Andrew Buller-Russ
There’s no doubt that the Pittsburgh Steelers will have a different feel to them next season after Mike Tomlin’s resignation. But this is Mike McCarthy’s team now, and more changes are afoot.
The Steelers have been selective in finding roster upgrades this offseason, even if it means getting creative to trade for proven players like Michael Pittman Jr. On defense, Steelers general manager Omar Khan has made upgrades to the secondary.
While the Steelers will surely still add more in free agency, speculation is mounting about what the Steelers’ potential plans are with the 21st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Could they target a future defensive leader?
Essentially Sports’ NFL insider Tony Pauline believes that Georgia middle linebacker CJ Allen could end up being the “surprise” pick in Pittsburgh. The Georgia Pro Day just took place, and Allen reportedly “looked good” in position drills.
“Linebacker CJ Allen looked good in position drills. He was smooth and covered a lot of area on the field. Allen is unlikely to fall out of the first round, and his range is expected to be anywhere between picks 15 and 32. The Tampa Bay Bucs like the linebacker, and he’s a perfect fit for their system. The Pittsburgh Steelers could be the surprise for Allen with the 21st pick.”
Allen has been widely projected to land, as Pauline said, somewhere between the middle and the end of the first round. After a positive workout at his pro day, Allen may have solidified his place in the first round. Whether the Steelers want to pair him with Patrick Queen in the middle remains to be seen, but they could very well be a fit.
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