The Pittsburgh Steelers will be on the clock at pick No. 21 overall in the first round a week from now, unless they decide to trade up or back. There are a couple of positions that the team still needs to address. Wide receiver, offensive line, or even quarterback could be attacked in the NFL Draft. However, the team may have other plans than addressing those positions.
According to insider Mark Kaboly, the Steelers could consider drafting a cornerback in the first round. More specifically, team GM Omar Khan could look to draft Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell.
The Pittsburgh Steelers Don’t Necessarily Need a Cornerback
GettySteelers GM Omar Khan possesses 12 NFL Draft picks this year.
Here is what Kaboly wrote earlier this week about why the team may select Terrell if he is available:
“The Steelers don’t really need a cornerback, assuming Joey Porter Jr. is locked up long term before the season, and with Jamel Dean signed to a three-year, $36.75 million free-agent deal in March. However, you have to strongly consider Terrell if he’s available at 21. He’s shown durability and versatility, which makes him an option.”
Kaboly also mentioned that Terrell is likely to be off the board by the time Pittsburgh is on the clock. After developing his ability to play both inside and outside at cornerback at Clemson, the Steelers could look to add him after he made 31 consecutive college starts. Standing at 5’11” and weighing just under 190 pounds, he has demonstrated the ability to play bigger than his size. The two-time All-ACC selection recorded 21 total pass deflections over the last two seasons.
However, he wouldn’t start right away unless new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is interested in using three starting cornerbacks. As Kaboly mentioned, Joey Porter Jr. is one starter, and newly signed veteran Jamel Dean is another.
The Steelers Look to Improve Defense in 2026
GettyCam Heyward signed a one-year extension with the Steelers earlier this offseason.
The Steelers are set to enter one of their biggest seasons in recent memory. Not only is it Mike McCarthy‘s first season in the Steel City, but this roster is very experienced. Also, the jury is still out on whether or not future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers will return for his 22nd season. If he returns, he has a chance to take the team further than he did last season. Remember, he guided the franchise to its first division title in five years.
However, the X-factor for this team could be the defense. Somehow, the team was able to make the playoffs despite finishing 26th in total defense and 29th in passing defense. Imagine what could happen if the unit jumps up 10 or 15 spots in both categories. With experienced players at every level of the defense and with Graham coming in as the new defensive coordinator, it is possible. In a brutal AFC with great quarterbacks all over the map, defense could very well be the difference between the Steelers making a possible Super Bowl run or not.
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