Jacob Punturi

Jacob Punturi

Joined: Apr 23, 2024

Jacob is a featured writer covering the Pittsburgh Steelers for Steelers On SI and the NHL for Breakaway On SI. He also co-hosts the All Steelers Talk podcast. Previous work covering the NHL for Inside the Penguins and The Hockey News.

Nov 9, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Monroe Freeling (57) blocks during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Oct 18, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Louisiana State Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (18) against the Vanderbilt Commodores during pre-game warmups at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck (11) reacts after the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Nov 8, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver KC Concepcion (7) runs for a touchdown during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images]

Dec 8, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) looks at the scoreboard during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

News

If the draft falls the way the team hopes, it could spell the end of these three Pittsburgh Steelers players.

News

Either way, those picks fail to make the Pittsburgh Steelers better in 2026 or beyond.

News

Taking a look at the 2026 NFL Draft class, which is overall underwhelming at the quarterback position, there are still several players who stand out as better prospects than Pittsburgh Steelers' Will Howard.

Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receivers coach Hines Ward against the Arizona Wildcats during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

News

Pittsburgh Steelers legend Hines Ward has been working closely with one of the top NFL Draft talents, which is why the organization should take his evaluation seriously.

Nov 8, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats defensive back Treydan Stukes (2) celebrates after defeating the Kansas Jayhawks at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

News

His inclusion as the final pre-draft visitor was a bit of a surprise, but the Pittsburgh Steelers’ interest in the exciting defender shouldn’t come as a shock.

Steelers receiver Antonio Brown scores a touchdown during the NFL football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Mecedes-Benz Superdome.. Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018.

636811964122235925-v2Saints.Steelers.NFL.football.12.23.18-6375.jpg

News

Lost in the shuffle, however, are the late-round picks that have shaped the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Oct 12, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Deshon Elliott (25) reacts as he takes the field against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

News

DeShon Elliott will be counted on once again to be a huge piece of the puzzle defensively, and this latest update is further evidence for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Oregon defensive back Dillon Thieneman carries the ball as the Oregon Ducks practice on Jan. 5, 2025, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon, ahead of the Peach Bowl.

News

Either way, the Pittsburgh Steelers can land an exciting safety in each round of the upcoming draft by targeting these players.

December 30, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Recording artist Mac Miller on the field prior to the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers NFL contest at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers are teaming up with apparel brand Mitchell & Ness and the Mac Miller estate for a collaboration.

Dec 6, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Cash Jones (32) rushes during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2025 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers are trying to revamp their offense under Mike McCarthy, and this late round target might fit the bill.

Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) rushes at the line of scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter in the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. The Ravens won 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers are defined by their first-round picks and these players changed everything after they were the team's first selections.

Dec 6, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs during the 2025 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

These five players stand out as the ones that the Pittsburgh Steelers cannot pass up in the 2026 NFL Draft.