Make no mistake about it. If Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan has a chance to execute multiple trades during the NFL Draft, he will. The Steelers enter the draft with 12 selections, and while that volume can produce quality players, there simply are not 12 open roster spots available. The math does not work in Pittsburgh’s favor, which makes trades inevitable.
Expect Khan to leverage those extra picks to move up the board and secure players who can make an immediate impact.
All eyes will be on the Steelers in the first round to see whether they attempt to trade up for a premier prospect, but their activity likely will not stop there. Pittsburgh holds a whopping seven picks on the final day of the NFL Draft, a surplus that creates opportunities. This mock draft illustrates how Khan could stay aggressive on the trade front throughout the entire draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers trade-riddled mock draft finds a new way to create an elite draft class
As the first round of the NFL Draft unfolds, the Steelers initially hold their ground. They are unwilling to pay a steep price to move up early, but one of the draft’s top playmakers begins to slide into a range that makes sense for them. Tampa Bay emerges as a logical trade partner in potential negotiations. While Pittsburgh parts with a third‑round pick, the cost is justified.
Round 1 | Pick 15 (via TB): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Khan would welcome the opportunity for a top wide receiver to slide within striking distance, and that scenario unfolds in this mock draft. While some have raised concerns about the potential locker‑room impact Makai Lemon could have, his dynamic on‑field talent is impossible to overlook. Lemon would add a completely new dimension to Pittsburgh’s receiving corps.
If the Steelers choose to trade up in the first round, he is clearly a name to watch.
Day 2 of the mock draft begins with several intriguing prospects slipping out of the first round. Pittsburgh quickly gets to work, placing early calls in the second round and ultimately finding a trade partner in the New York Giants. The Steelers move up 16 spots, surrendering their final third‑round pick to secure a prospect they value with a first‑round grade.
Round 2 | Pick 37 (via NYG): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
While it is unlikely, Emmanuel McNeil‑Warren could slip out of the first round. If that scenario were to unfold, he would represent excellent value at this stage of the draft, especially considering the minimal cost required for the Steelers to trade up and select him. Although Pittsburgh already has a strong group of starting safeties, McNeil‑Warren offers a long‑term solution.
Round 3 | Pick 76 (via DAL): Keylan Rutledge, OG, Georgia Tech
One glaring need continues to persist for the Steelers, and that is along the offensive line. Pittsburgh selects Keylan Rutledge here to compete for the starting left guard position. He is an intriguing prospect who drew significant interest from the Steelers during the pre‑draft process. Rutledge should immediately challenge Brock Hoffman and Spencer Anderson for the starting role.
At this point in the mock draft, it would be easy to assume the Steelers would slow down on the trade front after already making two moves, but that assumption would be incorrect.
Pittsburgh closely monitors the tail end of the third round, watching for a potential value pick that begins to slide toward Day 3. In this scenario, they place a call to the Jaguars, a team open to acquiring additional draft capital. The Steelers move up 21 spots, surrendering a sixth‑round pick to make the deal.
Round 3 | Pick 100 (via JAX): Keionte Scott, CB, Miami
After completing their third trade in this draft simulation, the Steelers select Keionte Scott. Pittsburgh sent Ike Taylor to work Scott out at Miami’s pro day, a move that highlights the team’s level of interest. Scott is coming off an impressive College Football Playoff performance and is widely regarded as one of the stronger cornerbacks in this draft class. This would represent tremendous value.
Round 4 | Pick 135 (comp.): Sam Roush, TE, Stanford
Keep an eye on the Steelers potentially selecting a tight end earlier in the NFL Draft than many anticipate. Sam Roush comes off the board near the end of the fourth round, where he projects as a strong complementary piece to the team’s current group at the position. While Roush may not overwhelm as a playmaker, he is a dependable blocker with a subtle ability to create separation.
Here we go again, as this mock draft marks Pittsburgh’s fourth trade of the simulation. While the Steelers still have a need at inside linebacker, this selection comes later than many fans might hope. Fortunately, the team has viable starters in place for the upcoming season, which lessens the urgency at the position.
With Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson still in the fold, the need is not immediate, but Pittsburgh would still welcome the opportunity to add depth and long‑term upside at linebacker through the draft.
Round 5 | Pick 151 (via MIA): Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M
After moving up the board, the Steelers select Taurean York out of Texas A&M. While he may not project as an every‑down linebacker at the NFL level, those types of players are difficult to find in the later rounds of the draft. York is a physical run stuffer with a surprising amount of twitch to his game, though his coverage ability remains a concern as York transitions to the pros.
It is hard to believe, but this marks the fifth and final trade of the mock draft. Omar Khan once again shows he is unafraid to make bold moves when talented prospects slide into favorable draft positions. That scenario unfolds here, especially as some may have noticed Pittsburgh has yet to select a quarterback at this point. One signal‑caller slips later than expected into Day 3.
Round 6 | Pick 204: Taylen Green, QB, Arkansas
Many believe Taylen Green will not fall this far in the draft, but similar assumptions were made about Will Howard a year ago.
If Green does slide to this point, he would represent excellent value and a scenario in which the Steelers could strongly consider trading up. Green enters the NFL as a developmental prospect, but his ceiling is undeniable. It would ultimately fall on Mike McCarthy to refine his athletic traits and help mold him into a high‑level quarterback.
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