Pittsburgh Steelers fans will gather at Point State Park this week for a draft experience unlike any in recent memory, as the team navigates its first draft under new head coach Mike McCarthy without the usual pre-draft visibility into player evaluations.
The Steelers are set to make their first-round selection at 21st overall on Thursday night, a pick that carries added weight given the franchise’s ongoing transition. With Art Rooney II stepping back from a traditional media tour outlining team needs and McCarthy in his inaugural offseason as head coach, the usual flow of information has been disrupted, leaving analysts and fans alike guessing at Pittsburgh’s priorities.
In his final mock draft of the season, Steelers Depot analyst Kozora projects the team will select Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. With that pick, citing a confluence of familiar connections that could compensate for the lack of formal pre-draft engagement. Cooper, who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 199 pounds, spent most of his college career playing outside before transitioning to the slot in 2025 due to a teammate’s injury — a move in which he found immediate success.
What makes Cooper notable in this context is the Steelers’ existing pipeline to Indiana through two key staff members: wide receivers coach Adam Henry, who coached Cooper in 2022, and senior offensive assistant Frank Cignetti Jr., whose brother Curt is the Hoosiers’ head coach. Kozora notes this creates a rare situation where Pittsburgh could draft a player neither the coaching staff nor front office hosted for a formal visit or saw work out at a Pro Day — a deviation from standard protocol made possible by personal and professional familiarity.
McCarthy’s own recent comments about the slot receiver position aligned closely with Cooper’s skill set. When asked what he looks for in a slot guy, McCarthy emphasized route-running athleticism and the ability to win outside the numbers — traits Kozora says Cooper embodies, particularly after his clutch, game-winning catch against Penn State, a game Kozora suspects Steelers personnel attended.
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Despite the uncertainty surrounding the pick, Kozora acknowledges the difficulty of forecasting Pittsburgh’s move this year. The combination of a new coaching staff, limited access to player workouts, and the absence of a public needs assessment from ownership has made the first round “more difficult than ever” to predict. Still, his confidence remains highest on Cooper, whom he lists as his top consideration.
Away from the draft room, the Steelers are hosting fans at Steelers Country, a 12,000-square-foot interactive zone at Point State Park running throughout the draft weekend. The site features a Steelers Nation Unite Bar, an immersive 1970s-themed fan cave, a display of life-sized Super Bowl ring replicas, and daily entertainment including Q&A sessions with legends and current players.
Fans can also visit a temporary Pro Shop trailer at 275 North Shore Drive for exclusive draft merchandise and a special-edition Terrible Towel commemorating Pittsburgh’s role as host. Access to Steelers Country is free but requires registration via the NFL OnePass App, which provides schedules, event details, and health and safety guidelines for the weekend.
Why is Omar Cooper Jr. Considered a fit for the Steelers’ slot receiver need?
Cooper has the size McCarthy prefers for the position — 6 feet or taller, which the coach targets about 90 percent of the time — and demonstrated success transitioning to the slot in 2025, including a game-winning catch against Penn State that showcased his hands and toughness.
What must fans do to attend Steelers Country at Point State Park during the draft?
Fans must download the NFL OnePass App and register through NFL.com/DraftAccess to gain free admission to Steelers Country, which provides access to event schedules, venue details, and important Know-Before-You-Go information for the weekend.
