Even after trading with the Indianapolis Colts for Michael Pittman Jr. at the start of free agency, most expect the Pittsburgh Steelers to target a wide receiver in the first round. The Steelers haven't taken a wideout in the first round in twenty years (Santonio Holmes in 2006), and new head coach Mike McCarthy will want a well-rounded player he can run his offense through.
However, that doesn't mean the Steleers are guaranteed to go that direction in Round 1. Recent buzz suggests general manager Omar Khan could go with a defensive back in the first round, and Oregon's Dillon Thieneman has been linked to Pittsburgh. But if the Oregon product is off the board, that doesn't rule out safety as an option.
In my latest four-round Steelers mock draft, I have Khan making some head-scratching decisions that would catch fans off guard.
Pittsburgh Steelers make bold decisions in this four-round mock draft
Round 1 | Pick 21: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
It appears the Steelers are set to run it back with Jalen Ramsey for another season in 2026, but the veteran has no guaranteed money left on his deal and can be released without consequence at any given moment. Meanwhile, none of DeShon Elliott, Jaquan Brisker, nor Darnell Savage are signed beyond the 2026 season.
Taking a safety in Round 1 feels like a luxury with the sudden influx of depth on hand, but the Steelers will want a player who can be around for the long haul. The Seahawks found tremendous success early with safety Nick Emmanwori, and Pittsburgh could opt for a long, rangy safety who can wear multiple hats.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren isn't the top safety in the class, but the Steelers could fall in love with his length, closing speed, and impressive tape. It would be uncharacteristic to see a player from the MAC go to Pittsburgh in Round 1, but we are entering uncharted territory with Khan and McCarthy.
This would be deemed an on-value pick, though fans would be scratching their heads that the team elected not to go with a wide receiver or player who could help their offense.
Round 2 | Pick 53: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
After passing on a wideout in the first round of this Steelers mock draft, I have Khan taking one of the best remaining receivers in Round 2. Zachariah Branch is a polarizing receiver, as draft analysts have a wide range of views on the speedster.
At just 5'8 5/8'' and 177 pounds, Steelers fans would be nervous about his small frame—especially after watching Calvin Austin III struggle with inconsistency over the past three seasons. However, Branch is electrifying with the ball in his hands, and could pair well with DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. on the outside.
The Steelers had a reported Pro Day dinner meeting with Branch, so the interest is there. Branch could serve as an explosive slot option, thanks to his elite yards-after-catch ability.
Round 3 | Pick 76 (via DAL): Markel Bell, OT, Miami
This isn't the first time I've mocked Markel Bell to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and it probably won't be the last. Bell was the first reported 30-visit for the Steelers this year, and with the shift in offense from Arthur Smith to Mike McCarthy, they could be looking for big, anchoring pass protectors.
At 6'9 1/4'' and 346 pounds with 36 3/8'' arms, Bell will instantly be one of the biggest players in the NFL upon his entry into the league. The Miami left tackle does his best work in pass protection, as edge rushers can't go through him, and it takes a lot of effort to get around him.
With uncertainties regarding Broderick Jones' future, offensive tackle might be a bigger need for the Steelers' front office than most fans anticipate.
Round 3: Pick 85: Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh
Perhaps Khan simply did his due diligence by making the short walk to Pitt's Pro Day to scope out Kyle Louis, but it only helps his case for being drafted by the Steelers. Pittsburgh's brass also held a pre-draft visit with Louis (though he's a local prospect and doesn't count toward their 30 total visits).
Louis is an undersized coverage specialist at the linebacker position. His incredible hip flexibility and change-of-direction ability were on display at his Pro Day. This is something that popped from his performances at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine as well.
Though the Steelers have a full room of off-ball linebackers at the moment, they could speed, youth, and coverage ability at the position, and Louis offers all three.
Round 3 | Pick 99 (comp.): Garrett Nussmeier, QB LSU
We know the Steelers are aiming to take a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft; it's just a matter of when. Recently, eyes have been on Miami's Carson Beck and North Dakota State's Cole Payton after their reported pre-draft visits with Pittsburgh. But the connections with Garrett Nussmeier are impossible to ignore.
Nussmeier's father, Doug, served as a tight ends coach and later a quarterbacks coach under Mike McCarthy in Dallas from 2020 to 2022. During that time, McCarthy got to know Garrett.
McCarthy values quarterbacks who are accurate from the pocket and who can get the ball out in timing and rhythm. Nussmeier is an older prospect with pedestrian traits, but that's why the Steelers are getting him with a compensatory third-round pick.
Round 4 | Pick 121: Beau Stephens, OG, Iowa
It will be a bit surprising if the Steelers don't address the guard position sooner than this, but if they wait until Round 4, Beau Stephens feels like a perfect option. The Iowa prospect is as tough as nails and is coming off an excellent senior season as a starter at left guard for the Hawkeyes.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh signed Brock Hoffman in free agency, who can start at the position. Stephens would make the roster as a backup and attempt to compete for a starting role by his second season, if all goes well.
Round 4 | Pick 135 (comp.): Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington
The Steelers have expressed interest in both Washington cornerbacks—Tacario Davis and Ephesians Prysock. This is likely due to their impressive physiques. Both Davis and Prysock stand at over 6'3'' with over 33-inch arms, and their play styles would make them a good fit as boundary cornerbacks in Pittsburgh.
With Davis off the board in this mock, I have the Steelers going with Prysock with the second of their fourth-round picks. Pittsburgh improved the cornerback position in free agency, but Prysock would give the Steelers a rangy 'Cover 3' corner with youth and upside at the position.