With the first round of the NFL Draft kicking off tonight, we can expect to see some movement. This mock draft highlights how plans can shift from team to team throughout the round, particularly due to the impact of potential trades. As the draft’s host, the Pittsburgh Steelers would certainly like to make some noise, but nothing is guaranteed.
Beyond the obvious top pick, there are no clear selections throughout the rest of the board.
That uncertainty could spark fireworks, with widespread speculation surrounding multiple trades. The top ten could see several franchises moving up or down the draft board during Round 1. This final first-round mock draft illustrates how five teams, including the Steelers. could ultimately reshape the entire first round.
Pittsburgh Steelers join in on trade-happy first round in final 2026 NFL mock draft
Round 1 | Pick 1: Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Let’s begin with the obvious selection, as Fernando Mendoza lands with the top pick. He is regarded as the best quarterback in this draft class and draws frequent comparisons to Kirk Cousins. Mendoza’s playing style and leadership traits closely resemble those of the veteran signal‑caller. He should provide much‑needed stability for the Las Vegas Raiders and help their franchise.
Round 1 | Pick 2: New York Jets: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
The Jets could go in several different directions with this pick, but edge rusher remains a pressing need.
While the position group is deep with talent, they ultimately select David Bailey here. He should provide an immediate boost to the defense’s pass rush as Aaron Glenn looks to turn things around and protect his job. New York needs the best player available at this spot to help reshape the roster and spark meaningful change.
This is where the first trade of the mock draft comes together. The Chiefs experienced a down year last season, but don’t be surprised if Patrick Mahomes returns with a vengeance. Armed with two first‑round picks, Kansas City has the flexibility to move up, and the Cardinals could be willing to trade back for the right price. A defensive standout was too hard to pass up.
Round 1 | Pick 3: Kansas City Chiefs (via ARZ): Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
After trading up, Kansas City selects Arvell Reese with the third overall pick. Reese is an outstanding prospect entering the NFL and brings a versatile skill set to a Chiefs defense that is retooling after several offseason departures. Capable of lining up at inside linebacker or off the edge, he adds a new dimension to the unit. Kansas City lands a potential star prospect.
Round 1 | Pick 4: Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
This one feels like more of a lock than it probably should be, but Jeremiyah Love would intantly add explosiveness to an offense hoping to make Cam Ward's life easier.
Round 1 | Pick 5: New York Giants: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
New York recently hired John Harbaugh, and rebuilding the defense is expected to be a priority under his leadership. Harbaugh benefited greatly from Kyle Hamilton during his time in Baltimore and will likely seek a similar versatile defensive presence with the Giants. Few prospects offer a safer projection than Caleb Downs, who should play a key role in helping Harbaugh revitalize New York.
There has been significant speculation that the Dallas Cowboys could be active in trade discussions during the first round, though it remains unclear whether that move would be up or down the board.
One rumored scenario has involved the Pittsburgh Steelers, but nothing has been finalized. In this mock draft, Dallas moves up by striking a deal with the Cleveland Browns. Eager to make a splash, the Cowboys target one of the top defensive prospects in the class to strengthen their roster.
Round 1 | Pick 6: Dallas Cowboys (via CLE): Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Dallas has been searching for a true replacement since trading Micah Parsons to Green Bay, and they may have found one in Sonny Styles. The athletic standout from Ohio State has surged up draft boards following an eye‑opening performance at the NFL Combine that turned heads across the league. Looking to make a statement, the Cowboys target a dynamic defender.
Round 1 | Pick 7: Washington Commanders: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Selecting Carnell Tate at seventh overall would represent smart business for the Washington Commanders. Tate has been mentioned as a potential long‑shot option for the Steelers, and this mock draft helps explain why he may be off the board early. With Jayden Daniels needing additional support on offense, adding a dynamic playmaker like Tate should provide an immediate boost.
Round 1 | Pick 8: New Orleans Saints: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The pieces fall perfectly into place for the local standout to remain with a nearby NFL franchise. Mansoor Delane is widely regarded as one of the top cornerbacks in the draft, and he makes a great deal of sense for New Orleans at this spot. The Saints are in need of a true difference‑maker at the position, and Delane projects as exactly that.
Round 1 | Pick 9: Arizona Cardinals (via KC): Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
After measuring with shorter‑than‑expected arm length, Rueben Bain Jr. could be a surprising prospect who slides slightly on draft night. In this mock draft, however, the concern is minimal, as the Cardinals select him with the ninth overall pick. Arizona is once again in rebuilding mode, and adding a high‑end prospect of Bain’s caliber should help accelerate the end of that process.
Round 1 | Pick 10: New York Giants (via CIN): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Just like that, another potential first‑round option for the Pittsburgh Steelers comes off the board.
The Giants need to support their young quarterback, and adding an elite wide receiver prospect would be an ideal move. The primary concern with Jordyn Tyson has been his health, but New York was in attendance for his private workout on April 17, signaling strong interest. The organization appears willing to take the calculated risk on Tyson despite those concerns.
Another trade shakes up the first round of this mock draft, this time between the Dolphins and the Rams. Growing buzz around several prospects across the league sparks renewed trade discussions. Miami ultimately strikes a deal with Los Angeles, moving back just two spots in the first round while jumping up 26 positions from the third round into the second.
Round 1 | Pick 11: Los Angeles Rams (via MIA): Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Many expected a wide receiver to be the pick here, but Los Angeles has an urgent need at right tackle. The Rams address that void by selecting Francis Mauigoa, widely viewed as the top tackle in the draft. He should step in immediately and make an impact along the offensive line. While this slot is later than many experts project Mauigoa to be selected, it represents tremendous value.
Round 1 | Pick 12: Cleveland Browns (via DAL): Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
After trading back with the Cowboys earlier, it’s finally time for the Steelers’ division rival to make its selection. With a tackle just coming off the board, the Browns turn their attention to rebuilding the offensive line. Cleveland selects Monroe Freeling, one of the top left tackles in this draft class, which is considered thin in the trenches. Freeling should provide immediate help and stability.
Round 1 | Pick 13: Miami Dolphins (via LAR): Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Adding a wide receiver in the first round would make plenty of sense for Miami, but the position group is deep in this class. Instead, the Dolphins pivot and still secure a dynamic playmaker by selecting Kenyon Sadiq. Regarded as the top tight end in the draft, Sadiq brings immediate value to the offense. The strategy is to address the thinner position group early, then an impactful receiver later.
Round 1 | Pick 14: Baltimore Ravens: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
Pittsburgh’s other divisional rival steps up to the podium and makes a defense‑first selection by drafting Akheem Mesidor. Overshadowed at Miami by Rueben Bain Jr., Mesidor still has the traits to develop into a special player at the next level. Baltimore already fortified its pass rush by adding Trey Hendrickson, but additional help is needed off the edge.
This is a spot where the Steelers could realistically consider trading up for a sliding prospect, but the Chargers beat them to the punch.
Los Angeles is searching for help across the roster, but adding another weapon for Justin Herbert remains a priority. With Jordyn Tyson and Carnell Tate already off the board in this mock draft, the Chargers keep a close eye on potential trade opportunities. They ultimately pay a hefty price to move up, but in doing so, they secure a strong and reliable prospect to bolster the offense.
Round 1 | Pick 15: Los Angeles Chargers (via TB): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Many in Pittsburgh would like to see the team select Makai Lemon in the first round, but in this mock draft, that option comes off the board here. Lemon has generated significant pre‑draft interest, and the Chargers make sense as a landing spot. Los Angeles pays a strong price to trade up for him; one the Steelers were not willing to match. Lemon should immediately add a new dynamic.
Round 1 | Pick 16: New York Jets: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
After selecting Bailey earlier in the mock draft, the Jets could shift their focus to offense, but they instead remain committed to the defensive side of the ball. With Aaron Glenn at the helm, New York opts to double down defensively by selecting Jermod McCoy. While McCoy comes with notable red flags, he also offers significant upside and could represent tremendous value at this spot.
Round 1 | Pick 17: Detroit Lions: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Another Steelers pre‑draft visitor comes off the board here, as the Lions select Spencer Fano. Considered one of the better tackle prospects in the draft, Fano fills a clear need for Detroit along the offensive line. With Penei Sewell expected to move to the left side, Fano should slide naturally into the right tackle position. The Lions get a tough and physical lineman up front.
Round 1 | Pick 18: Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
This pick makes too much sense to ignore. Minnesota is preparing to move on from Harrison Smith after a 14‑year run, and Dillon Thieneman profiles as an ideal replacement. He stands out as one of the top safeties in this draft class, especially with the talent thinning quickly after him. The Vikings secure strong value while addressing a clear position of need.
We’ve finally reached the point where the Steelers strike a trade agreement. Growing impatient as their top prospects continue to come off the board, Pittsburgh decides it can no longer afford to sit back. Fortunately, Carolina does not demand a costly return in negotiations. Armed with 12 total draft picks, expect the Steelers to remain active and aggressive on the trade front.
Round 1 | Pick 19: Pittsburgh Steelers (via CAR): Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
After finalizing a trade with the Panthers, the Steelers select Olaivavega Ioane. The Penn State product fits the profile of a player Pittsburgh would value as a potential replacement for Isaac Seumalo. While wide receiver remains a clear need, the Steelers have multiple options on the table.
Ioane was a pre‑draft visitor and makes a great deal of sense for the organization in Round 1 if they can execute a move up the board.
Round 1 | Pick 20: Cleveland Browns (via DAL): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
After being surprised by the Steelers' bypassing a wide receiver, Cleveland selects their top offensive playmaker remaining on the board. The Browns already addressed the trenches earlier by adding Monroe Freeling, and they now turn their attention to further upgrading the offense. Denzel Boston stands out as a proven contested‑catch threat and has generated significant pre‑draft interest.
Round 1 | Pick 21: Carolina Panthers (via PIT): Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
After trading back with Pittsburgh, the Panthers have several paths they could take at this point in the mock draft. Adding an offensive tackle may represent the best option. Max Iheanachor has been steadily climbing draft boards, even though he remains a developmental prospect. Still, he is among the better tackles available, and protecting Bryce Young remains a top priority for Carolina.
Round 1 | Pick 22: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via LAC): Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Adding a defensive standout appears to be the clear move for Tampa Bay at this point. The Buccaneers select Keldric Faulk to bolster their pass rush. Still just 20 years old, Faulk has significant upside, with his best football likely ahead of him. Surrounded by a strong group of defensive minds within the organization, he should develop nicely and has the potential to grow into a solid player.
Round 1 | Pick 23: Philadelphia Eagles: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Philadelphia appears poised to move on from A.J. Brown, making wide receiver a priority at some point in the draft. With Omar Cooper Jr. still available, the Eagles seize the opportunity, taking another popular Steelers mock‑draft target off the board.
Cooper flew under the radar during his time at Indiana, but he caught the attention of NFL evaluators early in the draft process, which helped propel him rapidly up draft boards.
Round 1 | Pick 24: Dallas Cowboys (via CLE): Aveion Terrell, CB, Clemson
It became clear last season that defense, not offense, was Dallas’s primary issue. The Cowboys need to inject as much talent as possible into that side of the ball. Selecting Aveion Terrell would carry some risk, but his on‑field tape is difficult to ignore. Concerns about injuries and a lack of elite speed have led some to question his first‑round value. Terrell represents a worthwhile gamble here.
Round 1 | Pick 25: Chicago Bears: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
After Jaquan Brisker signed with the Steelers in free agency, selecting a safety in the first round makes sense for Chicago. Emmanuel McNeil‑Warren comes from a smaller MAC program, but he is an intriguing and ascending prospect. The Bears need to strengthen their defense, and he stands out as one of their top options on that side of the ball.
Round 1 | Pick 26: Buffalo Bills: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Adding defensive help should be a priority for Buffalo, and in this mock draft, the Bills benefit from CJ Allen sliding to their pick. Allen carries a wide range of draft grades, but he represents strong value at this point. His athleticism stands out and was evident throughout pre‑draft testing. While he enters the NFL as a somewhat raw, not‑yet‑well‑rounded linebacker, Allen has the upside to develop further.
Round 1 | Pick 27: San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
Trent Williams won’t play forever, and the 49ers appear ready to plan for life after him. Bringing in a young prospect like Caleb Lomu to develop behind the veteran is smart business. While San Francisco remains a strong team, recent bumps have highlighted the need for long‑term solutions up front. Lomu has the versatility to contribute immediately or develop into a future starting left tackle.
Round 1 | Pick 28: Houston Texans: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
Houston’s defensive front was a strength last season and maintaining that unit should remain a priority. The Texans select Kayden McDonald to help solidify the group with a long‑term solution. While Houston could also use reinforcements on offense, most of the top offensive linemen are already off the board. McDonald profiles as a strong run defender who could develop additionally.
Round 1 | Pick 29: Arizona Cardinals (via KC): Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
Some mock drafts have projected Ty Simpson as a potential quarterback option for the Steelers, but that scenario doesn’t materialize here.
Arizona has been widely linked to the Alabama product through draft speculation, and after its earlier trade with the Chiefs, the Cardinals are positioned perfectly to make the move. Simpson is a developmental quarterback with all the physical tools needed to potentially grow into a long‑term starter at the NFL level.
Round 1 | Pick 30: Miami Dolphins: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
After missing out on the other first‑round wide receivers, the Dolphins turn their attention to another area of need. Miami adds a powerful edge rusher in Cashius Howell, addressing a position that has become an urgent priority. Howell should provide immediate impact from Day 1. A highly productive player at Texas A&M, he flashes star potential with an impressive blend of bend and explosiveness
Round 1 | Pick 31: New England Patriots: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
After a disappointing Super Bowl performance, New England could benefit from reinforcements in the trenches. Blake Miller hasn’t generated much first‑round buzz, but he may be undervalued. He combines impressive size with athleticism, traits that project well at right tackle. With Morgan Moses retiring, the Patriots could provide an ideal landing spot for Miller to step in and thrive.
Round 1 | Pick 32: Seattle Seahawks: Brandon Cisse, DB, South Carolina
After winning the Super Bowl, Seattle has the flexibility to go in different directions. The Seahawks stay committed to defense by selecting Brandon Cisse to close out this mock draft. Cisse is a versatile defensive back who adds new options to the secondary. Highly athletic and physical, he isn’t afraid to step up in run support and brings a level of toughness that fits Seattle’s defensive identity.
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