At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, the Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly concentrating more on selecting a safety early in the upcoming draft than previously expected. This shift appears to be driven by the team’s need to address uncertainty in the secondary, especially with several free-agent safeties and potential roster moves looming.
Chris Adamski, a TribLive Steelers writer attending the combine, noted increased momentum around the Steelers prioritizing safety sooner in the draft process. Although not necessarily targeting a first-round pick, the possibility of drafting a safety earlier than anticipated is now more conceivable.
With DeShon Elliott recovering from injury and expected to return next season, the Steelers could look to use his versatility by potentially moving Jalen Ramsey to slot cornerback occasionally. This strategic flexibility comes at a time when unrestricted free agents such as Chuck Clark, Jabrill Peppers, and Kyle Dugger are set to enter the market, intensifying the team’s focus on finding fresh talent at safety.
Top Safety Prospects in Steelers’ Sights at the Combine
The Steelers have engaged with several promising safety candidates during the combine, including Ohio State’s Caleb Downs, Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman, TCU’s Bud Clark, LSU’s Mansoor Delane, and Arizona’s Genesis Smith. Additional names like LSU’s A.J. Halucy and Penn State’s Zakee Wheatley have also been discussed as fits for the team’s needs.
Among these, Downs, Thieneman, and Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren rank within ESPN.com’s top 64 prospects projected for the first two rounds, highlighting their potential availability to Pittsburgh. The team’s interest in safeties seems aligned with filling immediate depth while targeting long-term contributors.
“There’s a lot more momentum — being here, talking to prospects and being around people — about the Steelers looking safety more than I thought before I got here,”
Chris Adamski said on the Breakfast With Benz podcast.
“More and more momentum about (safety) earlier in the draft than maybe I thought. I’m not saying — necessarily — a first-round pick or anything. But it’s on the table more than I thought it was before this week.”
Early-round safety prospect Zakee Wheatley on what he learned from the disappointment of the early part of last season at Penn St and rallying to win their last four pic.twitter.com/ZjNbAXwFKM
— Chris Adamski, TribLive Steelers Writer
Malik Willis’s Rising Quarterback Value
Meanwhile, Malik Willis’s quarterback potential is gaining significant attention in free agency. Former Pittsburgh star LeSean Shady McCoy, now an NFL analyst, commended Willis’s development, emphasizing his growth despite early challenges.
As speculation mounts about Willis joining the Steelers or other teams, his asking price reportedly stands at a minimum of $30 million per year, signaling a substantial investment for any franchise pursuing him.
Willis, who has only started six games over four years, posted a 134.6 passer rating in two years and 11 games with the Green Bay Packers, showcasing flashes of promise that have piqued interest despite his limited experience.
“I watched him develop into a solid QB … took his losses and bad play, got better and better now when you watch him, he has developed by miles,”
LeSean Shady McCoy said in reference to Malik Willis.
Recognition for Penguins Video Coach Madison Nikkel
At the Penguins-Devils game on Thursday at PPG Paints Arena, Madison Nikkel received public acknowledgment for his contribution as video coach to Team USA’s gold medal victory. Nikkel’s role also served the men’s gold medal-winning squad in Italy, displaying his extensive commitment behind the scenes.
Penguins head coach Dan Muse praised Nikkel’s dedication, noting the exhaustive demands of his responsibilities and the positive influence on the international teams he has supported.
“Those guys are just living at the rink. I have a pretty good feel for how much he invested in that tournament,”
Muse said.
“For him to be part of a gold medal winning team, it couldn’t happen to a better guy. I’m thrilled for him, and I know the quality of work that he does on a daily basis. I know he had a big impact on that team.”
Men’s College Basketball: Local Teams Fight for Momentum
This weekend features crucial matchups for Pittsburgh-area men’s college basketball teams striving for winning form or to maintain success. Robert Morris University’s men’s team, holding a 20-12 overall record and 12-7 in the Horizon League, aims to extend a six-game winning streak against Cleveland State at home. Positioned second in the conference standings alongside Oakland and trailing Wright State by two games, RMU has previously defeated conference leader Wright State twice during their streak.
Duquesne University faces a tougher challenge, playing Atlantic 10 leader Saint Louis on the road. After a recent downturn with two consecutive losses, the Dukes hold a 16-12 record overall and 8-7 in conference play. Saint Louis, ranked 23rd nationally, has an impressive 25-3 overall record but showed signs of vulnerability in recent losses to Rhode Island and Dayton.
The University of Pittsburgh continues a difficult stretch, visiting California after dropping their last six contests. Pitt’s women’s team also experienced a substantial defeat to Miami, deepening challenges on both fronts.
Women’s Basketball and Playoff Hockey on the Horizon
Locally, Duquesne’s women’s basketball squad prepares to host Atlantic 10 co-leader George Mason, while Robert Morris’s women’s team faces Wright State at home. These games are critical for playoff positioning and postseason aspirations.
As the men’s hockey season approaches its conclusion, Robert Morris prepares for a home-and-home series with Mercyhurst. Currently tied for fourth place in the league with 39 points alongside Holy Cross, the Colonials are contending for quarterfinal playoff positioning. The top four teams earn home advantage in best-of-three quarterfinals, while lower seeds face elimination games.
This series marks the final regular-season games under longtime Mercyhurst coach Rick Gotkin, who has led the team since 1988 and guided them to an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2005.
Penguins Head Coach Dan Muse Inches Closer to Franchise Wins Milestone
On the night of the Penguins-Devils game, Dan Muse celebrated his 30th win as Pittsburgh’s head coach, surpassing Herb Brooks’s record for 20th place on the franchise’s all-time wins list. Brooks had coached the team during the 1999-2000 season, a testament to the longstanding legacy Muse is building.
Early-round safety prospect Zakee Wheatley on what he learned from the disappointment of the early part of last season at Penn St and rallying to win their last four pic.twitter.com/ZjNbAXwFKM
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) February 26, 2026
I watched him develop into a solid QB.. took his losses and bad play , got better and better now when you watch him he has developed by miles https://t.co/hD29uP3jCR
— LeSean Shady Mccoy (@CutonDime25) February 25, 2026
Women’s Gold medal winning Team USA members from Pens Elite honored at PPG Paints Arena pic.twitter.com/RQe81AYIkl
— Tim Benz (@TimBenzPGH) February 27, 2026
