Steelers' Draft Strategy: Building Around Rodgers

0:00On April 23rd, the 2026 NFL Draft hits Pittsburgh starting Thursday, April 23rd, and the Steelers are front and center with air. Biggest gap at quarterback, 42-year-old Aaron Rogers looks set to suit up for his 22nd pro season, backing up with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. No long-term answer since Ben Ruffesberger, so they might punt on a rookie signal caller till next year. Here this week, draft buzz pointed to their solid pick haul, including the 21st overall in Round 1, 53rd in Round 2, and extras. Like a third-rounder from Dallas, plus a few compensatories down the line. That gives Pittsburgh flexibility to build around Rogers without forcing a QB reach. Fans and analysts see real impact in beefing up the secondary, where Joy Porter Jr. and Jamel Dean hold the outside. Intercised, but explosive Indiana corner, D'Angelo Ponds at 5'9 and 182 lb lit of the combine and fits perfect as a slot-minus to lock down that unit.

1:03Meanwhile, after a shaky 2025 offense, they're eyeing trade bait like linebacker Patrick Queen. His pro-bowl follow-up flopped with career-high missed tackles and fading coverage in his walk-year, so flipping him could net more picks to Justa. Attack With all those selections in hand, Pittsburgh's playing chess this weekend, layering talent without panic moves and keeping eyes on that elusive, franchise future. That's your update from NFL News Today, powered by AI.