The Pittsburgh Steelers have made some significant moves in free agency, but there are still holes to fill, particularly along the offensive line and on special teams. With 12 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, GM Omar Khan and his team have a lot of work to do to build a competitive roster. In this mock draft, I take a look at the Steelers' needs and make some bold predictions for the upcoming draft.
ROUND 1 (21ST OVERALL) – WR KC CONCEPCION, TEXAS A&M
Personally, I think the Steelers need to add more dynamic playmakers to their wide receiver room, and KC Concepcion from Texas A&M fits the bill perfectly. He's an explosive playmaker with excellent speed and the ability to create after the catch, which is exactly what the Steelers need. While he had some focus drops during his time at Texas A&M, his size and toughness make him a valuable asset. I believe he's a perfect fit for Mike McCarthy's offense and could be a steal in the first round.
ROUND 2 (53RD OVERALL) – iOL GENNINGS DUNKER, IOWA
After losing Isaac Seumalo in free agency, the Steelers need to add some high-end talent to their offensive line. Gennings Dunker from Iowa is a mauler up front who excels in both the run game and pass protection. He's a sound player with a strong build, and I believe he's a perfect fit for the Steelers' new offensive line coaching staff. I think he could be a starting left guard for the foreseeable future.
ROUND 3 (76TH OVERALL, FROM COWBOYS) – CB DAYLEN EVERETTE, GEORGIA
The Steelers need depth at the cornerback position, and Daylen Everette from Georgia is an early target for me. He's a big, long physical corner with good man coverage skills. While he needs some development in zone coverage and technique, he's a solid player who could provide depth for the Steelers' secondary. I believe he's a good fit for the team and could develop into a key player under new secondary coaches Joe Whitt Jr. and Jason Simmons.
ROUND 3 (85TH OVERALL) – QB DREW ALLAR, PENN STATE
With Aaron Rodgers returning for a second season, the Steelers need to take a swing at a quarterback with one of their third-round picks. Drew Allar from Penn State is a big swing worth taking, as he has all the tools to be a franchise quarterback. While he was inconsistent at times, his size, strength, and accuracy make him an intriguing prospect. I believe Mike McCarthy could do wonders with him and make him a key player for the Steelers in the future.
ROUND 3 (99TH OVERALL, COMPENSATORY) – OT MARKEL BELL, MIAMI (FL)
Left tackle is a major question mark for the Steelers, and Markel Bell from Miami (FL) is a developmental piece worth taking a swing on. He's a true ball of clay with impressive size and athletic traits. While he needs to improve in pass protection, his size and potential make him a valuable addition to the team. I believe he could be a key player in the future, especially with new offensive line coaches James Campen and Jahri Evans.
ROUND 4 (121ST OVERALL) – WR/KR KADEN WETJEN, IOWA
The Steelers need to address their special teams issues, and Kaden Wetjen from Iowa is the perfect player to do so. He's the hands-down best return man in the country, and I believe he's a steal in the fourth round. While he's not a polished receiver, his speed and dynamic playmaking abilities make him a valuable asset. I think he could be a game-changing weapon for new special teams coordinator Danny Crossman.
ROUND 4 (135TH OVERALL, COMPENSATORY) – DL DEMONTE CAPEHART, CLEMSON
The Steelers need to add more youth to their defensive line, and DeMonte Capehart from Clemson is a name rising in recent weeks. He didn't have much production at Clemson, but he had a strong Combine and Pro Day, generating a lot of buzz. He can play up and down the line of scrimmage and is a solid player against the run. I believe he's worth a look with a compensatory pick, especially with the depth chart for 2026 already shored up by Sebastian Joseph-Day.
ROUND 5 (161ST OVERALL) – CB EPHESIANS PRYSOCK, WASHINGTON
The Steelers need to add more depth at the cornerback position, and Ephesians Prysock from Washington is a developmental piece worth considering. He's a long, physical corner with elite length and size for the position. While he's relatively raw, his size and potential make him a valuable addition to the team. I believe he could be a key player in the future, especially with the depth issues at the position.
ROUND 6 (216TH OVERALL, COMPENSATORY) – LB RED MURDOCK, BUFFALO
The Steelers need to add more youth and playmaking ability to their inside linebacker position, and Red Murdock from Buffalo is a strong candidate. He set the all-time college record for forced fumbles and had 130+ tackles in each of the last two seasons. While he's been dealing with a high-ankle injury, his terrific tape and downhill thumper skills make him a valuable addition. I believe he could be an upgrade over Malik Harrison and provide key special teams snaps.
ROUND 7 (224TH OVERALL, FROM PATRIOTS) – FB/TE MAX BREDESON, MICHIGAN
With Connor Heyward leaving for the Las Vegas Raiders, the Steelers need to add a fullback to their roster. Max Bredeson from Michigan is a tough player with NFL bloodlines, and I believe he's a perfect fit for the team. He's much better suited for a fullback role and can be a core special teams piece. I think he could be a valuable addition to the Steelers' roster.
ROUND 7 (230TH OVERALL, FROM COLTS) – S LORENZO STYLES, OHIO STATE
The Steelers need to add more depth to their secondary, and Lorenzo Styles from Ohio State is a height/weight/speed athlete worth taking a swing on. He had a dominant Combine showing and is the son of a former Pittsburgh-area high school football star. While he's a depth player, his athleticism and speed make him a valuable addition. I believe he could develop into a serviceable single-high deep safety and provide special teams snaps early on in his rookie contract.
ROUND 7 (237TH OVERALL) – iOL MICAH MORRIS, GEORGIA
Finally, the Steelers need to add more depth to their offensive line, and Micah Morris from Georgia is a huge body who moves very well for his size. He can play left and right guard and brings a ton of strength and physicality to the table. I believe he's a guy worth trying to sneak onto the practice squad and continue to develop for future seasons. While he's a late-round pick, his potential makes him a valuable addition to the team.
