Why the Steelers Are Likely to Take a Safety in the First Round

WTAE’s Andrew Stockey’s interview with Steelers president Art Rooney II yesterday confirmed that the team is unlikely to select a quarterback in the first round. Based on their pre‑Draft visit list, this shouldn’t come as a surprise, as the quarterbacks they hosted—such as Drew Allar and Carson Beck—are viewed more as mid‑round prospects. With quarterback effectively off the table, every other position remains in play. And given how highly the organization views Will Howard, that confidence may have further influenced their approach.

Where the Steelers’ intentions become clearer is on the defensive side of the ball, particularly at safety. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham emphasized the importance of versatility in his scheme, referring to veteran Jalen Ramsey as a “chess piece” capable of aligning anywhere in the secondary. While Ramsey’s presence gives Pittsburgh a dynamic and flexible defender, it also underscores how little proven depth exists behind him. The team lacks a young, long‑term option who can handle multiple responsibilities in coverage and run support.

This is where the pre‑Draft visit list becomes especially revealing. Among the prospects brought in, Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil‑Warren stands out as one of the few with a legitimate first‑round grade. His range, instincts, and ability to play deep, in the slot, or near the line of scrimmage make him an ideal fit for Graham’s vision of a flexible and creative defense.

With the Steelers not hosting any top‑tier defensive linemen or edge rushers—and already having addressed those areas in recent drafts—their attention toward versatile defensive backs becomes even more significant.

Given the roster construction, coaching philosophy, and the unmistakable signals from their visit patterns, safety emerges as a strong candidate for Pittsburgh’s first‑round selection. McNeil‑Warren offers the type of multi‑dimensional skill set the Steelers currently lack, and his addition would provide both immediate rotational value and long‑term stability. With quarterback off the table and other positions already fortified, the path toward reinforcing the secondary appears to be the most logical direction for their opening pick.