The Pittsburgh Steelers have made some massive moves to reshape their roster. With the first wave of signings now in the books, the top needs for this team are becoming increasingly clear.
As the draft inches closer, this team will trim down its draft card as they want to fill its remaining needs. Unlike other years, it feels like the first round pick could go in multiple directions.
Following the free agency frenzy, the needs for this team are clear. The most pressing needs are along the left side of the offensive line (assuming Broderick Jones isn’t healthy enough to play early in 2026) and at receiver.
Using the PFF mock draft simulator, I have receiver and guard on my short list, as landing a blue-chip player would help this team take a massive step forward in 2026.
The Pittsburgh Steelers fill obvious needs in post free agency mock draft
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
I had my eyes on the offensive line in round one, and specifically Olaivavega Ioane. Unfortunately, he got picked up in the middle of the first round and was therefore not eligible to be picked. Kayden Procter also made sense as a player who could start inside at guard and potentially kick to tackle down the road if need be, but the Steelers were handed a gift in Jordyn Tyson.
I’ve said for a while that this receiver class is close in terms of overall talent, but if the Steelers want a true difference maker, nabbing one of the top three names is a must. That isn’t necessary with Michael Pittman now on the team, but Tyson is too good to pass up.
A natural athlete, Tyson wins as a vertical threat. He naturally creates separation in space and, when given a lane, can burn any defender. His issues stem from poor routes and a questionable injury history.
Tyson is my least favorite of the big three options in terms of what the Steelers need, but he still provides a major boost to this receiver room. In time, he feels like a talented player who can feed the ball consistently, assuming he cleans up his routes. He has one of the highest ceilings in this class.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 2: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
My shot in the dark is that the Steelers take a linebacker far earlier than anyone expects. While Patrick Queen will be here for another year, the rumors around trading him seemed legit. With his bonus paid, he won’t be dealt, but it doesn’t feel like he is in the team’s long-term plans.
Enter Jacob Rodriguez, who fell right into my lap in the simulator in the second round. A dynamic and productive player at Texas Tech, he has all of the tools to become a three-down starter in the league.
There were questions about his athleticism, but he tested well. Even if the high-end testing doesn’t always show up on tape, he makes up for it with his instincts. He is an attacking defender who can shoot through gaps and disrupt running backs. He also has a knack for being around the ball and making big plays.
You draft him and let him serve as your run-down linebacker in year one while he adjusts to the pros. You can easily cut Malik Harrison with Rodriguez in the room. Long-term, he can finally provide a complete player to depend on for this defense.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Jalen Farmer, IOL, Kentucky
I landed a guard in the third round, although Jalen Farmer is far from a finished product. Coming out of Kentucky, Jalen Farmer looks like one of the best offensive linemen in the draft at times. His size and athleticism make him a true mauler with the traits to eventually be a top guard.
His technique, however, is a mess. Thankfully, that is coachable, and I have faith that James Campen can get the most out of him. Unlike in years past under Pat Meyer, Campen is a proven developer of linemen and has found success with middle-round draft picks.
Farmer needs some polishing, but he can be inserted into the starting battle with Spencer Anderson. Assuming he isn’t ready, he begins his career as a depth player and is geared up to start in 2027. If the team can get him to start, look out, as Farmer could look like an early steal.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Zakee Wheatley, DB, Penn State
The safety room has been healthily added to this offseason, but the Steelers should still take advantage of a deep safety class. There isn’t a true long-term option on the depth chart, and there is a world where the entire depth chart is gone by this time next year.
Zakee Wheatley can give them a young body in the room with some versatility. He has the size to play strong safety, but also the coverage skills to play in the post. His run defense needs to improve, but he would have time to hone those skills in year one.
His immediate impact would have to come on special teams, but a role could open up if injuries occur. Long-term, he could slot in at either safety spot and provide a youthful face in that room.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
I generally dislike the third-round quarterback argument for the Steelers, but with Aaron Rodgers still MIA as of this writing, it feels like a good bet that a mid-round quarterback is added to this roster. Even if Rodgers returns, this coaching staff feels like they want a developmental quarterback.
Drew Allar has sky-high potential. He has one of the best arms in the draft, enough athleticism to move around, and his mechanics have gotten progressively better in school. His decision-making is poor, though, and his accuracy is hit or miss.
We didn’t get to see him finish this past season, causing his stock to fall further, but the tools are there. He can serve as the third quarterback this year and potentially give them another option past 2026.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College
Like linebacker, an offensive tackle could be a sneakily high draft pick. I just couldn’t fit one in earlier. Jude Bowry in the fourth feels like a good consolation prize. Like Farmer, he is a ball of clay that the coaching staff can develop.
If everything clicks, he could develop into a starting tackle given his size and athleticism. He needs to get his play strength up, but the Steelers have the coaches in place to do that.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington
Despite a new coaching staff, the Steelers still seem enamored with big and tall cornerbacks. No one in the draft fits that mold better than Ephesians Prysock. The Washington cornerback is over 6’3 and tested as a great athlete.
He is extremely raw, though, and he needs to get better in other aspects of coverage besides press. With the cornerback room deep this year, he can take a redshirt year and cut his teeth on special teams as he develops.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5: Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame
While the tight end room is no longer the focal point of the offense, the team still needs some reserves there behind Darnell Washington and Pat Freiermuth. Eli Raridon would be a great addition as a developmental third tight end.
His calling card at Notre Dame was his blocking for most of his career, but he flashed last year as a receiver. He has great size and tested well at the combine. He has some injury questions and needs to prove that he is more than a one-year wonder as a pass catcher, but his blocking gives him enough value to warrant the pick.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5: Kevin Coleman Jr., WR, Missouri
The Steelers got a true game-changer at receiver in round one. Now they fill out their depth chart with a solid slot option with some return ability.
Kevin Coleman is a steady player who won’t dominate at the next level, but he finds ways to get open and produce. He can provide snaps in the slot and offer some value on returns. He adds further depth to a revamped group.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6: Andre Fuller, CB, Toledo
Another big and long cornerback, Andre Fuller is a mixed bag as a defender. He needs a lot of work in coverage before he can see the field. That said, he has experience in all phases of special teams. Given the losses to that unit, he could earn a roster spot based on his ability on return teams as he develops as a defender.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: James Thompson Jr., DL, Illinois
I wanted defensive line earlier, but it didn’t materialize. James Thompson has the prototypical size the Steelers like in linemen, but his production was light despite six years in school. He has backup potential, though.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Chip Trayanum, RB, Toledo
Another double dip, this time from the Toledo Rockets, running back isn’t the biggest need. That said, Kaleb Johnson is not secure right now, and Chip Trayanum is a freak athlete in a big frame for a running back. He can compete for a roster spot, and I’m intrigued to see him on special teams.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Jack Stonehouse, P, Syracuse
As it stands right now, the Steelers need a notable name to be brought in at punter. Cameron Johnston was cut last year but brought back in the offseason. You need someone else.
I hate the idea of drafting a punter, but Jack Stonehouse was a great option in school and played in some bad weather. He can compete with the veteran for the punter job.