Mock Draft Monday – Pittsburgh Steelers 2026: A Bold Vision for the Future
The NFL draft season is heating up, and with the All-Star games in the rearview mirror, it’s time to dive into the speculative world of mock drafts. The Pittsburgh Steelers, amidst coaching staff reshuffles, are at a crossroads in their talent acquisition strategy. Today, we explore one of the many paths they could take in the 2026 NFL Draft. This isn’t a prediction of their actual moves, but rather a fun, detailed look at how they might rebuild and reload for the future. Let’s get started!
Round 1: Olaivavega Ioane – IOL – Penn State
Expected Role: Year 1 Starter
Analysis: With Isaac Seumalo’s future in Pittsburgh uncertain, the Steelers could prioritize bolstering their offensive line. Enter Olaivavega Ioane, a 6-foot-4, 330-pound interior lineman who’s as reliable as they come. Ioane’s pass protection is elite, having allowed zero sacks in his last two seasons. His balance, patience, and powerful hands make him a quarterback’s best friend. While his run-blocking is solid, his pad level and strike timing need refinement—issues that can be addressed with proper coaching. Pairing Ioane with a young quarterback could provide the protection needed to thrive in the NFL. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is drafting an interior lineman in the first round too conservative for a team with bigger needs elsewhere? Let’s debate that in the comments.
Others Considered: Avieon Terrell (CB, Clemson), Kayden McDonald (IDL, Ohio State), Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee), Denzel Boston (WR, Washington)
Round 2: Elijah Sarratt – WR – Indiana
Expected Role: Year 1 Starter
Analysis: The Steelers’ receiver room needs a jolt of talent, and Elijah Sarratt fits the bill. After a 15-touchdown senior season at Indiana, Sarratt brings the contested-catch ability the Steelers lack. His route-running savvy and understanding of zone coverage make him more than just a jump-ball specialist. However, his lack of explosiveness and top-end speed could limit his ceiling. Pairing him with DK Metcalf could create a dynamic duo, but is Sarratt the best use of a second-round pick? And this is the part most people miss: Sarratt’s technical prowess could make him a Keenan Allen-like player in the right system. What do you think?
Others Considered: Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon), Ja’Kobi Lane (WR, USC), D’Angelo Ponds (CB, Indiana), Chris Brazzell II (WR, Tennessee)
Round 3: Omar Cooper Jr. – WR – Indiana
Analysis: Why stop at one Indiana receiver? Omar Cooper Jr. brings a different skill set to the table. With a running back’s frame and strong contact balance, Cooper excels in the short-to-intermediate game. His familiarity with new Steelers receivers coach Adam Henry could accelerate his development. However, Cooper needs to refine his routes and become more consistent in man coverage. Paired with Sarratt and Metcalf, Cooper could thrive as an inside threat. But is stacking receivers in the first three rounds too much of a luxury for a team with defensive needs?
Others Considered: Keionte Scott (CB, Miami), Josiah Trotter (LB, Missouri), Julian Neal (CB, Arkansas), Dontay Corleone (IDL, Cincinnati)
Round 3: Genesis Smith – S – Arizona
Analysis: With Jalen Ramsey’s role uncertain and DeShon Elliott returning from injury, the Steelers need to inject youth into their secondary. Genesis Smith isn’t the fastest, but his smooth movement and coverage instincts make him a versatile piece. His aggressiveness is a double-edged sword, as it leads to missed tackles but also big plays. Smith’s understanding of coverage schemes could make him a Day 1 contributor, but his lack of speed might limit his upside. Is he the right fit for a secondary in transition?
Others Considered: Brian Parker II (OT, Duke), Derrick Moore (EDGE, Michigan), Dontay Corleone (IDL, Cincinnati), Darrell Jackson Jr. (IDL, Florida State)
Round 3: Harold Perkins Jr. – LB – LSU
Analysis: Harold Perkins Jr. is a wildcard. A positionless player who can rush the passer, drop into coverage, and play sideline to sideline, Perkins is a coordinator’s dream. His athleticism and range are off the charts, but his lack of a defined role is a risk. With Patrick Graham at the helm, Perkins could become a versatile chess piece. However, his raw technique and need for a specific scheme make him a boom-or-bust prospect. Is he worth the gamble?
Others Considered: Chandler Rivers (CB, Duke), Daylen Everette (CB, Georgia), Oscar Delp (TE, Georgia), Justin Joly (TE, NC State)
Round 4: Tacario Davis – CB – Washington
Analysis: The Steelers’ cornerback situation is murky, with Asante Samuel Jr. and James Pierre potentially leaving in free agency. Tacario Davis, a 6-foot-4 zone specialist, could provide much-needed depth. His length and physicality at the line of scrimmage are assets, but his stiffness and lateral quickness are concerns. In a Cover 3 scheme, Davis could thrive, but is he a starter or just a rotational piece?
Others Considered: Eli Raridon (TE, Notre Dame), Tim Keenan III (IDL, Alabama), Drew Allar (QB, Penn State), Treydan Stukes (CB, Arizona)
Round 4: Zxavian Harris – IDL – Ole Miss
Analysis: With Cam Heyward’s future uncertain, the Steelers need to address their run defense. Zxavian Harris, a 6-foot-7, 330-pound run-stuffer, could be the answer. His lower-body strength and stack-and-shed technique make him a dominant nose tackle. While his pass-rush upside is limited, his bull rush and secondary moves show promise. Pairing him with Keeanu Benton could solidify the interior. But is Harris too one-dimensional for a modern NFL defense?
Others Considered: Aiden Fisher (LB, Indiana), Zane Durant (IDL, Penn State), Michael Taffe (S, Texas), Louis Moore (S, Indiana)
Round 5: Cole Payton – QB – NDSU
Analysis: The Steelers could add quarterback depth with Cole Payton, a dual-threat FCS standout. Payton’s arm strength and running ability fit Mike McCarthy’s offensive vision, but his mechanics and layering need work. His physical tools are intriguing, but can he develop into a reliable backup or even a starter? This pick is a long-term investment, but is it worth the risk?
Others Considered: Mike Washington Jr. (RB, Arkansas), Cole Wisniewski (S, Texas Tech), Nadame Tucker (EDGE, Western Michigan), Chris McClellan (IDL, Missouri)
Round 6: Vincent Anthony Jr. – EDGE – Duke
Analysis: With Nick Herbig’s contract situation uncertain, the Steelers could bolster their edge rush with Vincent Anthony Jr. His speed and quick get-off make him a disruptive force, but his raw technique and run defense are concerns. Anthony’s athleticism is undeniable, but can he develop into a consistent pass rusher?
Others Considered: Aaron Graves (IDL, Iowa), Caleb Douglas (WR, Texas Tech), Barion Brown (WR, LSU), Jamal Haynes (RB, Georgia Tech)
Round 6: Sam Roush – TE – Stanford
Analysis: Sam Roush is an old-school tight end who excels in the run game. His blocking ability and reliable hands make him a solid addition to a tight end room that includes Darnell Washington and Pat Freiermuth. Roush isn’t a vertical threat, but his route-running and effort could make him a Day 3 steal. Is he the missing piece for a dominant rushing attack?
Others Considered: Tristan Leigh (OT, Clemson), Cole Brevard (IDL, Texas), Caden Barnett (OT, Wyoming), VJ Payne (S, Kansas State)
Round 7: Josh Moten – CB – Southern Miss
Analysis: Late-round picks are gambles, and Josh Moten is a high-upside one. With five interceptions in 2025, Moten’s ball skills and man coverage ability stand out. However, his slender frame and lack of strength are red flags. Projected as a slot corner, Moten’s coverage skills make him worth the risk. But can he hold up against NFL competition?
Others Considered: Devan Boykin (S, Indiana), Jaydn Ott (RB, Oklahoma), Sam Hecht (IOL, Kansas State), Jeffrey M’ba (IDL, SMU)
Round 7: Le’Veon Moss – RB – Texas A&M
Analysis: Le’Veon Moss is a high-risk, high-reward pick. His contact balance and north-south running style are elite, but injuries have derailed his college career. If healthy, Moss could be a Day 2 talent. His pass protection and gap-scheme excellence make him a fit for the Steelers. But is his injury history too much of a concern? And here’s a thought: Could Moss be the next great Steelers running back named Le’Veon? Let’s discuss.
Others Considered: Zavion Thomas (WR, LSU), Nyjalik Kelly (EDGE, UCF), Desmond Reid (RB, Pitt), Delby Lemieux (IOL, Dartmouth)
Final Thoughts:
This mock draft addresses the Steelers’ needs on both sides of the ball, from offensive line protection to defensive playmakers. But it’s not without controversy. Are the Steelers drafting too many receivers? Is Harold Perkins worth the risk? And can Le’Veon Moss stay healthy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—agree or disagree, we want to hear from you!
