The 2025 NFL Draft just ended, but it's never too early to look towards next year for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 2026 NFL Draft will be in Pittsburgh, and Steelers Nation better put on a show. Fans across the NFL should also be in attendance, but Pittsburgh must expose its true football love.
Despite a solid draft class this year, many fans are still concerned about a handful of positions.
Most draft evaluators have raved about the 2026 quarterback class. Much football remains in front of these potential prospects before the hype train can leave the station. They must prove themselves and take their games to another level before getting crowned the next big thing. The Steelers need a young signal caller, and they could find an answer in front of their home crowd.
This mock draft has the Steelers pulling off a massive trade to get their guy.
Steelers have no other choice but to pay king's ransom in trade up for top prospect
No one should expect the Steelers to finish with a worse record than 9-8; it's in their DNA. They will have to trade up for a quarterback in the upcoming draft, especially if Aaron Rodgers joins for one season. Las Vegas just signed Geno Smith to a contract extension. They don't need a quarterback and are willing to move back. It's a hefty trade price, but it's necessary to land a franchise guy.
Pittsburgh Steelers finally land a franchise quarterback in 2026 mock draft
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1 (via Raiders): Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
After moving up, Pittsburgh selected Drew Allar to become their franchise quarterback. The Steelers must land a future guy at the position, and Allar has the tools to become what they seek. He has limited mobility but sees the game well and has a terrific arm. This season will be massive for his draft stock. Pittsburgh knows this is its only pathway to land a top prospect.
READ MORE: NFL Draft expert gives Steelers glowing praise for outstanding 2025 draft class
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4 (via Raiders): Keon Sabb, S, Alabama
The Steelers could need a safety in the offseason. DeShon Elliott is a pending free agent, and Minkah Fitzpatrick has shown signs of aging. Keon Sabb is the pick here and could be someone who solves their issue in the slot and at safety.
He is a versatile piece who remains young. Sabb would be a nice get for Pittsburgh at this point in the mock draft and could help fix a potential problem.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
It appears that George Pickens is entering his final year with the Steelers. Calvin Austin III is also a pending free agent. Pittsburgh must land another top receiver next offseason for its young quarterback. Germie Bernard is an enticing option at this point in the mock draft.
His first campaign at Alabama in 2024 was promising, but he could take his draft stock to another level with an explosive 2025.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4 (Compensatory): Carter Smith, OT, Indiana
The outcome of Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu's progress this year will directly affect the fallout of this need. Pittsburgh must solve its offensive line woes once and for all. Carter Smith is someone to keep in mind if those starters sink. He is still a work in progress, but the Steelers must keep their investment in the trenches going. He checks off a lot of boxes for them.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
Their fans might not love this idea, but another pick in this mock draft goes to another offensive lineman. Isaac Seumalo is a pending free agent after this year, and they could search for his replacement in the NFL Draft. Olaivavega Ioane is a perfect prospect for the Steelers. He is a brutal and physical guard familiar with their earlier selection, Allar.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5 (Compensatory): Jaishawn Barham, LB, Michigan
You can never have enough linebackers, and Pittsburgh prides itself on that tradition.
Jaishawn Barham heads into his second season with Michigan after starting his career at Maryland. He had a solid start to his career as a Wolverine, but he must keep his arrow pointing up. The Steelers have question marks at inside linebacker, which triggered this selection.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6: Daniel Harris, CB, Georgia
The Steelers could take a flyer on a Georgia Bulldog with some off-the-field concerns, plus limited starts. Daniel Harris has terrific size for the cornerback position, but remains a problem off the field. Harris enters a massive season to prove himself. Pittsburgh is a constant presence at Georgia's pro day, which they will attend when Harris enters the NFL Draft.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6 (Compensatory): Justice Haynes, RB, Alabama
Jaylen Warren will be hitting free agency next year. The Steelers must replace him. They just added Kaleb Johnson, but might need to locate a helpful piece. Justice Haynes will have an increased role at Alabama this season. He showed some quality pieces to his game in a limited role. This season should be Haynes's best opportunity to raise his draft stock and complete his dream.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Trey Leckner, TE, Washington State
Darnell Washington is getting close to finishing his rookie deal. The Steelers could be willing to let him walk away when he hits free agency in the future. Trey Leckner would provide some insurance for the franchise. He is the final pick in this mock draft to give the team some depth at the position. Leckner is still young, but could help if he enters the NFL Draft.