The Pittsburgh Steelers concluded the 2026 NFL Draft with a focus on interest and athletic scores under new head coach Mike McCarthy. The team's first-round draft pick, Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor, marked a departure from past practices as he had a lower interest score compared to previous first-rounders, emphasizing changes in the scouting approach. Other notable selections included Alabama WR Germie Bernard and Georgia CB Daylen Everette, both demonstrating strong interest and athletic scores, indicating a balanced recruitment strategy. The team's later picks, however, showed some decline in interest scores, which could mean a need for refinement in evaluating talent going forward.

By the Numbers
  • Max Iheanachor had a 7.8 interest score; average for the class was 6.6.
  • Daylen Everette's interest score was 9.9, the third-best in the draft class.
Yes, But

While the Steelers showed promise in their first few selections, there is concern over the decline in interest scores for later picks, suggesting the need for improved evaluation processes for those rounds. This might challenge the team's strategic depth-building approach moving forward.

State of Play
  • The Steelers' first draft class under McCarthy displayed several new strategies, particularly in pro day attendance and evaluation metrics.
  • McCarthy aims to improve future pro day participation, which could enhance the team's scouting effectiveness.
What's Next

Looking ahead, the Steelers will need to closely monitor how their 2026 draft class performs during training camps and preseason games to assess the impact of their scouting adjustments on team performance.

Bottom Line

The Steelers' 2026 draft reflects significant changes in their scouting philosophy, balancing interest and athleticism, but they must refine their evaluation strategy for later-round picks to build a successful roster.