The Pittsburgh Steelers are making strategic moves ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, bringing in a variety of prospects for pre-draft visits. With the NFL allowing 30 such visits, the Steelers are keen to maximize their opportunities, particularly by focusing on local talent that doesn’t count against their limit.
Kicking off their visits was Miami offensive tackle Markel Bell on March 6. Bell is an imposing figure at 6-foot-9 and 346 pounds, and he’s not just about size-his 5.36-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine showcases impressive speed for a player of his stature. With nine-inch hands and an arm length of 36 3/8 inches, Bell’s physical attributes make him a standout candidate.
Joining the list is Washington cornerback Ephesians Prysock, who visited the Steelers recently. Prysock was a key player for the Huskies last season, earning an All-Big Ten honorable mention. His stats are solid, with 48 tackles, an interception, and seven pass breakups, marking him as a defensive asset.
The Steelers are also eyeing local talent, hosting Penn State tight end Khalil Dinkins. As a North Allegheny graduate, Dinkins doesn’t count against the 30-visit limit, making him a valuable prospect.
With the departure of Jonnu Smith and Connor Heyward’s move to the Las Vegas Raiders, the Steelers are in need of depth at tight end. Dinkins, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 251 pounds, clocked a 4.71 in the 40-yard dash at the Combine.
His athleticism is further highlighted by a 1.7-second 10-yard split, 32.5-inch vertical jump, 9′ 11″ broad jump, and 25 bench press reps at 225 pounds.
Here’s a rundown of the recent visits: Miami quarterback Carson Beck and San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson were in Pittsburgh on March 17. Earlier in the week, on March 16, wide receivers Jeff Caldwell from Cincinnati and Kendrick Law from Kentucky made their visits.
This strategic approach by the Steelers, combining local talent with key prospects from across the country, demonstrates their commitment to building a robust team for the upcoming season. With a mix of size, speed, and skill, these prospects could be pivotal in shaping the future of the franchise.