It's not common for the linebacker position to be a strength in modern draft classes anymore. However, the buzz here at the NFL Scouting Combine is high on this year's crop of linebackers. And, some of the top players at the position have the Steelers' interest.
Among the formal interviews the Steelers have hosted are Cincinnati's Jake Golday, Texas' Anthony Hill Jr. and Georgia's CJ Allen. All three are expected to be selected in the first two rounds. Allen, in particular, has a legitimate chance to be a first-round pick.
Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft seems to be the sweet spot for this position. When this year's compensatory picks are handed out later this offseason, the Steelers will have four picks on Day 2 -- one in the second round and three in the third round (original, George Pickens trade, compensatory pick for Dan Moore Jr.).
The Steelers' interest in the linebacker position comes at a peculiar time. Patrick Queen is under contract, but has just one year remaining. Payton Wilson still has two years remaining on his rookie contract. Malik Harrison is heading into the second and final year of his deal, too. There could be a real need here should the Steelers decide to move on from Harrison. As I reported yesterday, it really seems unlikely that Queen gets cut.
I'm inclined to believe the Steelers' interest in the linebacker class in this draft is more about the strength of the position rather than the need on the roster. But, when all is said and done in free agency, perhaps those'll go hand in hand.
THE ASYLUM
Steelers interested in linebacker class
It's not common for the linebacker position to be a strength in modern draft classes anymore. However, the buzz here at the NFL Scouting Combine is high on this year's crop of linebackers. And, some of the top players at the position have the Steelers' interest.
Among the formal interviews the Steelers have hosted are Cincinnati's Jake Golday, Texas' Anthony Hill Jr. and Georgia's CJ Allen. All three are expected to be selected in the first two rounds. Allen, in particular, has a legitimate chance to be a first-round pick.
Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft seems to be the sweet spot for this position. When this year's compensatory picks are handed out later this offseason, the Steelers will have four picks on Day 2 -- one in the second round and three in the third round (original, George Pickens trade, compensatory pick for Dan Moore Jr.).
The Steelers' interest in the linebacker position comes at a peculiar time. Patrick Queen is under contract, but has just one year remaining. Payton Wilson still has two years remaining on his rookie contract. Malik Harrison is heading into the second and final year of his deal, too. There could be a real need here should the Steelers decide to move on from Harrison. As I reported yesterday, it really seems unlikely that Queen gets cut.
I'm inclined to believe the Steelers' interest in the linebacker class in this draft is more about the strength of the position rather than the need on the roster. But, when all is said and done in free agency, perhaps those'll go hand in hand.
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