We are less than a month away from the 2026 NFL Draft, and the anticipation around the Pittsburgh Steelers feels different this time. There’s a quiet confidence building—one rooted in preparation, patience, and a front office finally operating with long-term clarity. With 12 total selections, Omar Khan has a golden opportunity to reshape the roster. And while depth matters, the first three rounds will ultimately define whether this retooling effort truly sticks.
I’ve gone back and forth on dozens of scenarios, but without factoring in trades, here’s how I see the first three rounds unfolding—and why each pick feels like a step toward something sustainable.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will tie up loose ends early during 202 NFL Draft
Round 1 | Pick 21: Kevin Concepcion, WR — Texas A&M
If there’s one thing Mike McCarthy has made clear, it’s this: the offense needs juice. Whether Aaron Rodgers returns or not, the Steelers can’t afford another stagnant season on that side of the ball.
That’s where Kevin Concepcion comes in.
In a draft class where wide receivers are expected to fly off the board early, Concepcion feels like a calculated swing with high upside. His 61 receptions for 919 yards and nine touchdowns at Texas A&M University only tell part of the story. What jumps off the screen is how effortlessly he creates separation. His route leverage is polished, his burst is immediate, and his ability to turn short gains into explosive plays (15.1 yards per catch) fits perfectly with what Pittsburgh lacks.
Pairing him alongside Michael Pittman Jr. and DK Metcalf creates a balanced trio—physicality on the outside with dynamic quickness in the slot. It’s the kind of move that doesn’t just add talent, it adds identity.
Round 2 | Pick 53: Jacob Rodriguez, LB — Texas Tech
Defense has long been the heartbeat of Pittsburgh football, but recently, it hasn’t lived up to that standard. That’s why this pick feels less like a luxury and more like a necessity.
Jacob Rodriguez, out of Texas Tech University, checks every box you want in a modern linebacker. A former Butkus Award winner, he plays with instincts that can’t be taught. His 317 career tackles reflect both durability and consistency, while his four interceptions highlight underrated versatility in coverage.
There’s also a clear mutual interest here—Pittsburgh brought him in for a pre-draft visit, which says a lot about how highly they view him.
Under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, Rodriguez could quickly carve out a meaningful role. He’s decisive downhill, rarely out of position, and plays with the kind of urgency that can stabilize a unit searching for leadership.
Round 3 | Pick 76: Keylan Rutledge, OL
You can never fully fix an offensive line—but you can keep investing in it until it becomes a strength.
The Steelers took a step forward by signing Brock Hoffman to a one-year deal, but that shouldn’t stop them from adding long-term pieces. Keylan Rutledge fits that mold.
He’s the kind of interior lineman who embraces contact. A true mauler, Rutledge thrives in tight spaces and brings the physical edge Pittsburgh has historically valued. But what makes him intriguing is that he’s not just a brute—there’s enough mobility in his game to hold up in pass protection and adapt to evolving schemes.
For a team trying to reestablish its offensive identity, this is the type of pick that quietly pays dividends.
Round 3 | Pick 85: Malik Muhammad, CB — Texas
By this point in the draft, several top cornerbacks will likely be gone—and names like Jermod McCoy, Mansoor Delane, and Avieon Terrell may already be off the board.
That’s what makes Malik Muhammad such a compelling option.
Coming out of the University of Texas, Muhammad brings length, discipline, and versatility. At six feet tall, he has the frame to match up physically, but it’s his awareness in zone coverage that stands out the most. He reads quarterbacks well, reacts quickly, and consistently positions himself to make plays on the ball.
With Joey Porter Jr. and Jamel Dean already in place, Muhammad wouldn’t be forced into immediate stardom. Instead, he’d be allowed to develop into a reliable contributor—something Pittsburgh has done well with defensive backs in the past.
Round 3 | Pick 99: Drew Allar, QB — Penn State
No matter what happens with Rodgers, the Steelers cannot ignore the future at quarterback.
Right now, the room lacks stability—and while Will Howard has potential, relying solely on him would be a gamble.
Drew Allar offers a different kind of intrigue.
The Penn State product has the physical tools Pittsburgh typically covets: a 6’5” frame, strong arm talent, and the ability to push the ball downfield. His production—7,402 passing yards and 61 touchdowns—speaks to both capability and experience in a high-pressure environment.
What makes this pick feel right is the value. Taking a quarterback in the third round removes the pressure of immediate expectations while still investing in upside. If Allar develops, you’ve found your guy. If not, you haven’t crippled your roster in the process.
This mock draft isn’t about chasing headlines—it’s about building a foundation. The Steelers aren’t one player away, but they’re also not as far off as it once seemed.
By addressing wide receiver, linebacker, offensive line, cornerback, and quarterback in the first three rounds, Pittsburgh sets a tone: balanced, intentional, and forward-thinking.
And honestly, that’s what makes this stretch under Omar Khan feel different. It’s no longer about quick fixes—it’s about finally getting it right.