The Pittsburgh Steelers, under the guidance of General Manager Omar Khan, have been busy in the first week of free agency, making strategic moves to bolster their roster for the 2026 season. While some concerns remain, particularly in the offensive line and special teams, the team has made significant additions through trades and free agency, including the likes of Michael Pittman Jr., Jamel Dean, Rico Dowdle, Darnell Savage, Jaquan Brisker, and Sebastian Joseph-Day. Additionally, players like Asante Samuel Jr. and Cameron Heyward have been re-signed, and the team has extended Heyward's contract.
With 12 picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, the Steelers aim to address their needs and build for the future. Khan and his team could trade up or down, but in this mock draft, I've focused on identifying players who can make an immediate impact and contribute to the team's long-term success. One thing that immediately stands out is the need for dynamic playmakers at wide receiver, and Texas A&M's KC Concepcion fits the bill perfectly. His speed and ability to create after the catch make him an enticing prospect for the Steelers, especially after the trade for Pittman Jr. Personally, I think Concepcion's potential to develop into a reliable and explosive receiver could be a game-changer for the team.
In the second round, the Steelers address their offensive line by selecting Iowa's Gennings Dunker. With the loss of Isaac Seumalo in free agency, the team needs to add high-end talent to the room, and Dunker's size, strength, and run-blocking abilities make him an ideal fit. His performance at Iowa and the potential to slot in next to Zach Frazier showcase his versatility and value as a Steeler. In my opinion, Dunker's mauling abilities and sound technique in pass protection make him a strong addition to the offensive line.
The third round sees the Steelers targeting depth at cornerback with Georgia's Daylen Everette. While the team has made splash signings and re-signed key players, Everette's size, physicality, and potential for development make him an attractive option. His man-coverage skills and ability to learn zone coverage under new secondary coaches Joe Whitt Jr. and Jason Simmons could contribute to the team's future success. What many people don't realize is that Everette's raw talent and physical attributes make him a valuable asset, even if he needs time to refine his technique.
A surprise pick in the third round is Penn State's Drew Allar, a quarterback with the tools to become a franchise signal-caller. Despite concerns about his inconsistency, Allar's size, arm strength, and accuracy make him an intriguing prospect for the Steelers. With the potential for Mike McCarthy to develop quarterbacks, Allar's tools and foundation could be a winning combination. This selection might be a controversial one, but I believe Allar's potential is too great to pass up.
The fourth round addresses the return game with Iowa's Kaden Wetjen, a dynamic return specialist. The Steelers' loss of Calvin Austin III to the New York Giants creates a hole in the return game, and Wetjen's hands-down best return man status in college football makes him an ideal choice. His speed and ability to make an impact in the NFL, combined with his experience in the Iowa offense, could make him a game-changer for the team's special teams.
In the fifth round, the Steelers double down on cornerback with Washington's Ephesians Prysock. His elite length and size make him a developmental piece worth investing in, even if he's relatively raw at the position. Prysock's potential to contribute to the team's depth at cornerback in the future is an exciting prospect.
The sixth round sees the Steelers addressing the inside linebacker position with Buffalo's Red Murdock. With Cole Holcomb re-signed and trade rumors surrounding Patrick Queen, Murdock's playmaking abilities and special teams value make him a solid addition. His ability to provide a downhill thumper and contribute on special teams could be a game-changer for the team.
The seventh round concludes with the Steelers addressing their fullback/tight end need with Michigan's Max Bredeson. With Connor Heyward's departure, Bredeson's NFL bloodlines, toughness, and special teams value make him an ideal choice. His ability to contribute on special teams and his role as the heart and soul of Michigan's team showcase his potential as a Steeler.
In summary, this mock draft focuses on addressing immediate needs and building for the future. The Steelers have made strategic moves to add dynamic playmakers, high-end talent, and developmental pieces. While some picks might be controversial, I believe they contribute to the team's long-term success and address key areas of concern. From my perspective, this draft showcases the Steelers' commitment to improving and their ability to identify and develop players who can make an impact in the NFL.
