While most attention is on the 2026 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers may already be looking ahead to 2027. At some point, they must secure a long-term solution at quarterback. Stuck in the middle of the league with no clear path forward, their best option may eventually be trading for a franchise-caliber quarterback.
If the 2027 quarterback class lives up to the hype, this mock draft could present the perfect plan for the Steelers to make a bold move next year.
Pittsburgh would be wise to trade some of its 12 picks in the upcoming draft for selections in 2027. Doing so could provide the necessary capital to move up the board for a quarterback. This year’s draft class is relatively weak at the position, and while the Steelers could still address quarterback in 2026, few prospects are currently projected to develop into true franchise-level talents.
Pittsburgh Steelers 5-round mock draft creates massive amount of trade capital for 2027
When the first round of this mock draft arrives, a familiar division rival comes calling with a proposal. The Steelers would not consider trading with an AFC North opponent unless the return amounted to a true king’s ransom. In this scenario, Baltimore offers significant value, making the deal worth serious consideration. Pittsburgh accepts, adding an extra pick in 2026 along with two selections in 2027.
It is a long wait before the Steelers are back on the clock in Round 2, but they finally reach pick No. 45 only to receive another trade inquiry.
This time, Indianapolis is interested in moving up and presents an appealing offer. Pittsburgh would drop only two spots while gaining a third‑round pick in next year’s draft. In this situation, parting with a later‑round selection carries little downside and makes the deal worthwhile.
Round 2 | Pick 47 (via IND): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
While it is unlikely, this simulation has Denzel Boston falling to this pick. Boston has been frequently linked to the Steelers in various mock drafts, and that trend continues here. He is a big‑bodied receiver who excels at winning at the catch point, with contested catches serving as his calling card. However, his long speed at the next level remains a concern for evaluators.
Round 2 | Pick 53: Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
After selecting Boston with its first pick, Pittsburgh shifts its focus to the best player available. Keith Abney II stands out as the top remaining prospect at this point in the mock draft. While cornerback is not an immediate need for the Steelers, depth at the position is always valuable. Abney also offers versatility, with the ability to play both inside and outside at the next level.
Another trade call comes in for the Steelers, and once again, it is one they cannot ignore. Any additional draft capital that could help facilitate a move up the board in the 2027 NFL Draft holds significant value. Houston presents an intriguing offer, and Pittsburgh ultimately pulls the trigger.
By this point in the mock draft, the Steelers have added a second‑round pick and three third‑round selections to their 2027 draft stockpile, potentially positioning themselves for a major move.
Round 3 | Pick 80 (via BAL): Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
While adding to the defensive line is not an immediate priority, the Steelers choose to invest in the trenches. It is a unit that is trending younger, but still could use additional support. Lee Hunter is a massive defensive tackle out of Texas Tech. ESPN ranks Hunter as the No. 67 overall prospect, making the selection a worthwhile addition to Pittsburgh’s defensive front.
Round 3 | Pick 85: Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh
Finding a linebacker who matched the value of the pick proved challenging, but the Steelers grab a solid option in Kyle Louis in this simulation. He projects as more of a hybrid defender at the next level, offering reliability in coverage and the ability to line up as a safety or slot defender. That kind of versatility could allow Pittsburgh to form more creative and flexible looks within its defensive scheme.
Round 3 | Pick 99 (comp.): Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
Boston was already selected earlier in the mock draft, but it would not be surprising if the Steelers chose to add multiple wide receivers this year.
Mike McCarthy has always valued adding depth and variety to his offensive playmakers, and that approach continues here with Brenen Thompson. While the selection may be slightly early for the Mississippi State product, Thompson is gaining momentum on draft boards. He brings elite speed and serves as a strong change‑of‑pace option alongside Boston.
Round 4 | Pick 106 (via HOU): Beau Stephens, OG, Iowa
It comes later than expected, but the Steelers finally address a pressing need in the trenches. Beau Stephens, out of Iowa, joins a long line of offensive linemen developed by the Hawkeyes. With Isaac Seumalo departing in free agency, it is widely expected that Pittsburgh will target a guard in the draft. Stephens offers a strong option who could immediately compete for a starting role.
Round 4 | Pick 121: Bud Clark, S, TCU
Following the signing of Jaquan Brisker in free agency, safety is no longer an immediate need for the Steelers. That said, the position still warrants consideration early in the draft, as Brisker is only on a one‑year deal and there are ongoing questions surrounding DeShon Elliott’s health. Bud Clark has flown under the radar throughout this draft cycle, but his film suggests he could be a potential steal.
Round 4 | Pick 135 (comp.): Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
It is impossible to ignore Mike McCarthy’s connection to Garrett Nussmeier, as Nussmeier’s father, Doug, previously served as McCarthy’s quarterbacks coach in Dallas.
The LSU product dealt with injuries for much of his final season, raising questions about how much they impacted his performance and overall development. While the Steelers are still expected to draft a quarterback in 2026, this mock draft illustrates how they could continue stockpiling picks to potentially make an aggressive, all‑in move in next year’s draft.
Round 5 | Pick 161: Eli Heidenreich, RB/WR, Navy
Rounding out this simulation is Eli Heidenreich, a Pittsburgh native who fits the type of player the Steelers often covet. The head coach has emphasized the value of versatility and the importance of players who can contribute in multiple ways, and Heidenreich checks that box. He offers flexibility as both a running back and a receiver, while also bringing potential impact on special teams.