The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2026 NFL Draft in a far more stable position than they were a few weeks ago. Credit goes to Omar Khan and a front office that attacked free agency with purpose. By addressing key needs early, Pittsburgh now has the flexibility to draft for both value and long-term impact rather than desperation. Still, this roster isn’t complete—and if the Steelers want to truly reestablish themselves as contenders, this draft must deliver foundational pieces.
With key additons over the past weeks, I revised my prior mock draft.
Assuming no trades, here’s how I believe Pittsburgh can maximize its selections during the first three rounds while staying true to its identity.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must take advantage of key opportunities during the 2026 NFL Draft
Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft Pick No. 21: Jordyn Tyson, WR – Arizona State
Wide receiver may not seem like an urgent need at first glance, but dig a little deeper, and the cracks begin to show. The addition of Michael Pittman Jr. brought size and reliability, while DK Metcalf remains a dominant physical force. However, with Calvin Austin III no longer in the picture, Pittsburgh lacks a complete, versatile third option who can consistently win across the field.
That’s where Jordyn Tyson becomes an easy decision. And if he falls to pick 21, the decison is a no brainer.
At 6’2”, Tyson brings a blend of size, fluid athleticism, and elite ball tracking that immediately translates to the next level. His production at Arizona State Sun Devils—1,812 yards and 18 touchdowns over three seasons—backs up the tape. But what stands out most is his route tree. Tyson isn’t just a vertical threat; he’s a technician who can separate at all three levels.
Plugging him into this offense gives Mike McCarthy a diverse and physically imposing receiver trio. It also creates matchup nightmares. Defenses won’t be able to key in on one player, and that balance could be exactly what Pittsburgh’s offense has been missing. Injuries are obviously the big concern with Tyson, but he is too talented to drop much farther than the Steelers' pick at 21.
Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft No. 53: Emmanuel Pregnon, IOL – Oregon
If there’s one thing Pittsburgh football has always been about, it’s controlling the line of scrimmage. And under McCarthy, that principle becomes even more critical—especially with uncertainty still lingering at quarterback.
Replacing Isaac Seumalo is not optional—it’s essential.
Emmanuel Pregnon is the type of lineman who helps you rediscover your identity. He plays with violent hands, strong leverage, and a relentless motor. As a pulling guard, he’s particularly effective, showing the mobility and awareness needed to thrive in both gap and zone schemes.
Yes, injuries like the one to Broderick Jones raise concerns about tackle depth, but Pittsburgh has shown it can adapt on the edges. The interior, however, is where games are often won or lost. Pregnon gives the Steelers a tone-setter—someone who can anchor the line and open lanes in the run game.
Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft No. 76: Malik Muhammad, CB – Texas
Modern NFL defenses are built on speed, versatility, and depth in the secondary. The Steelers took a step forward by signing Jamel Dean, pairing him with Joey Porter Jr. on the outside. But the job isn’t finished.
Malik Muhammad might be one of the more underrated defensive backs in this class.
At 6’0”, he has the size Pittsburgh covets, but it’s his discipline and reaction speed that really pop. He processes routes quickly, stays patient in coverage, and has the twitchy athleticism needed to mirror receivers in space. His skill set makes him an ideal candidate to develop in the slot early while providing insurance on the outside.
Adding Muhammad gives Pittsburgh flexibility—and in today’s NFL, that’s everything.
Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft No. 85: Kyle Louis, LB – Pittsburgh
There’s something special about keeping local talent home, and Kyle Louis feels like a perfect cultural fit.
Coming from the Pittsburgh Panthers, Louis already understands the city’s grit and expectations. But this isn’t just a feel-good pick—it’s a smart one. Over the past two seasons, he’s been incredibly productive, racking up 24 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and six interceptions.
That versatility jumps off the page.
Louis plays downhill with urgency, showing no hesitation when attacking the line of scrimmage. His combine performance—highlighted by a 4.53 forty—only reinforced what’s on tape: he’s fast, instinctive, and disruptive. For a defense looking to reestablish its physical identity, Louis brings the kind of energy that can ripple through the entire unit.
Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft No. 99: Carson Beck, QB – Miami
Let’s not dance around it—quarterback remains the biggest question mark in Pittsburgh.
Whether it’s Aaron Rodgers or Will Howard under center, the long-term answer isn’t guaranteed. That’s why taking a calculated swing here makes sense.
Carson Beck is one of the most intriguing prospects in this class.
After spending years developing at Georgia, he transferred to the Miami Hurricanes and elevated his game, throwing 30 touchdowns en route to a National Championship appearance. His journey hasn’t been perfect—injuries and inconsistencies have raised concerns—but his toughness and leadership stand out.
More importantly, he’s stepping into a perfect situation.
With McCarthy’s reputation as a quarterback developer, Beck wouldn’t be forced into action immediately. He could learn, adjust, and refine his mechanics without the pressure of saving a franchise overnight. And if things click, Pittsburgh may have found its biggest steal of the draft.
This mock draft isn’t about flashy moves—it’s about smart, intentional building. The Steelers add size at receiver, toughness in the trenches, youth in the secondary, energy at linebacker, and a potential future at quarterback.
More importantly, they add players who fit Pittsburgh.
And that’s how you build something that lasts.