Dunker
- Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 NFL Draft grades: CB Daylen Everette
- Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 NFL Draft grades: QB Drew Allar
- Steelers select Georgia CB Dalyen Everette in third round of 2026 NFL Draft
- Steelers select Penn State QB Drew Allar in third round of 2026 NFL Draft
