It may not be the final word, but when the Pittsburgh Steelers show pre-draft interest in certain prospects, the chances of those players becoming draft picks increase significantly. As the NFL Draft approaches, the prospects hosted on visits or seen at pro days offer valuable insight into their plans.
Under Omar Khan’s leadership, the Steelers appear to place significant emphasis on pre-draft visits, making them one of the strongest indicators of draft intent.
Pittsburgh has not used every draft pick on players who received pre-draft visits, but the percentage is notably high, especially among their early selections. This mock draft highlights how quickly plans can shift, and with 12 total picks, the possibility of a trade is very real. In this four-round mock draft filled with twists and turns, the Steelers come away with an excellent foundation for their draft class.
Pittsburgh Steelers mock draft uses pre-draft interest as potential cheat sheet to reality
Round 1 | Pick 21: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Opening this mock draft with a linebacker is sure to draw criticism.
CJ Allen is a talented player, but the Steelers are widely expected to prioritize offense early if possible. In this simulation, Pittsburgh misses out on the top receivers and offensive linemen, leaving Allen as the best option available. The Steelers’ top decision makers were able to evaluate him in person at Georgia’s pro day, and he can compete for a big role from day one.
Round 2 | Pick 53: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
Adding another quality wide receiver is a priority the Steelers must address in the NFL Draft, and they do so here with Germie Bernard. He is an impressive run-after-catch threat who would pair well with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. Bernard was also one of the Steelers’ pre-draft visitors, a strong indicator of potential day two interest. He brings polished route running and versatility.
Round 3 | Pick 76 (via DAL): Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State
While adding a quarterback is not currently a top priority, that could change if Rodgers does not return. The Steelers have shown interest in several signal callers and may look to add a developmental option. Cole Payton was among the prospects who visited Pittsburgh and could represent an intriguing choice.
He comes from a lower level of competition, but his production and overall skill set suggest his game could translate well to the next level.
Round 3 | Pick 85: Keylan Rutledge, OG, Georgia Tech
The Steelers currently have Spencer Anderson and Brock Hoffman on the roster to compete for the open left guard spot, but that may not be enough. In this mock draft, Pittsburgh adds Keylan Rutledge to further strengthen the trenches. He is a physical presence up front who would fit well with the existing group. Rutledge is another prospect the Steelers hosted for a pre-draft visit.
Round 3 | Pick 99 (comp.): Markel Bell, OT, Miami
Offensive tackle remains a major question for Pittsburgh. If the Steelers choose to address the position early, it could spell trouble for Broderick Jones as he continues working his way back from a neck injury. Markel Bell fits their mold. He was among the prospects who took a pre-draft visit with the team and is a left tackle with the tools to develop into a reliable option over time.
Steelers locate a trade partner to secure a slipping prospect in this mock draft
It would be surprising not to envision Omar Khan pulling off at least one trade during the NFL Draft. He has shown a willingness to act quickly when trade opportunities arise, and that tendency is only amplified by the 12 selections at his disposal. While a move in the early rounds seems likely, this particular mock draft does not unfold that way.
Instead, the Steelers remain patient and strike a well-timed trade with the Saints when the opportunity presents itself.
Round 4 | Pick 106 (via HOU): Tacario Davis, CB, Washington
While it may sound repetitive, pre-draft visits continue to matter for the Steelers, and Tacario Davis checks that box. Under Khan’s direction, those visits have become an increasingly important indicator of draft decisions, particularly beyond the first round. Davis fits the exact cornerback profile the organization values, offering length, physicality, and strength in press coverage.
Round 4 | Pick 135 (comp.): Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
Of the seven selections made in this mock draft, only two prospects did not take a pre-draft visit with Pittsburgh.
Malachi Fields and CJ Allen are the lone exceptions, though Allen was still evaluated closely, with the Steelers in attendance at his pro day. Fields brings impressive size to the wide receiver room and helps strengthen the depth chart. While Germie Bernard adds explosiveness, Fields complements him by providing a reliable contested catch presence down the field.