The Steelers' first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, Max Iheanachor, addressed the offensive line. That sets the stage for addressing some skill positions on Day 2. And with four picks over the second and third rounds, the Steelers can position themselves to get whoever they want.
Here are some names to watch over the second day of the draft:
DENZEL BOSTON, WR, WASHINGTON
Boston was initially expected to be a first-round pick, but is still on the board. He's the best receiver available, so the Steelers would likely have to trade up from 53rd overall to go get him. There seems to be genuine interest from the Steelers' side of things, as they double-dipped with Boston with a formal interview at the Combine and hosting him for a pre-drafgt visit. He's a big-body receiver that isn't a great separator, but he moves fluidly and posted a ridiculous 76.9% contested-catch rate in 2025.
GERMIE BERNARD, WR, ALABAMA
If Omar Khan doesn't want to pay the high price to get to the top of the second round to snag Boston, he could be patient and see if Bernard falls closer to 53rd overall. The Steelers hosted Bernard for a pre-draft visit, so he could be on their radar. Bernard lacks any explosive traits, but has a high football IQ, is a good route runner and has very sure hands (one drop on 102 targets in 2025).
EMMANUEL MCNEIL-WARREN, S, TOLEDO
One of the best players still on the board after the first round, McNeil-Warren is a Swiss Army knife that can play in the slot, in the box or do damage to pass catchers in the robber position. Seeing the way Nick Emmanwori impacted the Seahawks' defense could motivate teams to snag McNeil-Warren early. The Steelers would likely have to trade up in the second round to get him, but I believe he's high on their board. I also believe the secondary is a position to watch for the Steelers over the remainder of the draft.
DREW ALLAR, QB, PENN STATE
The Steelers could very well take a swing on a quarterback tonight, and Allar could be the guy. The formal interview with him at the Combine went very well, then the team hosted him for a pre-draft visit last week. Allar has unteachable traits (6-5, 232-pound frame, rocket arm) and has been battle-tested over three years as the Nittany Lions' starter, but has significant mechanical flaws with questions about his performance in clutch moments of games.
DARRELL JACKSON JR., DT, FLORIDA STATE
I'm not ruling out another selection to address the trenches. While the depth is pretty well solidified for now, the Steelers still have to prepare for life after Cam Heyward. Derrick Harmon could still be the most appropriate replacement, but that shouldn't stop the Steelers from taking more players. The Steelers formally met with Jackson at the Combine and hosted him for a pre-draft visit. He has traits coaches love and his power pops off the tape, but there's a lot to coach up on his technique.
THE ASYLUM
Five Day 2 options for Steelers
The Steelers' first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, Max Iheanachor, addressed the offensive line. That sets the stage for addressing some skill positions on Day 2. And with four picks over the second and third rounds, the Steelers can position themselves to get whoever they want.
Here are some names to watch over the second day of the draft:
DENZEL BOSTON, WR, WASHINGTON
Boston was initially expected to be a first-round pick, but is still on the board. He's the best receiver available, so the Steelers would likely have to trade up from 53rd overall to go get him. There seems to be genuine interest from the Steelers' side of things, as they double-dipped with Boston with a formal interview at the Combine and hosting him for a pre-drafgt visit. He's a big-body receiver that isn't a great separator, but he moves fluidly and posted a ridiculous 76.9% contested-catch rate in 2025.
GERMIE BERNARD, WR, ALABAMA
If Omar Khan doesn't want to pay the high price to get to the top of the second round to snag Boston, he could be patient and see if Bernard falls closer to 53rd overall. The Steelers hosted Bernard for a pre-draft visit, so he could be on their radar. Bernard lacks any explosive traits, but has a high football IQ, is a good route runner and has very sure hands (one drop on 102 targets in 2025).
EMMANUEL MCNEIL-WARREN, S, TOLEDO
One of the best players still on the board after the first round, McNeil-Warren is a Swiss Army knife that can play in the slot, in the box or do damage to pass catchers in the robber position. Seeing the way Nick Emmanwori impacted the Seahawks' defense could motivate teams to snag McNeil-Warren early. The Steelers would likely have to trade up in the second round to get him, but I believe he's high on their board. I also believe the secondary is a position to watch for the Steelers over the remainder of the draft.
DREW ALLAR, QB, PENN STATE
The Steelers could very well take a swing on a quarterback tonight, and Allar could be the guy. The formal interview with him at the Combine went very well, then the team hosted him for a pre-draft visit last week. Allar has unteachable traits (6-5, 232-pound frame, rocket arm) and has been battle-tested over three years as the Nittany Lions' starter, but has significant mechanical flaws with questions about his performance in clutch moments of games.
DARRELL JACKSON JR., DT, FLORIDA STATE
I'm not ruling out another selection to address the trenches. While the depth is pretty well solidified for now, the Steelers still have to prepare for life after Cam Heyward. Derrick Harmon could still be the most appropriate replacement, but that shouldn't stop the Steelers from taking more players. The Steelers formally met with Jackson at the Combine and hosted him for a pre-draft visit. He has traits coaches love and his power pops off the tape, but there's a lot to coach up on his technique.
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