Heading into the NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a clear plan. They aim to address several ongoing needs, particularly at wide receiver, along the offensive line, and in parts of the secondary. The team has shown pre-draft interest in players at these positions, but nothing is guaranteed until selections are made. Picks taken ahead of them could significantly alter their draft strategy.
There is a scenario in which the team struggles to address its most pressing need: wide receiver.
If an early run on the position occurs in the first round, it could create a trickle-down effect throughout the draft. That would represent a nightmare scenario, and it is exactly what unfolded in this mock draft. Pittsburgh attempted to salvage the situation, but for the most part, the board became too messy to recover from effectively.
Pittsburgh Steelers 3-round mock draft fuels nightmares after a tough stretch of picks
After seeing Makai Lemon, Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, and Omar Cooper Jr. selected in the top half of Round 1, the Steelers decided to make an aggressive pivot. They contact Tampa Bay with a fair trade offer that allows them to move up six spots. This is not a desperate attempt to overdraft a wide receiver. Instead, Pittsburgh chooses to trade up for a quarterback they believe in.
Round 1 | Pick 15 (via TB): Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
The NFL world could be set ablaze if the Steelers select a quarterback in the first round, especially if they trade up to do so.
Ty Simpson is widely viewed as the second-best player at his position in this draft, but he is far from a finished product. Selecting him at this stage guarantees nothing, particularly with Aaron Rodgers likely to return. However, this move would give Simpson one of his best possible opportunities to develop and succeed at the NFL level.
Round 2 | Pick 53: Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU
Reaching for a prospect is rarely advisable, but the Steelers felt it was necessary in this case. A run on inside linebackers occurred in the second round of this mock draft, prompting Pittsburgh to prioritize the position. Harold Perkins Jr. is projected as an early Day 3 pick, so selecting him here is somewhat of a reach. Still, the LSU product is an outstanding athlete and has a high ceiling.
Round 3 | Pick 85: Markel Bell, OT, Miami
With a young quarterback now in place, Pittsburgh would be wise to continue strengthening its investment up front. The Steelers select Markel Bell, hoping he can develop into a reliable left tackle for the future. Bell is a massive prospect out of Miami who appears to be a strong fit for Pittsburgh. While he would not need to start immediately, he could compete right away.
Round 3 | Pick 99 (comp.): Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan
This is a difficult spot for the Steelers, as addressing their need at wide receiver early was a priority, but the mock draft did not provide many opportunities to do so.
Marlin Klein, one of Pittsburgh’s pre-draft visitors, makes some sense at this selection. Originally from Germany, Klein has not been playing football for very long. He is a high upside prospect who would have time to develop while learning behind Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington.