After a strong start to free agency, it is reasonable to expect the Pittsburgh Steelers to slow down when it comes to signing additional free agents. They should still explore a few more additions, but outside of re-signing Aaron Rodgers and possibly adding some depth pieces, there are unlikely to be many major moves to get excited about.
As a result, the 2026 NFL Draft is expected to take center stage as the primary avenue for player acquisition throughout the remainder of the offseason.
Right now, the Steelers have 12 picks in the upcoming draft, and this mock draft has them using all of those selections. While it seems clear that they intend to try and trade up and use that abundance of picks to their advantage, that scenario didn't happen in this mock draft. Pittsburgh should focus on value picks overreaching for prospects to address specific needs.
Pittsburgh Steelers 7-round Mock Draft after free agency prioritizes value picks
Round 1: Olaivavega Ione, OG, Penn State
Round 1 of this mock draft was not kind to the portion of Steelers Nation hoping the team would select a wide receiver with its top pick. The Steelers were unable to trade up and ultimately missed out on the top five pass catchers. Instead, they stayed put at pick 21 and selected Olaivavega Ione to address their glaring need at left guard.
Filling this hole so early is a bold approach, but Ione is a nasty, physical player who has the tools to be a major contributor.
Round 2: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Chris Johnson already visited Pittsburgh as part of the team’s 30 pre-draft visits, so the Steelers’ interest in him is legitimate. While they added quality pieces at the cornerback position during free agency, continuing to invest in the secondary would be a smart move. Johnson is an athletic defender who recorded four interceptions last season, making him an intriguing option.
Round 3 (via Cowboys): Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
At this point in the mock draft, there are several strong value options. The Steelers select Josiah Trotter to help stabilize an underwhelming inside linebacker room. Trotter is a smart, instinctive football player with NFL bloodlines. He may not stand out with elite size or athleticism, but his ability to diagnose plays and attack offenses makes him a reliable and well-rounded addition.
Round 3: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
Having Chris Brazzell II still available this late in the mock draft makes him an easy choice for the Steelers. They already added size by pairing Michael Pittman Jr. with DK Metcalf during free agency, and selecting Brazzell further strengthens the group. Despite standing 6'4 and weighing 198 pounds, he is a speedy wide receiver who would bring a vertical element to the offense.
Round 3 (comp. pick): Brian Parker II, OT, Duke
Questions surrounding Broderick Jones’s future continue to circulate within the Steelers organization. As a result, they need to either draft a contingency plan or address the position through free agency. Brian Parker II presents a safe and practical option to help ease concerns along the offensive line.
He has spent most of his time starting on the right side, but he also logged a significant number of snaps at left tackle. Parker’s versatility could allow him to contribute across the trenches if needed.
Round 4: Skyler Bell, WR, Connecticut
Although they selected Brazzell earlier in the mock draft, the Steelers should consider double-dipping at the position. They need an elusive playmaker with the ball in his hands, and Skyler Bell fits that role. He has flown under the radar throughout the pre-draft process, but could emerge as a diamond in the rough. Bell is the type of receiver Pittsburgh should add to bring more diversity to its skill set.
Round 4 (comp. pick): Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southeastern Louisiana
They added Sebastian Joseph-Day in free agency, but Pittsburgh should still prioritize bringing in young players in the NFL Draft. Kaleb Proctor comes from Southeastern Louisiana, a small college program. He uses his elite quickness to his advantage, but Proctor isn't a finished product. The defensive tackle needs to fill out his frame at the next level, but his potential is sky-high.
Round 5: Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame
After losing Connor Heyward in free agency and cutting Jonnu Smith, the Steelers are in the market for a tight end. It wouldn't be shocking to see one of their draft picks addressing this need. They wait until the fifth round to address this problem by taking Eli Raridon. He is more of a blocking tight end, who didn't get many opportunities as a pass catcher during his time at Notre Dame.
Round 6 (comp. pick): Sawyer Robertson, QB, Baylor
While selecting a project quarterback earlier in the mock draft makes sense on paper, it is better to prioritize value when it presents itself.
Pittsburgh selects Sawyer Robertson here to compete with Mason Rudolph for the final roster spot. This would set up an open competition between Robertson and Rudolph, with Rodgers and Howard firmly ahead of them on the depth chart.
Round 7 (via Patriots): Lorenzo Styles Jr., S, Ohio State
Continuing to add pieces to the secondary should remain a priority, and the Steelers land an athletic option. Lorenzo Styles Jr. has NFL bloodlines and impressed at the NFL Combine. While he did not post strong numbers during his time at Ohio State, the coaching staff could look to develop his potential. Styles brings versatility to the table and should have a chance to compete for a roster spot.
Round 7 (via Colts): Eli Heidenreich, RB/WR, Navy
The Steelers have built several Pittsburgh connections this offseason, and they continue that trend in this mock draft by selecting Eli Heidenreich. He was originally from the Pittsburgh area before heading to Navy for college. The Midshipmen product has shown he can be a versatile offensive weapon.
Heidenreich’s ability to contribute as both a running back and receiver gives him a valuable skill set to make noise at training camp.
Round 7: Ryan Eckley, P, Michigan State
The Steelers round out this mock draft by selecting a punter. After letting Corliss Waitman walk in free agency and bringing back Cameron Johnston, it would be wise to add competition for training camp. Ryan Eckley is one of the top punters in the NFL Draft and has proven he can perform in tough weather conditions. He also saw plenty of action at Michigan State, giving him valuable experience.