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As the NFL season begins to wind down and the playoff picture comes into focus, the attention of fans and front offices alike slowly shifts toward what comes next. While the Steelers are playoff bound, today we are going to be looking at their future. With key questions looming about the future at quarterback and several other areas of need we will dive into how they can reshape their roster. Between now and the draft, grades will surely fluctuate but here is a guide on some of the first round targets to keep an eye on.
Ty Simpson, QB
Starting with a name that is sure to surround the Steelers throughout the offseason, it’s time to take a closer look at the redshirt junior out of Alabama. Listed at 6’2″ and 208 pounds, Ty Simpson comes in just below the prototypical size teams often look for in a franchise quarterback. His decision to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft feels like a smart one, especially in a quarterback class headlined by Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore. In what many view as a down year overall at the position, quarterback-needy teams will be lining up to take a swing on their next potential gunslinger. With many projecting Simpson as a first- or second-round pick, it’s difficult to say whether he’ll even be available when the Steelers are on the clock. Mel Kiper currently has Simpson ranked as the No. 5 overall prospect on his latest big board, slotting him in as the third quarterback in the class behind the aforementioned signal-callers.
Simpson projects as an intriguing option for the Pittsburgh Steelers, particularly if the team is willing to invest an early-round pick at quarterback. A former five-star recruit, he brings many of the traits Pittsburgh has traditionally valued at the position: solid size, above-average arm strength, and enough athleticism to extend plays outside of structure. At Alabama, Simpson has flashed the ability to drive the ball to all levels of the field while also stressing defenses with his mobility, whether on designed runs or when plays break down. That athletic element could add a new layer to an offense that has often relied on quick reads and timing throws, giving Arthur Smith greater flexibility in his play calling.
The primary concerns surrounding Simpson center on his ceiling as a prospect. He lacks a single elite physical trait that clearly sets him apart, and his overall body of work is limited, with just 17 career games after spending multiple seasons behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe. Still, now that he has finally been handed the keys as a full-time starter, Simpson remains an intriguing quarterback to monitor. He’s a prospect worth keeping an eye on as the offseason unfolds and draft discussions continue to take shape.
Makai Lemon, WR
Moving on to the wide receiver position we have the 5’11” 195 pound wideout from USC who had a breakout year with 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns and capped his year off with the Biletnikoff award. While Lemon doesn’t possess the prototypical size of an outside “X” receiver, his production and polish have made him one of the most talked-about pass catchers in the 2026 draft class. Because of his frame most analysts are projecting him to be a slot receiver at the next level.
Lemon profiles as exactly the kind of short-to-intermediate playmaker this Steelers offense has been missing opposite DK Metcalf. With Pittsburgh’s offense finishing 26th in yards per game, the lack of a consistent secondary target allowed defenses to key in on Metcalf far too often. Lemon’s ability to separate quickly, work the middle of the field, and create yards after the catch would help alleviate that pressure. He excels at finding soft spots in zone coverage and winning on option routes, traits that would translate well in an offense that has often relied on timing throws and rhythm passing. Adding a receiver with Lemon’s skill set would give the Steelers a reliable chain-mover and a safety valve for whoever is under center.
If the Steelers ultimately decide to delay addressing quarterback for another year, wide receiver becomes a very realistic option early in the draft and it’s hard to find a better candidate than the reigning Biletnikoff winner.
Kadyn Proctor, OT
The Steelers’ offensive line has quietly become one of the more intriguing units on the roster as the season has progressed. Young pieces like Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, and Zach Frazier have formed the foundation of the group and shown encouraging development, particularly in pass protection throughout the year. Frazier has looked the part of a long-term answer at center, while Fautanu’s versatility and physicality give the Steelers flexibility moving forward. Isaac Seumalo remains a steady veteran presence on the interior, but with his contract nearing its end, Pittsburgh will soon have to decide whether to extend him or begin planning for a replacement. Depth and consistency remain areas of concern, especially if injuries strike, and Jones’ uneven play at times has kept left tackle from being a completely settled position. Omar Khan and Andy Weidl have made a clear effort to rebuild the offensive line through recent drafts and while the line is no longer a glaring weakness, the Steelers could still look to invest premium draft capital to solidify the unit.
Insert Kadyn Proctor, a 6’6”, 350-pound left tackle with rare size and high-level experience at the position. Proctor offers the Steelers valuable flexibility along the offensive line thanks to his physical playing style and positional versatility. If Broderick Jones is unable to take the next step as a long-term answer at left tackle, Proctor has the talent and frame to step in and anchor the position himself. Even if Jones solidifies that role, Proctor’s power and strength would translate seamlessly to left guard, where he could serve as a mauling presence in the run game and eventually replace Isaac Seumalo when that time comes.
Kadyn Proctor’s biggest strengths as a prospect start with his rare combination of size and athleticism. At 6’6” and 350 pounds, he has the length and strength to dominate in both the run and passing game, allowing him to hold his ground against elite edge rushers while also creating movement in the run game. Proctor is technically sound for his size, with good hand placement and the ability to mirror defenders, which makes him a natural fit at left tackle but also gives him the versatility to slide inside if needed. His experience against top-level competition should help him transition seamlessly to the next level.
On the flip side, Proctor does have areas that could limit his ceiling. While powerful, his get-off can lag against speed-based pass rushers, particularly in space or on stretch plays. His agility and bend in the lower body aren’t elite, which could challenge him in zone-blocking systems or when asked to reach the second level quickly. This could lead to growing pains early in the NFL and why most analysts view him as the number three tackle on their big board. Despite these concerns, his combination of size, strength, and versatility makes him one of the more intriguing offensive line prospects in the 2026 draft.
Denzel Boston, WR
Next up is David Boston, the explosive wide receiver out of Washington whose combination of length and ball skills make him one of the most intriguing pass‑catchers in this year’s draft. Boston stands at 6’1” and 200 pounds, giving him an ideal profile that fits the Steelers needs. At Washington, Boston consistently produced as a focal point of the offense, showing the ability to stretch the seam, make difficult catches in traffic, and win his one‑on‑ones. That production, paired with his ability to come up with big plays in critical moments, gives him an appealing résumé to keep an eye on.
In the Steelers’ offense, Boston projects primarily as an outside receiver who can serve as both an intermediate threat and a down‑field playmaker. He would pair nicely opposite DK Metcalf by giving defenses two physical, contested‑catch threats to worry about. Forcing opponents to choose between taking away the jump ball potential on the perimeter or trying to bracket Metcalf underneath. Boston’s presence would open intermediate windows for tight ends and backs while also giving Pittsburgh’s quarterback a reliable option on deeper concepts.
Boston is a natural catcher in traffic with strong hands and the body control to adjust to off‑target throws. He runs routes with enough precision to create separation at the top of breaks and shows good field awareness after the catch, turning short gains into extra yardage. His athleticism allows him to challenge defenders vertically, which would add a dimension to Pittsburgh’s passing game that it hasn’t consistently had in recent seasons.
That said, Boston does have areas to refine. While physical, he doesn’t possess elite straight‑line speed compared with the very top deep threats, which means he may not consistently beat defenders purely with acceleration. His route tree could also benefit from more nuance at the next level to create even more separation. Despite these caveats, Boston’s production and skill set make him a strong complement to Metcalf and a player who could step into a prominent role in the Steelers’ offense early in his career.
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