Despite lacking a clear long-term answer at the position, and with a lot of rumors surrounding Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers are not expected to force a solution early, choosing instead to remain flexible as the board unfolds.

That perspective was reinforced by analyst Matt Miller, who shed light on the team’s internal thinking. “The Steelers might not have a clear-cut quarterback of the future on the roster, but one internal source said that they won’t be forced to draft one this year. That source noted Pittsburgh will play the board first and that Will Howard, last year’s sixth-round pick, has fans in the front office.”

Steelers believe in Will Howard

One key factor in that patience appears to be the presence of Will Howard as the Steelers see enough upside to keep developing the young quarterback. While Howard is far from a proven starter, internal belief in his potential may reduce the pressure to invest heavily in another prospect right away.

Who will be Steelers QB in 2026?

Aaron Rodgers is the favorite to be the Steelers’ quarterback in 2026, but if he suddenly changes his decision, everything points to Mike McCarthy giving the reins to Will Howard. The big question is whether they will take another QB in the later rounds of the draft.

According to Brooke Pryor, a first-round quarterback selection won’t be the path to follow. “It seems unlikely the Steelers will use their first-round pick on a quarterback.”

Rodgers’ pending decision looms large over everything. If he returns, the urgency shifts slightly, but it doesn’t eliminate the long-term need. Head coach Mike McCarthy reportedly sees potential in Will Howard, yet as a sixth-round prospect, he remains far from a sure answer. That leaves the Steelers in a position where adding another young quarterback later in the draft becomes not just an option, but a logical step.

Steelers could target quarterback in later rounds of 2026 NFL Draft

Pryor added that Pittsburgh’s interest in the quarterback class goes beyond surface-level evaluation and Day 2 or Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft could bring a new name to the QB room.

“Don’t rule out a selection on Day 2 or Day 3, even if Aaron Rodgers returns. New head coach Mike McCarthy and the scouting staff have been doing their homework on several prospects in the quarterback class, including Carson Beck (Miami), Drew Allar (Penn State) and Garrett Nussmeier (LSU). Both McCarthy and GM Omar Khan have been transparent about their signal-caller wish list: long arms, big hands and a knack for thriving in the cold weather.”

That preparation aligns with McCarthy’s history of developing quarterbacks. Over the years, he has played a key role in shaping the careers of Aaron Rodgers, Dak Prescott, and Brett Favre, three very different players who found success under his guidance.

His track record suggests Pittsburgh may be confident in identifying and developing talent outside the first round. With no true successor identified since Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers may once again look to the draft, even if the answer doesn’t come on Day 1.

With Patrick Mahomes leading deep playoff runs almost every season, top-10 selections have been out of reach, making this moment particularly valuable for a franchise that rarely gets access to elite draft talent. That rarity has only added to the intrigue surrounding general manager Brett Veach’s strategy. According to draft analyst Matt Miller, there is little clarity around what the Chiefs plan to do.

“In talking to sources both in Kansas City and around the league, there seems to be no strong indicator of where the Chiefs will go with either of their first-round picks. The Chiefs will see how the board falls and have needs at core positions such as offensive tackle, wide receiver, edge rusher, defensive tackle and cornerback. A hot name to watch at corner is Jermod McCoy if he makes it to No. 9.”

Chiefs embracing uncertainty ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

That ambiguity may not be accidental. Brett Veach has built a reputation for operating quietly, and in this cycle, the Chiefs appear to be sending mixed signals.

By avoiding any strong public lean, Kansas City could be attempting to keep other teams guessing, potentially influencing how the board unfolds ahead of their pick.

Several prospects have been linked to Kansas City through various reports and rumors. Running back Jeremiyah Love has been mentioned as a dynamic offensive option, while offensive tackle Spencer Fano could address protection needs up front.

On defense, edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and safety Caleb Downs have also surfaced as potential targets, each offering high-impact upside at premium positions.

Who will the Chiefs draft in the first round?

Cornerback Jermod McCoy is another name gaining traction, especially given the importance of strengthening the secondary after losing Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson.

Ultimately, the Chiefs’ uncertainty may be their greatest advantage. With no clear consensus on their direction, rival teams are left to prepare for multiple scenarios.

In a draft where information often dictates strategy, Kansas City’s ability to stay unpredictable could give them a crucial edge, especially with a top-10 pick they are unlikely to have again anytime soon.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media confirmed that Denzel Boston met with the Ravens on Friday. He visited Baltimore after meeting with the Carolina Panthers earlier this week, who are also reportedly interested in acquiring his services. The Ravens also received news on WR Jordyn Tyson’s scouting, so Boston’s visit makes a lot of sense.

Boston is generating substantial interest across the league. The Steelers, Raiders, Browns, and Dolphins are among the clubs that have already met with the former Washington standout during the pre-draft process.

Can the Ravens land Denzel Boston?

It appears that Denzel Boston will be a highly sought-after prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. His red-zone production is particularly attractive to teams, as he recorded 11 receiving touchdowns during the 2025 season with Washington, tying for ninth in the FBS.

With a “big-bodied” archetype (6’4″, 212 lbs), Boston could be the perfect complement to Zay Flowers’ elite speed. According to scouts, he is a “pro-ready” target whose elite ball skills and contested-catch ability could be a crucial addition to any offense.

Baltimore currently holds the No. 14 overall pick in the draft. While Boston is widely considered a top-30 prospect, he could be available when the Ravens are on the clock, though they face stiff competition from other wide receiver-needy teams picking late in the first round.

An offense that may need a new top wide receiver

With Zay Flowers established as a cornerstone, the Ravens are looking to add depth to create a more formidable wide receiver duo. As of today, the future of Rashod Bateman remains uncertain, with trade rumors linking him to the New York Giants and New York Jets as potential landing spots.

The Ravens have remained focused on bolstering Lamar Jackson’s offense in recent years. With a veteran presence in Derrick Henry and an outstanding tight end in Mark Andrews, a dominant boundary receiver like Boston could be the final piece required to achieve a championship.

It was reported that the Browns joined the Giants in the Concepcion sweepstakes. Now, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that Concepcion is visiting the Bills, who are in desperate need to fill the roster with weapons for Josh Allen.

The Bills have previously been intrigued by Concepcion, but then the rumors watered down after trading for DJ Moore. However, it seems the interested has reignited. Concepcion would be a great fit for the Bills.

KC Concepcion’s fit with the Bills

To the dismay of the Browns and the Giants, Concepcion is a great fit to be Josh Allen’s teammate. The reason? Concepcion is a dynamic playmaker and a yards-after-catch machine. He is also a versatile wideout that can line up in the slot or elsewhere.

Concepcion also knows how to create separation, something Josh Allen would definitely welcome, as he needs weapons that can provide him wide looks. Being open goes a long way. Plus, he is from Rochester, New York, which is just 60 miles away from Buffalo.

Concepcion’s draft projection competes with plenty of others

KC Concepcion is projected to go in the late-first-to-early-second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. This puts him in competition with other great wideouts like Jordyn Tyson, Denzel Boston, and Omar Cooper Jr. Teams have plenty of ways to go. They are all below Carnell Tate and Makai Lemon.

On Friday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported that the Patriots hosted Daniels for a pre-draft visit. The former Kansas Jayhawks standout is regarded as a high-upside developmental talent, though he is projected as a mid-to-late round selection rather than a first-round pick.

According to recent comments from head coach Mike Vrabel, improving the running game is a top priority this offseason. The addition of a mobile quarterback like Daniels would provide depth at a vital position and offer a “safety net” to avoid placing excessive pressure on Maye should injuries arise.

Drake Maye is the undisputed QB1, but 2026 brings new challenges

Drake Maye is coming off a spectacular breakout season in 2025. Under the guidance of Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, the former first-round pick finished as the NFL MVP runner-up, throwing for 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns. However, the postseason proved to be a learning experience for the young star.

While Maye led the Patriots to Super Bowl LX, his performance in the championship loss to the Seattle Seahawks—where he was sacked six times and struggled with a minor shoulder injury—left some wondering how much more room he has to grow.

Great things are expected for Maye in 2026. Following the release of Stefon Diggs in March, the club is reportedly aggressively pursuing Eagles star A.J. Brown. Such an addition would provide Maye with an elite veteran target to replace Diggs’ production and help the offense take the final step toward a championship.

Will the Patriots draft Jalon Daniels?

Scouts have given Jalon Daniels a 5.66 prospect grade, labeling him a “developmental backup” with the potential to eventually become a starter. New England clearly sees something unique in his tape, likely valuing his mobility and the fact that he was healthy for his final two collegiate seasons.

With Tommy DeVito currently serving as the primary backup, Daniels could be a valuable late-draft addition. Scouts have noted his athleticism is among the best in the 2026 class, and for a Patriots team looking to add a different dimension to their playbook, Daniels represents a low-risk, high-reward investment.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that Omar Cooper will visit the Commanders. It was reported that the Jets are “extremely high” on Cooper. However, he’s also visited the Panthers and Cowboys. He is going around.

Cooper is an NFL-ready talent and a good landing spot could see him become a certified weapon from the get-go. Cooper was the best weapon on an Indiana roster that won the National Championship. Now, he wants to bring a new dynamic to the big leagues.

Cooper’s championship-winning season

Cooper had 69 catches for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was the most reliable weapon for quarterback Fernando Mendoza thanks to his good routes, great hands, and yards after catch skills. He is a tough guy to bring down on the first tackle.

The Commanders might look at Cooper as a huge need, with tight end Zach Ertz and Deebo Samuel unsigned for 2026 (Ertz might retire after suffering a gruesome knee injury as well). Hence, they need solid weapons to help QB Jayden Daniels deliver the goods.

Cooper could have prominence in Washington

Even with Terry McLaurin on the roster, Cooper could end up being a WR1 at times. McLaurin is on the wrong side of 30 years old, and his availability has come into question after losing plenty of games in 2025 due to injury.

Considering that the other WRs on the Commanders are Van Jefferson, Dyami Brown, Treylon Burks, Luke McCaffrey, and Jaylin Lane, Cooper could instantly slot as a top option. After all, you don’t waste a first-round pick to relegate him in the pecking order.

Rumors even state that the Chiefs could eye a trade in the 2026 NFL Draft to land Rueben Bain. That’s how much interest he is gathering. Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Bengals are hosting Bain on Friday.

The Giants have the 5th pick, while Chiefs are ninth. The Bengals have the 10th overall pick, so it’s a tricky situation for them if they want to land the pass-rusher. Considering the Chiefs could even trade up, the Bengals must do the same apparently.

Bain has one key problem, but plenty of upside

Bain had 9.5 sacks with 15.5 tackles for loss and an interception last season for the Miami Hurricanes. He has the speed, the brute strength and cleverness to create harm against the tackles. He was a menace at the collegiate level.

However, as Warren Sharp pointed out, Bain “will have the shortest arms (30 7/8″) for a 1st round pick at EDGE in the last 20 years.” No player with arms shorter than 31″ has had a double-digit-sack season for the last two decades.

It looks like Bain is a lock to be a top 10 pick

With all these visits and stock just getting up, it’s almost a certainty that Bain will go during the first 10 picks of the 2026 NFL Draft. Bain’s season and helping the Hurricanes go all the way to the National Championship game has made him a name to follow.

The conversation gained momentum following comments from NFL insider Peter Schrager, who suggested that a return to New York is not off the table for the veteran star. “I wouldn’t rule out OBJ going to the New York Giants. OBJ wants to play football and I believe that a homecoming is very much in play”.

The idea of a reunion has added another layer to an already pivotal offseason for the Giants, who are balancing long-term draft decisions with short-term roster improvements as they try to accelerate their rebuild around Jaxson Dart.

Will Giants draft Jeremiyah Love?

One of the most talked-about possibilities is the selection of Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 5 overall, a move that would immediately transform the Giants’ offensive identity.

If the New York Giants pair that kind of draft investment with a potential OBJ return, the offense could become one of the most dynamic young units in the league.

In that scenario, the Giants would feature a core of Jaxson Dart at quarterback, Jeremiyah Love in the backfield, Malik Nabers as a premier receiving threat, Cam Skattebo as another punch in the backfield, and potentially Odell Beckham Jr. returning to complete a high-powered group. It would represent a dramatic shift toward explosive playmakers as they look to return to contention.

Dexter Lawrence trade request creates tension

The situation is not entirely positive in New York, however, as star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence has reportedly requested a trade amid dissatisfaction with his current contract.

The development has created tension within the organization, raising questions about the stability of one of the Giants’ most important defensive pieces. While the team has not made any final decisions, the situation adds another layer of uncertainty to an already complex offseason for the franchise.

That possibility has fueled trade rumors involving the Chiefs, particularly scenarios where the team jumps into the top five. Given their need for a difference-maker off the edge, Kansas City could be one of the franchises most motivated to make an aggressive move on draft night.

At the same time, the Chiefs have also been linked to offensive playmakers, meaning a trade up would not necessarily be limited to defense. A generational talent like Jeremiyah Love could also be in play if they decide to prioritize surrounding Patrick Mahomes with another elite weapon.

Are the Chiefs preparing to trade up in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Kansas City’s pre-draft visits are now adding fuel to that speculation. According to a report from Ian Rapoport, the Chiefs appear to be doing significant work on top edge prospects, a potential sign they are preparing to move up the board rather than wait at No. 9.

“The Kansas City Chiefs are hosting Miami edge Rueben Bain for a Top 30 visit today, source said. Kansas City picks 9th and has done work on the top pass-rushers.”

This strengthens the idea that the Chiefs are seriously evaluating pass rushers who may not be available at their current draft slot. Hosting Bain could indicate that they are preparing multiple scenarios, including a trade into the top tier of the board.

Another possibility remains a move for Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. If the Chiefs view him as a generational offensive weapon, a trade up could also be designed to secure his rights before other teams have the opportunity.

The No. 6 overall pick held by the Cleveland Browns appears to be one of the most logical landing spots for a trade. It seems difficult to envision the Raiders, Jets, Cardinals, Titans, or Giants moving down, which could make Cleveland the ideal partner.

Whether targeting a premier pass rusher like Bain or an explosive playmaker like Love, moving into that range could be the Chiefs’ clearest path. With two first round picks, Brett Veach could even try to go ahead of the Giants although that looks like a long shot.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Jordyn Tyson will hold his own individual workout on Friday, April 17 at Arizona State, his alma matter. Tyson, who could be the New York Jets pick, is a very intriguing prospect.

In fact, if AJ Brown gets traded, the Eagles could see Tyson as a replacement, and the Baltimore Ravens are still looking for that top-tier wide receiver to give to Lamar Jackson, amid Zay Flowers’ contract situation.

Why is Jordyn Tyson so controversial?

Tyson is an elite route-runner, has incredible body control and brings a big contested-catch radius. His technique is pure, has an inside-outside versatility, and underrated blocking prowess. However, there are some doubts over him.

He’s had knee, collarbone, and hamstring injuries during his college days, so his availability is quite a worry for NFL teams. Also, he can lose his temper if things aren’t going his way. Physically speaking, his biggest weakness is that he is not the fastest wideout, but his routes and releases are so good that it doesn’t matter.

Jordyn Tyson’s 2026 Draft Projection

The 2026 NFL Draft is approaching. Tyson is projected as a late first-round or early second-round pick. Now, the Jets could look at Tyson at the picks 33 or 44, though 44 is a stretch. As for the Eagles, they have the pick 23 and the 54th one, but again, if they want him, 23 is the one.

As for Ravens, they have either the 14th pick, and the 45th one. This is a weird situation for Baltimore, as 14th would be a reach, while 45th might not be high enough. It will be intriguing to see how the Jordyn Tyson’s sweepstakes evolve from here.