There was a clear plan for the Pittsburgh Steelers to adjust their strategy for the 2026 NFL Draft in order to land a quarterback. Everyone in town knows they would love to address a long-term solution by trading up in the event. That situation has quickly become murky over the last several weeks.
Mock drafts have started removing some promising signal-callers from their boards, recognizing that some may not enter the professional ranks.
Right now, it appears Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, and Dante Moore could be the top quarterbacks on the board. The truth is, outside of Mendoza, there are no guarantees heading into the 2026 draft. That would send shockwaves through many Steelers mock drafts. It could completely change their plans and potentially delay the plan to draft a quarterback until the 2027 NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers mock draft forces the team to uncomfortably wait to take a QB
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Even if Mendoza, Simpson, and Moore are available in the upcoming draft, the Steelers might not have a shot at them.
Instead, they go with Denzel Boston in the first round of this mock draft. He is a big target for a receiver and would pair well with DK Metcalf's size. Boston has played mostly on the outside, but he has shown he can be planted in the slot. He's a big-time weapon the Steelers need.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 2: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
There are expected to be significant changes to Pittsburgh’s secondary this offseason, particularly at cornerback. They need at least one or two players to enter the mix, and that's why they go with Chris Johnson here. He plays against lesser competition at San Diego State, but he has shown he can rise to the occasion. Johnson would help bring a boost of youth and speed to an aging secondary.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3 (Via Dallas): Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M
Linebacker is a position that may not be considered a current need but could soon become a focus. The draft has some interesting options this year, and Taurean York is a terrific value at this point in the mock draft. He is undersized, which forced him to drop this far in the selection process. He is a strong run defender at Texas A&M, a skill set the Steelers could use. York can help challenge the starters.
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Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Carter Smith, OT, Indiana
It's been another fantastic season for the Indiana Hoosiers, and much of their success on offense has come from their offensive line. Carter Smith has been their cornerstone piece at left tackle for three years. That level of experience is fantastic for a draft prospect. The Steelers could use an upgrade to the depth along their offensive line, and Smith could become a reliable swing tackle for them.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3 (Comp Pick): Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
Pittsburgh should expect a couple of compensatory picks in the upcoming draft, and they will use their first on improving the secondary. While DeShon Elliott will return next season, the Steelers have shown they need help at the position. Zakee Wheatley is a consistent piece for Penn State.
He has played well as their last line of defense, and that's something the Steelers are missing.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
We continue the line of Penn State products here. Kenneth Gainwell is playing himself into a handsome payday this offseason, unlikely from the Steelers. They could use a nice yin to Jaylen Warren's yang, and that's exactly what Kayton Allen can provide. He has plenty of rushing experience as a power back, and Pittsburgh has missed Najee Harris at times this season without that factor.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4 (Comp Pick): Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
We finally have a quarterback coming to the Steelers, even though it's later in the mock draft than some would appreciate.
Drew Allar was watched countless times by Pittsburgh's scouts before he suffered a season-ending ankle injury. Make no mistake about it, Allar is a project going into the NFL with elite tools. This could spark a battle for the starting job next season between Allar, Will Howard, and Mason Rudolph.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5: Kobe Baynes, OG, Kansas
You'd love to re-sign Isaac Seumalo after the campaign, but he is playing his way into an expensive pay raise this offseason. Expect the Steelers to pursue an established veteran in free agency as a replacement, while also adding Kobe Baynes. The Kansas product brings three years of starting experience on the right side and could compete for a starting job from day one.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6: DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson
Pittsburgh should continue investing in the trenches on both sides of the ball each year in the NFL Draft. They take DeMonte Capehart late in this mock draft to challenge some guys at the bottom of the rotation. He has plenty of starting experience at Clemson and has shown an ability to line up in different spots. Capehart doesn’t record many sacks, but he has shown flashes of playmaking ability.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6 (Comp Pick): Isaiah Nwokobia, S, SMU
The Steelers’ season has highlighted the ongoing need to bring young talent into the secondary.
Isaiah Nwokobia is the next target, following the selection of a safety earlier in the mock draft. Don't be shocked if they lose multiple players at the position. Nwokobia has been a star player at SMU and continues to ascend. He has played in multiple spots in SMU's secondary and could help Pittsburgh.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Dane Key, WR, Nebraska
After transferring to Nebraska for a hopeful breakout, Dane Key hasn't lived up to the hype. Many thought he would be a focal point for the Cornhuskers, but that hasn't happened. The big target has still produced strong numbers, just not enough to take him out of the seventh round of the mock draft. Key is a nice choice to help challenge for a roster spot and add some talent at a weak position.