In this final mock draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers get to work early and often on the trade market. General manager Omar Khan has 12 picks at his disposal, but it would be unrealistic to expect the team to use every one of them. Instead, the Steelers are likely to move at least a few of those selections in various trades. This projects to be a busier‑than‑usual draft for Khan.
Building talent on the offensive side of the ball will be critical for the Steelers, especially if they can land a wide receiver in Round 1. In this mock draft, that goal goes unfulfilled, but the simulation also highlights how the team can overcome that setback. Khan must be strategic with how he deploys his 12 picks in potential trades.
If executed properly, a well‑structured plan could position the roster for long‑term success.
Pittsburgh Steelers' GM Omar Khan pulls off masterful mock draft with multiple trades
It seems more obvious than ever that Pittsburgh is interested in moving up in the first round if a specific prospect falls within a reasonable trade range. Current speculation suggests multiple teams are open to moving back, though that does not necessarily mean the price will be low. The Steelers find a willing trade partner in Tampa Bay, but by that point, the top wide receivers are gone.
Round 1 | Pick 15 (via TB): Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
After surrendering a third‑round pick to move up six spots in the first round, Pittsburgh selects Olaivavega Ioane out of Penn State.
He is an ideal fit for the Steelers, and while there are internal options capable of filling the starting role, none offer the same upside as Ioane. He profiles as a safe bet to develop into a long‑term NFL starter. Though the Steelers choose the safer route, Ioane provides a clear upgrade along the offensive line.
Round 2 | Pick 53: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
As Round 2 of this mock draft unfolds, Khan stands pat while several prospects begin to slide. Jacob Rodriguez falls into Pittsburgh’s range, much to the Steelers’ delight, and he becomes their second‑round selection. The team showed significant pre‑draft interest in Rodriguez, and while inside linebacker may not be their most pressing need, passing on the value he brings would be unwise.
Round 3 | Pick 76 (via DAL): Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
Steelers Nation finally gets its wish as Pittsburgh selects a wide receiver in the draft. Although the move comes later than anticipated, Zachariah Branch in the third round offers outstanding value. Despite some recent legal concerns, the situation does not appear significant enough to impact his draft stock.
Pittsburgh’s interest is clear, as the team met with Branch over dinner and attended his Pro Day, one of the few events attended by top decision‑makers.
Round 3 | Pick 85: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
A quarterback is likely to be a pick of theirs between Rounds 3 and 4 in this draft. Mike McCarthy appears to be high on Drew Allar, and if he is available, the Steelers would be eager to make a move. Allar possesses the physical tools to succeed as a strong‑armed quarterback at the next level, but he remains a developmental prospect. This is the type of quarterback they want to take a swing on.
Round 4 | Pick 121: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
Following a busy free agency period, the Steelers' secondary is largely set, but the roster could still benefit from a young and versatile addition. Malik Muhammad offers that flexibility, with the ability to line up both on the outside and in the slot, which is especially valuable for Pittsburgh. The team lacks proven depth at slot cornerback behind Jalen Ramsey, making this an area worth addressing.
Round 4 | Pick 135 (comp.): Markel Bell, OT, Miami
Broderick Jones' health remains a concern, making the addition of a tackle in the draft an important priority. Markel Bell represents a solid value at this stage of the mock draft as Khan and the organization look to add insurance along the offensive line. With Jones potentially departing after this season, Bell could emerge as a long-term replacement following the 2026 campaign.
Round 5 | Pick 161: Jakobe Thomas, S, Miami
Pittsburgh goes from one Miami Hurricanes selection to another by adding Jakobe Thomas.
He was highly productive during his time at Miami, though his game is not without flaws. He misses too many tackles and lacks a standout trait, but he still possesses developmental upside at the next level. Early in his career, Thomas will need to earn his role by contributing on special teams while continuing to refine his game.
After trading up in the first round of this mock draft, Khan makes another move. The Cardinals emerge as a willing negotiating partner, and the two sides are able to strike a deal. Pittsburgh sends away its latest seventh-round pick to move up 33 spots in the sixth round. While most roster needs have already been addressed, the Steelers still have their eye on one particular prospect.
Round 6 | Pick 183 (via ARZ): Kaden Wetjen, WR, Iowa
Although the Steelers did not show significant pre-draft interest in Kaden Wetjen, he fits multiple needs with this selection. Wetjen adds versatility to the offense as a wide receiver, but as a sixth-round pick, he must also carve out a role on special teams. He stands out as one of the top returners in the draft, a trait that will not go unnoticed by the Steelers coaching staff in the later rounds.
Round 7 | Pick 224: James Thompson Jr., DT, Illinois
Despite being low on many draft boards, James Thompson Jr. received a pre-draft invite from Pittsburgh. He makes sense as a late selection in this mock draft, mirroring the approach the team took in 2024 with Logan Lee. Thompson Jr. will need to work hard to earn a roster spot, but continuing to invest along the trenches remains a smart strategy for the Steelers.
Sometimes value is found where few expect it.
Round 7 | Pick 230: Will Kacmarek, TE, Ohio State
Khan closes out this mock draft by selecting a tight end. Will Kacmarek enters the draft with a wide range of evaluations, but his lone strength as a blocker will push him into the later rounds. He profiles as a Matt Spaeth type of player, which would fit nicely with the Steelers. Pittsburgh needs additional depth at the position, and Kacmarek offers a reliable option to help round out the tight end group.
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