With Week 8 of the season about to commence, the Pittsburgh Steelers taking on the Green Bay Packers takes center stage on Sunday Night Football. Pittsburgh is eager to recover from a disappointing loss the previous week, while the Packers aim to maintain their strong start to the season. Neither team wants to look forward to the 2026 NFL Draft this early, but it's wise to keep it in the back of your mind.
The Steelers have several needs to address in the upcoming draft, most notably their future at the quarterback position.
It seems like Aaron Rodgers could return for another season if the remainder of this campaign goes well. If that situation occurs, don’t be surprised if Pittsburgh is willing to take a patient approach when adding a young quarterback. They could get a developmental player.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 mock draft addresses ongoing needs from the 2025 season
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Instead of trading up for a quarterback, the Steelers decide to sit and wait for the pick. Everyone wants the franchise to trade for a receiver before the deadline passes this season, but that might not happen. The organization has terrific success with drafting the receiver position, and Carnell Tate is a great value. He started to catch on last year, but this season will make Tate a draft darling.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 2: Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State
Here is where the quarterback comes into play within this mock draft.
Pittsburgh remains patient throughout the selection process and takes Sam Leavitt. He hasn't been on a strong team this year, but he continues to battle and will his way to victory. He has the heart of a lion and is willing to do anything to win. Leavitt would be a fantastic choice to learn behind Rodgers if they bring the aging signal caller back for another season.
READ MORE: Steelers zero in on fast-rising quarterback as potential top draft target
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3 (via Cowboys): Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
This pick resulted from the George Pickens trade, and the Steelers use it on a cornerback in this scenario. After last week's failure, they need some help. Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr. have been inconsistent, and Darius Slay looks old and washed up. Colton Hood is someone who can come in and help challenge as a starter. The Steelers could use some fresh blood in the secondary.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Austin Siereveld, OT, Ohio State
While Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu have rebounded from a rocky start to the season, Omar Khan would be wise to consider adding an offensive lineman or two in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Austin Siereveld, out of Ohio State, is someone who could fill a depth role as the Steelers decide on Jones and Fautanu's long-term futures. Siereveld could become their swing tackle for the immediate future, but he has also logged snaps at guard.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3 (Comp Pick): Olaivavega Ione, OG, Penn State
Despite Russell Wilson and Justin Fields being benched, the Steelers should still gain a third-round compensatory pick from losing Dan Moore Jr. in free agency. Pittsburgh should focus on a routine investment into the trenches each year, and adding Olaivavega Ione would do the trick. He's a massive guard with plenty of starting experience who would become a starter on day one.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: Tao Johnson, S, Utah
This season has shown how much Minkah Fitzpatrick meant to Mike Tomlin's defense in his prime. They need to draft a safety this year, and Tao Johnson is a solid addition. He was a quarterback in high school, switched to receiver in college, and later moved to safety. Johnson has been fantastic since becoming a safety, and he has plenty of special teams experience to boot.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5: Le'Veon Moss, RB, Texas A&M
Kenneth Gainwell is a pending free agent for the Steelers, so they could always target a running back in the NFL Draft.
Le'Veon Moss is an exciting back who is on his way to one of the best statistical seasons of his collegiate career. He is a workhorse back, but you'd love to see his all-around game develop more. Moss has also done some kick returning during his time at Texas A&M.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5 (Comp Pick): DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson
It is difficult to predict how the compensatory picks will turn out for the Steelers, but in this mock draft, they receive two fifth-round selections. They use one of them on defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart. He was a highly regarded recruit coming out of high school, but he never developed a complete skill set. Capehart remains a reliable addition, helping to keep the line well-rested.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5 (Comp Pick): Chase Roberts, WR, BYU
You will find it difficult not to fall in love with Chase Roberts as a draft prospect, especially towards the end of the fifth round. The Steelers took Tate at the beginning of this mock draft, but you can never have enough receivers. Roberts started his collegiate career late, but he has produced a fantastic career at BYU. He stands at 6'4, and continues to produce strong numbers.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6: Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh
Kyle Louis made a strong impression last season, and he continues to be a reliable force as a tackler for Pittsburgh. He was well-regarded heading into the season, but it seems some scouts are beginning to question him. The pre-draft process could help squash any concerns about his speed at the next level.
The Steelers could use more competition to help their linebacker spot.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Raion Strader, CB, Auburn
There was already a double-dip at the receiver position, but the Steelers do the same at cornerback. Pittsburgh has some young depth pieces in the secondary, but there are injury concerns surrounding some of them. Raion Strader started off his career at Miami of Ohio before going to Auburn. His size gives him a chance to grow into a reliable cornerback at the next level.