Most statistical metrics proved that the Pittsburgh Steelers were only an average team compared to their NFL peers last season—and their humiliating Wild Card loss was further proof. Thankfully, the Steelers are currently on track to make a dozen selections this April to revamp their roster.
With Mike McCarthy at the helm, the Steelers' approach to the NFL Draft could look different. However, returning general manager Omar Khan will still be calling the shots. When it's all said and done, the Steelers are likely to make fewer overall selections in the draft, moving around in the process.
For this exercise, I mocked the Steelers' selections in the first five rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft. But instead of gambling on upside, I have McCarthy and Khan opting for high-floor players while prioritizing scheme fit.
Pittsburgh Steelers opt for security over upside in this 5-round mock draft
Round 1 (Pick 21): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Compared to the top receivers set to enter the 2026 NFL Draft, Denzel Boston is less spectacular on film. Though he has size on his side (listed at 6'4'' and 209 pounds), he's not an elite athlete and doesn't offer much juice after the catch.
Still, Boston is already a polished player who can run a full route tree. He has drawn comparisons to NFL players like Courtland Sutton and Michael Pittman Jr. Boston could immediately slide in as the starting wide receiver alongside DK Metcalf. The Washington product could be used on the outside or as a big slot.
Round 2 (Pick 53): Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
The Steelers desperately need cornerback help, even if pending free agents like James Pierre or Asante Samuel Jr. return. Pittsburgh must get faster in the secondary, and Davison Igbinosun fits what they're looking for.
The Ohio State product is listed at 6'2'' and 195 pounds and could run in the 4.3s. Igbinosun is cut from the same cloth as Joey Porter Jr. and shares similar strengths and weaknesses. Though he's long and physical, he's also grabby and a bit stiff-hipped with average ball skills. Still, this could be a fit the team is looking for on Day 2 of the draft.
Round 3 (Pick 76): Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Football fans have a love-hate relationship with Garrett Nussmeier. After his 2024 season at LSU, it looked like he could be a future first-round quarterback. However, Nussmeier plummeted down to earth with an unspectacular 2025 season. On top of this, his size (6'1'', 202 pounds), age (24), and average tools package make him a low-upside QB.
Regardless, the Steelers need quarterback help, and Nussmier has ties to Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy through his father, Doug (who served as a QB coach in Dallas alongside McCarthy in 2020-2022). This isn't a big risk as a third-round pick, but Pittsburgh also wouldn't be shooting for the stars with this selection.
Round 3 (Pick 85): Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State
Fans could make a case that the Steelers could draft an offensive tackle as early as Round 1. Broderick Jones suffered a season-ending neck injury, and we don't know what his future with the team looks like. Additionally, Jones struggled with inconsistencies in his third season in 2025 when healthy.
At the very least, Pittsburgh needs a swing tackle, which Drew Shelton could offer right away. Shelton, a fourth-year senior offensive tackle from Penn State, could earn a spot on the roster as a developmental tackle. His impressive mobility and discipline as a pass protector could make him an eventual starter in the right situation.
Round 3 (Pick 99): Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
The Pittsburgh Steelers could use an overhaul on the back end of their defense, as they had some of the oldest (and slowest) safeties in the league last season. This feels like the range that Omar Khan could dip his toes into the safety pool.
Zakee Wheatley has experience playing single-high free safety, and at 6'2 3/4''and 201 pounds, he has more than enough size to stick at the position in the NFL. The Penn State product possesses ball skills and range, and could develop into a valuable asset. He would begin his career as a backup safety, looking to make an impact as a sub-package dime defender.
Round (Pick 121): Kevin Coleman Jr., WR, Missouri
If there's ever a time to predict that the Steelers will double up at the wide receiver position in the NFL Draft, it's this year. Pittsburgh had one of the worst receiver rooms in the league last year, with DK Metcalf leading all receivers with just 59 receptions and 850 yards. To make matters worse, Roman Wilson hasn't panned out, Calvin Austin III is a free agent, and Adam Thielen recently retired.
Enter Kevin Coleman Jr., a two-time college transfer who most recently played for Missouri. Coleman isn't big (5'11'', 180 pounds), and he might not test like an elite athlete, but he knows how to create separation at the top of his routes and is a sudden mover after the catch. After going with the 6'4'' Denzel Boston in Round 1, Coleman's skill set would be a good complement as a developmental receiver.
Round 4 (Pick 135): Jaedon Roberts, OG, Alabama
While it looks like the Steelers have at least three of the five long-term pieces of the offensive line in place, there's no question that they will soon need a left guard. Isaac Seumalo is a free agent, and even if he returns for 2026, he turns 33 during the season this year.
This is a position the Steelers could address early in the 2026 NFL Draft, but with other needs, I have them waiting until the fourth round to take Alabama's Jaedon Roberts. Roberts isn't a true wide zone guard, but he has excellent size, a powerful frame, and a nasty streak as a run blocker.
Round 5 (Pick 159): DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson
Even after doubling up on two defensive tackles in last year's draft—Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black—the Steelers could still use depth along the defensive line. Keeanu Benton is entering a contract season, and it's hard to gauge whether he will be brought back on a new deal, while Cameron Heyward could be entering his final NFL season.
At 6'5'' and 315 pounds, DeMonte Capehart, out of Clemson, fits the mold of a Steelers 3-4 defensive lineman. Capehart lacks college production, but he has outstanding anchoring ability and can two-gap as a run defender in Pittsburgh's base defense.