A recent mock draft by College Football HQ suggests that the Pittsburgh Steelers may select cornerback Colton Hood from Tennessee with their 20th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. While Hood is recognized as a promising prospect, this selection raises questions about its alignment with the current needs of the Steelers.
Standing at 6 feet and weighing 195 pounds, Hood has gained attention for his athleticism and confident play style. He excels in both man and zone coverage and possesses a knack for creating turnovers, whether by intercepting passes or deflecting them. However, concerns have been raised regarding his tackling technique and propensity for penalties, which may hinder his immediate effectiveness at the professional level.
Despite Hood’s potential, the Steelers’ immediate priorities appear to lie elsewhere. The team already has a solid cornerback in Joey Porter Jr., who has shown promise as a long-term asset. Additionally, James Pierre and Brandin Echols have both demonstrated their capabilities and are expected to return next season. The acquisition of Asante Samuel Jr., who is recovering from spinal surgery, further diminishes the urgency to invest in another cornerback.
The Steelers’ recent loss to the Cleveland Browns highlighted a critical need for improvement in their wide receiver corps. Outside of standout DK Metcalf, the team lacks depth and playmaking ability on the perimeter. At the 20th pick, focusing on a dynamic receiver who can stretch the field and alleviate pressure from the offense seems a more logical direction.
The Steelers also have other pressing needs that warrant attention before considering a cornerback. Their defensive line requires additional support, and the team is in search of a high-caliber safety capable of making impactful plays. While Colton Hood may develop into a valuable NFL player, addressing the Steelers’ most pressing issues takes precedence over selecting a cornerback at this stage.
As the NFL Draft approaches, the Steelers face crucial decisions that will influence their roster’s future. The focus on Hood, while intriguing, highlights a disconnect between the available talent and the team’s current needs, making this mock draft pick difficult to endorse.
