The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a fresh new strategy when it comes to the NFL draft since Omar Khan took over general manager duties in 2023. They have heavily prioritized big-time athletes, banking on them learning the finer points of the game while relying on their physical gifts to start.
That strategy has proven to be a good one across the league. The NFL game has gotten more and more focused on explosiveness, and players seem to get smaller and faster every year. If you don't have enough athletes to keep up, no amount of coaching or grit can help you overcome the talent disparity.
With that being said, what if the Steelers decided to go all-in on players with the most upside with each of their draft picks? That's what this latest mock draft aims to answer.
Pittsburgh Steelers throw caution to the wind, draft for upside in 7-round mock draft
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
Fans might not like this one, but the Steelers seem destined to take a quarterback at some point in this draft. If that's the case, why not take the big swing on an elite athlete in Jalen Milroe?
The Alabama product had an up-and-down college career, but he has more tools than any QB in this draft, even more than Miami's Cam Ward. He is one of the most dynamic runners we have ever seen at the position, and he has the arm talent needed to push the ball downfield. He has a long way to go as a pocket passer, but he would bring a ton of electricity to an offense that desperately needs it.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Damien Martinez, RB, Miami
The Steelers need to find a suitable replacement for Najee Harris after he led the backfield in carries for four consecutive seasons. One of the more underrated runners in a deep class this year is Miami's Damien Martinez.
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Martinez was remarkably consistent in college at both Oregon State and Miami, averaging over six yards per carry in all three of his seasons. He is a very young player (21 years old) and had just 516 carries in college, so he should have plenty of tread left for the NFL.
Martinez is a good athlete, but what gives him so much upside is his patient running style that is reminiscent of former Steeler Le'Veon Bell. He is already so good at finding the right rushing lane and exploding through it. If he can add some more ability in the passing game, he could be one of the best backs in the league within a few years.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Arkansas
Arkansas receiver Isaac TeSlaa has become one of the biggest risers throughout the draft process, thanks in large part to his performance at the Senior Bowl and the NFL combine. He had very little production in his lone season as a Razorback, but his size and speed make him an intriguing weapon.
He fits best as a big-slot type who would pair very well with what the Steelers already have. With George Pickens and DK Metcalf handling outside receiver duties, TeSlaa could compete with Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III to be the third receiver. Pickens' future with the team is also very much up in the air, so he could potentially step outside eventually if need be.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5: Ty Robinson, IDL, Nebraska
The Steelers need more talented players along the defensive line, and they don't get much more physically gifted than Nebraska's Ty Robinson. The sixth-year standout had by far his most productive season in 2024, finishing with seven sacks and 13 tackles for loss.
Omar Khan drafted a player with a similar profile last year in Logan Lee, but Robinson is even more athletic and productive than Lee was at Iowa. He may never be a full-time starter, but his explosiveness (4.83 40-yard dash) and versatility could make him a valuable part of the defensive line rotation.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6: Zah Frazier, CB, UTSA
Omar Khan has shown a strong preference for tall, long, and athletic corners over his first two drafts as the Steelers' general manager. While there are several prospects who fit that description, many of them will go too early for the Steelers to target them.
UTSA's Zah Frazier could be an excellent option late in the draft who fits the Steelers profile. He has great height (6-2) and length (33-inch arms), and he tested as an elite athlete. He is inexperienced, with just 10 career starts at the FBS level, but his raw ability gives him plenty of upside even as an older prospect.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Hunter Wohler, S, Wisconsin
The Steelers have had a lot of success selecting players out of Wisconsin in recent history. T.J. Watt is the big name, of course, but Keeanu Benton and Nick Herbig were also quality picks in 2023. There aren't any true standout prospects out of Madison this season, but there is a player who I believe could be a great late-round add.
Safety Hunter Wohler was a very productive player for the Badgers during his four seasons. He is a phenomenal athlete for his size, but he profiles as a true box safety. Where he could make an impact, though, is on special teams, where he could take advantage of his range and tackling ability in space.