Pittsburgh’s 2026 draft thought exercise puts QB conjecture ahead of immediate needs, but the mock stubbornly leans defense with first picks at DT and CB before trying a quarterback later. Caleb Banks (Florida) at defensive tackle anchors the line as Cam Heyward nears the end; Avieon Terrell (Clemson) would give the Steelers a long-term corner with Joey Porter Jr. in the mix. Carson Beck (Miami) arrives in Round 3 as a high-risk, high-reward flier, followed by Baylor’s Josh Cameron to juice the offense after catches and Virginia guard Tomas Rimac in Round 4. The thread tying it together is Rodgers’ potential departure forcing the Steelers to plan a QB pipeline while fortifying the defense and skill players around him.

The Steelers’ two-game dress rehearsal has left three key units up for grabs as Week 3 looms. Cornerback behind the marquee trio remains unsettled, with Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., and Darius Slay occupying the top spots and a cast of young backs vying for meaningful snaps. At wide receiver, Calvin Austin III’s injury opens a wide-open competition beyond DK Metcalf, with several youngsters flashing in the preseason and veteran Robert Woods trying to find a place among them. Up front, the offensive line is a study in youth—the pair of starting tackles, Fautanu and Jones, each logged only 10 snaps, leaving big questions about the group’s readiness. With one more preseason game left, the depth charts for these three positions could swing in multiple directions.

Fantasy managers should monitor practice reports and third-party notes closely: the cornerback depth chart could shift quickly if a reserve steps up, the WR rotation could tilt toward veteran savvy or breakout youngsters, and the O-line’s continued cohesion will be the swing factor for any run game or quick-pass offense. The narrative is clear—unsettled but ripe for opportunities, especially for those who can seize snaps in the final tune-up.

Odell Beckham Jr. is weighing a move to the Pittsburgh Steelers, hinting at a potential reunion with a quarterback who could anchor an offense in need of playmaking. Beckham said he’s talked with Aaron Rodgers about joining Rodgers’ offense, though he wouldn’t guarantee anything and notes he’s not retired. With a Steelers receiving group that includes Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Scott Miller, and Robert Woods, and a veteran presence like DK Metcalf in the mix, OBJ’s addition would reshape target usage and week-to-week upside. The narrative centers on Tomlin’s culture, Beckham’s big-play pedigree at 32, and the mounting interest across several teams as kickoff approaches. Fantasy managers should monitor timelines, health, and the quarterback situation, as OBJ joining PIT could elevate Pittsburgh’s passing game and create week-to-week upside in high-leverage matchups.

The Steelers’ final padded practice closed with a troubling injury update for two of Pittsburgh’s offensive starters. Mike Tomlin labeled Calvin Austin III and Jonnu Smith day-to-day, a nod to the uncertainty surrounding their timelines as the regular season nears. Smith is dealing with knee soreness, while Austin is working through an abdominal issue that could linger into the start of the season.

Fantasy managers should calibrate expectations accordingly. If Austin misses time, targets could shift to other pass-catching options behind Pickens and Smith, with immediate ROS value implications. If Smith’s knee soreness lingers, the Steelers may lean more on the run game and other receivers, increasing risk for early-season production from the receiving corps until these two can ramp up their reps.

Both Austin and Smith enter critical seasons with their roles in flux—Austin in his first year as a full-time starter at wideout and Smith arriving mid-offseason. The plan will be to ease them back into game action, valuing careful ramp-ups over quick returns as Pittsburgh aims for a healthy, productive offense by Week 1.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for training camp with key offensive players to watch closely, particularly with the arrival of new talent and a revamped system. WR Calvin Austin III, touted by coaches as the de facto WR2, possesses elite speed and explosive routes that could make him a breakout star this season. QB Kenny Pickett, entering his second year, is pivotal in leading this new offense and establishing chemistry. Finally, TE Pat Freiermuth is expected to play a crucial role in the Steelers' passing game, acting as a reliable target in key situations.