Normally, when an outside source produces a mock draft focused on the Pittsburgh Steelers, things can get ugly. In the case of Dane Brugler from The Athletic, he more than held his own. While not every pick across the seven rounds was a home run, Brugler allowed the Steelers to address most of their pressing needs.
At times, he appeared to reach for certain selections and added talent at positions that are already relatively deep, but the overall approach still made sense for Pittsburgh.
It is not common to find a reliable mock draft coming from outside Pittsburgh these days, but Brugler once again held his own. There were a few questionable choices, which led to an inconsistent report card for this draft class. Brugler started the process strong with his first three selections, but the picks became more debatable as the draft went on. Overall, it was a fun mock draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers 7-round mock draft by the Athletic leaves some room for improvement
Round 1 | Pick 21: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
The mock draft begins with a pick that has become a popular projection for the Steelers, but Omar Cooper Jr. was not among their pre-draft visitors, which raises some concern. On paper, the selection makes sense, as Pittsburgh would add a solid wide receiver in Round 1.
Cooper Jr. is a talented playmaker and worthy of the selection, but the lack of visible pre-draft interest makes the fit less convincing.
Round 2 | Pick 53: Keylan Rutledge, OG, Georgia Tech
This is a pick in the mock draft that feels easy to pencil in for Pittsburgh. The Steelers want to add a guard, and Keylan Rutledge could end up being their second-round selection unless the position is addressed earlier. He is a physical, nasty player who would fit in seamlessly. While the pick feels like a slight reach, which explains the lower grade, Rutledge has the traits to step in and start.
Round 3 | Pick 76 (via DAL): Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh
Once again, this pick feels like a slight reach based on most draft big boards released by analysts, but nothing extreme. The Steelers have shown interest in several inside linebackers heading into the NFL Draft, and Kyle Louis is one of those names. He profiles as more of a hybrid defender, which could create challenges if the team is unable to clearly define his role.
Round 3 | Pick 85: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Pittsburgh hosted four quarterbacks on pre draft visits, and Garrett Nussmeier was not one of them. While he could still be on their board due to his father’s relationship with Mike McCarthy, this selection would feel a little rich for Nussmeier. He attributed his disappointing season at LSU to lingering injuries, but there may be more to the regression than that.
The Steelers are expected to draft a quarterback at some point, but this would likely be too early to make that move.
Round 3 | Pick 99: Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke
Chandler Rivers would be a slight reach at this point, but it is far from unreasonable. He is not a physically imposing corner coming out of Duke, but he showed throughout the pre-draft process that he can hold his own. Competing in a weaker ACC conference may raise some concerns, but Rivers brings enough experience and versatility to project as a capable contributor at the NFL level.
Round 4 | Pick 121: Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan
While fans may not view tight end as a major concern, the Steelers have clearly shown meaningful interest in the position. They hosted several players on pre-draft visits, including Marlin Klein. Do not be surprised if Pittsburgh addresses tight end during the middle rounds of the NFL Draft. Klein profiles as a developmental player who could grow into a role as the third option on the depth chart.
Round 4 | Pick 135: Jack Kelly, LB, BYU
This is where Brugler makes his first truly questionable decision in the mock draft.
Selecting Jack Kelly is not the issue, but taking him in the fourth round is where concerns arise. Kelly has the versatility to play as an edge defender or an inside linebacker, yet many projections place him closer to the sixth round. Not only does this feel like a reach, but it also creates redundancy, given that Pittsburgh already selected Kyle Louis earlier in the mock draft.
Round 5 | Pick 161: DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson
Selecting a defensive tackle is clearly on the Steelers radar heading into the draft. Pittsburgh remains committed to keeping the trenches strong, and investing in DeMonte Capehart feels like a sensible move. He may not be a flashy prospect, but he offers steady and reliable play. Capehart fits the prototype the Steelers typically look for up front and should provide value as a run defender.
Round 6 | Pick 216: Trey Moore, LB, Texas
Similar to the earlier selection of Jack Kelly, this pick raises questions about Brugler’s approach. At this point in the mock draft, the Steelers have selected three linebackers capable of filling hybrid roles. Trey Moore offers solid value at this stage, but edge rusher is not a pressing need.
Moore is an intriguing prospect, yet with Kyle Louis and Kelly are already added to the mix, this selection feels redundant and ultimately puzzling.
Round 7 | Pick 224: Enrique Cruz Jr., OT, Kansas
Pittsburgh hosted three offensive tackles on pre-draft visits, which signals clear interest in adding to the position during the NFL Draft. While Enrique Cruze Jr. was not among those visitors, he is the type of prospect the Steelers could reasonably take a chance on. It would've been nice to see an offensive tackle taken earlier to address a more pressing need.
Round 7 | Pick 230: Emmanuel Henderson Jr., WR, Kansas
Given the level of interest the Steelers have shown in a wide range of receiver prospects, it would not be surprising to see them double-dip at the position.
Selecting one receiver early and another late, as this mock draft suggests, could be part of their plan. Emmanuel Henderson Jr. is not a name that has been closely linked to Pittsburgh, but his value as a return specialist and his ability to contribute on punt coverage could help him earn a roster spot.
Round 7 | Pick 237: Ryan Eckley, P, Michigan State
Drafting a punter is rarely a popular move, but that is how Brugler chooses to conclude this mock draft. The selection makes sense, as the Steelers could benefit from adding competition for Cameron Johnston during training camp. Ryan Eckley is among the top punters in the NFL Draft class and has proven he can perform in difficult weather conditions, which helps him transition smoothly.
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