As the NFL Draft cycle picks up steam, all eyes turn to Mobile, Alabama, where the Senior Bowl offers prospects a golden opportunity to boost their stock in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and front office decision-makers. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are not only hosting the 2026 NFL Draft but also entering the offseason with multiple roster needs and a healthy collection of picks, this year’s Senior Bowl carries a little extra weight.
The Steelers have a history of finding value at both the Senior Bowl and the East-West Shrine Bowl, and with several key positions potentially in flux, this week of practices and the game itself could shape how Pittsburgh approaches April’s draft. Let’s take a closer look at a few names to keep an eye on-players who could be wearing black and gold if they make the right impression in Mobile.
Keylan Rutledge, OG, Georgia Tech
With left guard Isaac Seumalo set to hit free agency, the Steelers may be in the market for a new starter on the interior offensive line. Enter Keylan Rutledge, a seasoned right guard out of Georgia Tech who brings toughness, experience, and positional versatility.
While Mason McCormick has shown he can play on either side of the line, Rutledge could slide in as a plug-and-play option depending on how things shake out in free agency. The Senior Bowl is a prime stage for offensive linemen to show they can handle NFL-caliber defensive fronts, and if Rutledge holds his own in one-on-ones and team drills, he could climb into serious Day 2 consideration.
Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
The Steelers love physical runners who can carry the load and grind out tough yards-Kaytron Allen fits that mold to a tee. With Kenneth Gainwell potentially commanding a big contract elsewhere, Pittsburgh could be looking to pair Jaylen Warren with another back who can complement his skill set.
Allen was part of a tandem backfield at Penn State and thrived in that role. He’s not a burner, but he runs with power, vision, and enough wiggle to make defenders miss.
In a draft class that’s light on elite running back talent, Allen has a chance to stand out by showing he can do the dirty work and contribute in pass protection. That’s exactly the kind of back Mike Tomlin and the Steelers’ front office tend to value.
Bud Clark, S, TCU
Pittsburgh’s secondary could look very different next season, especially after a postseason showing that exposed some glaring issues on the back end. Bud Clark is a name to watch-not because he’s a finished product, but because his versatility could make him a fit in multiple roles.
Clark came into the season with high expectations, and while he didn’t quite silence all the concerns about his game, he remains an experienced, scheme-flexible safety. He’s capable of playing in the box or sliding into the slot, and that kind of adaptability could be valuable in a Steelers defense that often asks its safeties to wear multiple hats. A strong showing in coverage drills and team sessions could help Clark reassert himself as a mid-round option with upside.
Tyren Montgomery, WR, John Carroll
This is what the Senior Bowl is all about-giving small-school standouts a chance to prove they belong on the same field as Power Five prospects. Tyren Montgomery is a name that might not be on many fans' radars yet, but NFL scouts are paying attention.
Montgomery dominated at John Carroll, a Division III program, and now he gets the chance to prove that production can translate against top-tier competition. For a Steelers team that’s always on the hunt for wide receiver depth-especially with questions surrounding their WR2 and WR3 spots-Montgomery could be a sleeper to watch. If he flashes route-running polish and reliable hands during the week, he could be this year’s small-school riser.
Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt
Quarterback isn’t necessarily Pittsburgh’s top priority, but with the position always under the microscope-and with Aaron Rodgers' future still unclear-the Steelers could be in the market for a developmental passer.
Diego Pavia brings a fiery demeanor and a track record of production, even if he doesn’t fit the prototypical NFL quarterback mold in terms of size. What he lacks in height, he makes up for in toughness, leadership, and playmaking ability.
The Senior Bowl is where quarterbacks can separate themselves with how they command the huddle, process information, and deliver the ball under pressure. If Pavia can do those things consistently throughout the week, he could force teams to take a closer look.
Final Thoughts
The Senior Bowl isn’t just a showcase-it’s a proving ground. For the Steelers, it’s also a chance to get a close-up look at potential future contributors in a draft that could help shape the next phase of their roster.
Whether it’s trench help, backfield depth, secondary reinforcements, or an under-the-radar playmaker, the talent is out there. Now it’s up to the prospects to seize the moment.