Hiring Mike McCarthy as head coach is only the first step in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ plan to keep their winning ways going, and the NFL Draft is one of the next big events as they prepare for next season. Fans want to see the front office load up on offense, given some of the talent that’s available in the 2026 draft class.
Who do fans want the Steelers to draft?
Steelers Fans Debate Between Olaivavega Ioane and Omar Cooper Jr. in the 2026 NFL Draft
Pittsburgh might have claimed the AFC North last season, but neither its offense nor defense ranked in the league’s top 10. Despite having four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, the squad failed to impress many.
Rodgers and company scored an average of only 23.4 points per game, leaving fans wanting more help on offense. As such, PFSN’s Mock Draft Simulator demonstrated users’ desire to see offensive line and receiving corps upgrades at pick No. 21.
Here are users’ most drafted positions:
- WR (31.9%)
- OG (28.9%)
- OT (15.2%)
Here are the players that fans want to see the Steelers go after:
- Olaivavega Ioane (27.5%)
- Omar Cooper Jr. (13.7%)
- KC Concepcion (6.8%)
- Ty Simpson (5.4%)
- Kadyn Proctor (4.7%)
- Jordyn Tyson (4.7%)
- Spencer Fano (4.2%)
- Makai Lemon (3.4%)
- Denzel Boston (2.6%)
Ioane established himself as one of the top offensive linemen in this class, famed for his hand power. The youngster should provide the help needed for Rodgers, if he returns, to have more time in the pocket and for running back Jaylen Warren to have better blocking.
“He’s not the most fleet of foot and can be lumbering on recovery, but he’s still a fairly nimble mover who has acceptable functional mobility on the lateral plane, to pair with natural leverage, overwhelming hand power and torque, and impressive two-phase awareness,” PFSN wrote. “He can pick up stunts and keep rushers inside his frame in pass protection, while unleashing violent punches from neutral hip alignments.”
Omar Cooper Jr., on the other hand, earned acclaim as one of the most dynamic wide receivers in this draft class. The Indiana product will pair well with the likes of D.K. Metcalf and Pat Freiermuth in the receiving corps.
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“He can extend seams as a RAC threat with his range and contact balance, and he has the quickness and prying strength to work through adjacent contact, but he also flashes great salesmanship and tempo control as a route runner,” PFSN wrote.
How general manager Omar Khan tackles the draft next week will be fun to watch.
