With the NFL Draft drawing closer, the Pittsburgh Steelers are set to host the event. The Steel City will provide a magnificent backdrop for the event, and it could lead to fireworks. There are not as many popular quarterback prospects in the draft as once expected, which could alter the Steelers' plans. They might still stick to the idea of adding to their offense early and often.
Mike McCarthy is the team’s new head coach, and his offensive background suggests Pittsburgh will focus on modernizing its offense.
It's something their fan base has been begging for, and they might get their wish. The Steelers are projected to have 11 picks in the NFL Draft, so don't be surprised if they make a trade during the event. This mock draft shows how the Steelers can maneuver around the draft to get the best outcome.
Pittsburgh Steelers mock draft improves their offense without exhausting their future
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
It would be quite the story to witness Jordyn Tyson slip until the 21st pick of the first round of the draft. He is an elite wide receiver prospect projected to be a top-ten pick. While the position often comes off the board early in the NFL Draft, a slide is not impossible. In this mock draft, the Steelers luck out and take Tyson to pair with DK Metcalf to help their offense get better.
Steelers Mock Draft pulls off a massive trade to move up in the second round
As mentioned earlier, the Steelers have too many picks in the 2026 NFL Draft to use them all. Expect them to either trade some off to get picks for next year or move up the board at some point. If a prospect falls within reasonable striking distance during the early part of the second round, don't be shocked if a trade happens. In this case, Pittsburgh finds a way to move up to take a quarterback.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 2 (Via Dolphins): Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
After making a trade with the Miami Dolphins, the Steelers make a bold move by taking Ty Simpson. Like it or not, the organization has spent countless hours evaluating the Alabama product. He isn't close to a finished product, but the team hired McCarthy to develop their next long-term quarterback.
Simpson has plenty of qualities to like, but he will take a year or more to potentially develop into something.
READ MORE: Steelers take massive gamble in ESPN two-round mock draft
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Gennings Dunker, OG, Iowa
Few prospects had a better outing at the Senior Bowl than offensive lineman Gennings Dunker. What a fantastic fit he would be within the Steelers organization. They are expected to lose starting left guard Isaac Seumalo in free agency, and the draft makes sense to locate his replacement. Dunker is a nasty blocker who played right tackle in college, but practiced in multiple spots at the Senior Bowl.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3 (Compensatory): Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas
Bringing new blood into the secondary for Pittsburgh will be vital this offseason.
In this mock draft, they take Julian Neal with their first compensatory pick. He has been a boundary corner during his time at Arkansas, and that is what he will do with the Steelers. Neal did not have the week at the Senior Bowl many hoped for, but he held his own. He profiles as a potential starter opposite Joey Porter Jr.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: Albert Regis, DT, Texas A&M
If the organization is smart, it will continue its annual investment in the trenches. Albert Regis would be something of a luxury pick at this stage of the mock draft, but he has the potential to develop into a special player. He is a massive defensive tackle who gobbles up blockers. Regis must work on his pass-rush abilities at the next level if he wants to become a star.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4 (Compensatory): Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College
Depending on how the Steelers decide upon Broderick Jones's fifth-year option, they could use help at the offensive tackle spot. Dylan Cook remains with the team, but he isn't guaranteed a roster spot. Selecting Jude Bowry at this point would be quality work by Pittsburgh. He has played left tackle since 2023 and hasn't allowed a sack since 2024.
Bowry could challenge Jones and push to be the swing tackle.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5: Bishop Fitzgerald, S, USC
You can reasonably expect the Steelers to bolster their secondary in free agency; if not, it becomes a priority in the NFL Draft. Bishop Fitzgerald is the pick here, and he is coming off a strong week at the East-West Shrine Bowl. He was one of the top defensive players in attendance. Fitzgerald can play in the box and deep. He is undersized, but the abilities he holds will make that irrelevant.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6: Chip Trayanum, RB, Toledo
Pittsburgh must locate a partner for Jaylen Warren.
While the Steelers try to re-sign Kenneth Gainwell, don't be surprised if he departs as a free agent. They might have to add a late-round back to the pile, and that's what they do in this mock draft by taking Chip Trayanum. The Toledo product is a strong-sized running back who has produced massive numbers on the ground and respectable numbers through the air.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6 (Compensatory): Kaden Wetjen, WR, Iowa
Another East-West Shrine Bowl standout was Kaden Wetjen. He flew under the radar heading into the event, but he quickly caught the eyes of most scouts in attendance. You better believe he is on the Steelers' radar, especially with Calvin Austin III as a pending free agent. Wetjen was a solid returner in college, and his strong week at the Shrine Bowl exposed that he might be a quality receiver, too.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech
Another member of the secondary is added to this strong draft class. There are multiple players who could depart the team, with 27 scheduled to become free agents. Cole Wisniewski had a solid week at the East-West Shrine Bowl. He showed that he can be sticky in coverage, but don't discount his potential ability on special teams. The Steelers could use more glue guys for their roster in 2026.