The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a strong start to free agency, with a big trade for receiver Michael Pittman Jr. from the Colts and the signing of Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean as the headliners. Even so, all good teams separate themselves by how well they can build through the NFL draft.
Omar Khan has done a solid job in that department since taking over for long-time general manager Kevin Colbert, but he will need to pull off his best work yet in 2026 if he wants the Steelers to compete next season. There is added pressure as well, with Pittsburgh hosting the draft this April.
In this three-round mock draft, Pittsburgh turns its five top 100 selections into multiple day one contributors, including a potential star receiver for new head coach Mike McCarthy's offense.
3-round Pittsburgh Steelers mock draft fortifies the trenches and targets a potential focal point on offense
Round 1, Pick 21: Omar Cooper Jr., Wide Receiver, Indiana
Omar Cooper Jr. is one of the fastest-rising prospects in the entire 2026 class, and he fits the mold of what McCarthy has looked for at the receiver spot in recent years. His blend of ball skills, sharp route running, and toughness after the catch makes him a perfect fit next to DK Metcalf and the recently added Pittman.
Cooper Jr. also has the flexibility to play both outside and in the slot, something the rest of the Steelers receiving room can't boast. Could they go away from receiver in the first round now that Pittman is in town? Absolutely, but you need three good ones in the NFL if you don't have a true star.
Round 2, Pick 53: Chase Bisontis, Guard, Texas A&M
With their second pick, Pittsburgh looks to fill the gaping hole left behind by the departure of veteran guard Isaac Seumalo. Chase Bisontis is one of the consensus top guards in the 2026 draft class, especially when you remove the many potential tackles who may end up moving inside at the next level.
He is a plus athlete and excels in pass protection because of it, but he does lack some strength on tape. He is at his best in the run game when on the move and as a puller, where he can weaponize his movement skills. He may struggle against bigger defensive linemen at first, but he has a high ceiling worth betting on in the second round.
Round 3, Pick 76: Devin Moore, Cornerback, Florida
Pittsburgh finally targets a defender with its first of three third-round picks, going with the long, athletic Florida cornerback Devin Moore. Moore fits the prototype Pittsburgh has been prioritizing in recent years at the CB spot, standing 6'3" and 198 pounds. He is a physical man cover corner with enough speed and agility to hold up against most receivers.
He may have trouble against smaller, quicker receivers, but he won't face many while playing on the boundary in Pittsburgh. He could benefit greatly from learning behind Jamel Dean and Joey Porter Jr. for a year or two before competing for a starting job.
Round 3, Pick 85: Domonique Orange, Defensive Tackle, Iowa State
Known better by his nickname "Big Citrus", Domonique Orange lives up to that moniker, standing 6'2" and 322 pounds. He is a true nose tackle with the power and anchor to hold up against double teams at the NFL level. He lacks juice as a pass rusher, which limits his upside as a potential three-down player, but Pittsburgh has Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton, and Cameron Heyward to handle pass-rushing duties.
With Heyward only getting older and Benton being ill-equipped to continue being used as a nose tackle, Orange could quickly carve out a role as early as his rookie season.
Round 3, Pick 99: Markel Bell, Offensive Tackle, Miami
We kicked off this mock by nabbing a player from the National Champion Indiana Hoosiers, and we finish it with an intriguing player from the runner-up Miami Hurricanes. Markel Bell is a mammoth offensive tackle prospect, standing at 6'9" and 346 pounds. Despite his massive frame, he is more agile and effective in pass protection than he has any right to be.
Bell is definitely a bit of a project, especially in the run game, where his size actually hurts him, thanks to his understandably high pad level. Still, he has the ability to be a more athletic version of Orlando Brown Jr., who has managed to start 120 games in the NFL despite similar weaknesses.