Steelers Eye Safety: Thieneman a Top 2026 Draft Pick?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are prioritizing the safety position in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, signaling a strategic shift beyond the perceived needs at quarterback and wide receiver. Multiple safety prospects were met with by the team at the NFL Scouting Combine, indicating a robust evaluation process for the secondary.

While Caleb Downs is a highly-touted prospect who met with the Steelers, his projected early first-round status makes him a difficult target without a trade-up. This scenario positions Dillon Thieneman as a more practical and attainable choice. Thieneman confirmed a formal meeting with the Steelers at the Combine and is projected as a late Day 1 or early Day 2 selection, aligning well with the team's draft capital and needs.

Thieneman's profile, which includes excellent range, reliable tackling, and strong ball skills, makes him an ideal fit for the Steelers' defensive scheme. Further bolstering the team's interest in the safety class are Bud Clark and Zakee Wheatley, both of whom have met with Pittsburgh. AJ Haulcy, known for his physical play and zone instincts, is another name to watch if the Steelers opt to address safety later in the draft.

The Steelers' intensified focus on safety is driven by necessity. The season-ending knee injury to DeShon Elliott in Week 8 of the 2025 season and the impending free agency of several depth safeties create an immediate need for both competition and long-term stability. Thieneman appears to represent a balanced solution, offering versatility without requiring a significant draft day gamble.