The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the offseason facing a heavily debated decision: how to use their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Experts remain divided on whether the team should target a quarterback, a wide receiver, or strengthen another position.
Most mock drafts have projected the Steelers to select either a wide receiver or quarterback, but earlier today, Blake Brockermeyer of CBS Sports suggested the team could go in a different direction.
Instead of focusing on skill positions, the Steelers may opt to bolster their offensive line, with Brockermeyer predicting Pittsburgh will select Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor with the 21st overall pick.
GettyOT Kadyn Proctor.
Meet Kadyn Proctor: Alabama Tackle and Draft Prospect
Proctor isnât your average offensive lineman. Standing 6’7″ and weighing 366 pounds, he towers over many of his peers on the field.
Adding such a massive player to the offensive line is a boost, but Proctor brings more than just size. He possesses tremendous athleticism and power that he showcased at Alabama.
“His frame and size is imposing, especially when paired with his athleticism climbing to the second level. There is no denying the physical traits that Proctor brings to the table and NFL franchises with strong cultures of offensive line development will be enamored by the traits,” wrote Thomas Martinez of Sports Illustrated.
Although Proctor was a top-rated offensive tackle in college, some think the Alabama product might be better suited to move to the guard position in the NFL, which Brockermeyer mentioned when he projected the Steelers would select him at pick 21.
“Id consider kicking him inside to guard, where I think he can excel. He can maul in the run game and has shown better consistency in protection,” wrote Brockermeyer.
At just 20 years old, Proctor has already shown flashes of raw talent. According to PFFâs 2026 draft big board, he enters the draft ranked as the third-best tackle prospect.
With unteachable size and power, Proctorâs upside might be too good to pass up for Pittsburgh if the team feels the need to address the offensive line.
GettyProctor has great size and power.
The Case for Drafting an Offensive Lineman in the First Round
The Steelers being predicted to draft an offensive lineman with the 21st pick has not been a popular projection so far, but it could be the right move depending on Pittsburghâs plans for next season.
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson has frequently been linked to the Steelers at pick 21, but if the franchise opts to bring in a veteran quarterback or give Will Howard a chance at the starting job, focusing on the offensive line would make a lot of sense.
The Steelers also need to address the wide receiver position, as it was the weakest group on the roster. However, there are notable free agents available who could be a good fit in Pittsburgh, such as Indianapolis Colts WR Alec Pierce.
If the team decides to add a receiver in free agency or with a later draft pick and does not see the value in selecting a quarterback in the first round, Pittsburghâs chances of bringing in Proctor at No. 21 increase significantly.
GettyProctor is one of the best offensive lineman entering the draft.
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