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2026 AFL Draft: Projecting win

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Steelers receive:

  • 2026 1st-round pick (No. 32 overall)

The most memorable moment from last year’s Round 1 was the Packers — finally! — drafting a wide receiver in front of the Green Bay fans. I’d love for something similar to happen this year in Pittsburgh, capping off Thursday night with some fireworks for the locals.

Let’s say the Steelers go more blue-collar at No. 21, with something like an offensive lineman. Heck, the Yinzers would probably love that, especially if it’s Penn State’s Vega Ioane. But if they really wanna light up the crowd by Acrisure Stadium, why not swing back in for something sexier — and very needed — like a receiver? Pittsburgh is not a huge trade-up team traditionally, but it has the picks to make it work.

I’m even thinking specifically about Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, who might be the most gifted of the WR bunch but could slip because of a lengthy injury history. Other gifted receivers also make sense, but if Tyson is somehow there, it should be a no-brainer. He screams Steelers receiver and McCarthy receiver and is exactly the separator they need. Tyson’s history working with Hines Ward at ASU would render instant cred in Pittsburgh, too.

The Seahawks look very much like a trade-down team, in possession of just four selections, only one of which is on Day 3. Since John Schneider arrived in 2010, roughly two-thirds of Seattle’s picks have come in Rounds 4-7. I suspect Schneider will attempt to rectify that dearth of late selections.

Seattle needs to add a back to help replace Kenneth Walker III, but doing so at 32 might be a bit rich for this draft class. No. 53 could be the sweet spot; in this case, the ‘Hawks slide there while also adding three more picks in the process. Not bad, even if it might be a slight underpay for Pittsburgh.

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James Whitaker
I am James Whitaker, a journalism graduate from the University of Melbourne, where I specialised in political reporting and media ethics. I began my professional career in 2013 as a junior reporter at The Age, covering local governance and public policy in Victoria. In 2017, I moved into national political coverage, reporting on federal elections, parliament, and policy reform. Over the years, my work has focused on clear, factual reporting and long-form political analysis grounded in verified sources.