The bye week has come and gone, and the focus for the Pittsburgh Steelers is on keeping their momentum after the off week. That said, the college landscape has shifted dramatically since the start of the season.
We were supposed to see a huge influx of amazing quarterback talent. That hasn’t materialized. For a Steelers team in need of a long-term answer at quarterback, that poses a bit of an issue.
The Steelers also have a huge reserve of draft capital. Between known picks and projected comp picks, this team has an alarming 12 picks. After using PFF’s mock draft simulator, it has become pretty clear what will happen next year.
The Steelers will be moving around on draft day.
That said, for this simulation, I won’t project trades. Mocks are hard enough to get right. Adding another variable, like trades, seems foolish at this juncture. Using the simulator, here is my best early crack at utilizing this wealth of picks properly.
The Pittsburgh Steelers take their major swing at quarterback in recent mock draft.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
Despite the quarterback play not being as good as we thought it would be, the Steelers still seem poised to grab a quarterback early in this draft. While I was personally targeting Fernando Mendoza, he went far earlier than in the mid-20s.
We settle with one of the biggest boom or bust players with LaNorris Sellers. He has classic size, a cannon for an arm, and amazing mobility. Beyond that, his play is a work in progress. He needs at least a season to develop and learn some of the technical traits of the position.
That is fine, as Aaron Rodgers is supposedly looking to play another season. Sellers can learn behind him and plan to take over in 2027. If you can’t develop him, he likely won’t hit as a starter, but I’m willing to take that risk over a safer player.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 2: Charles Jagusah, OG, Notre Dame
Big, strong, and athletic. Charles Jagusah is relatively new to football, but he certainly looks the part of a future elite offensive lineman. His traits alone make him worth a day two pick.
Isaac Seumalo is likely playing his final games with the Steelers, so finding a new starter is a must. While the ceiling is sky high for Jagusah, he needs to develop his technique at the next level. He may not be ready to start week one, but again, I’m banking on the traits.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Keon Sabb, DB, Alabama
Despite heavy investments in the secondary this offseason, some youth is needed to stabilize the room. I doubt Darius Slay plays more than one season here, and Jalen Ramsey may have to move back to outside cornerback.
Keon Sabb can be some insurance in case Ramsey gives up his safety and slot work. He can play either safety spot and shines in physical moments. Slot work isn’t out of the question either. He would be a sound addition to a questionable long-term secondary.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Cayden Green, OT, Missouri
Despite heavy investments in the offensive tackle room over the past two seasons, neither has cemented itself as a long-term solution. While I hope that a reasonably priced veteran will be brought in to push both young starters, a third-round pick on another option is also sound.
Cayden Green has a nasty demeanor and physical style that will quickly make him a fan favorite. He adds extra pressure and insurance to the starting tackles. If he doesn’t have to stick there, he could also kick inside and provide value there.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Xavier Scott, CB, Illinois
The Steelers take a break from their avatar cornerbacks and target a versatile defender in Xavier Scott. He has the coverage ability to stay at outside cornerback and the physicality to shine in the slot.
Again, the long-term outlook of this room is up in the air. Scott can play multiple positions and should develop into a fine starter.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State
The younger Lance brother, Bryce, hopes to find a home at receiver in the NFL. While he was quiet early in his career, he exploded last season and flashed. He is a bigger body, but thrives by finding the soft spot in coverage and exploiting it.
For a Steelers team not focused on their vertical passing game, adding a player like Lance makes sense. He can even end up playing in the slot down the road if need be, where his size will be a weapon.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: Trey Moore, LB, Texas
…We are only halfway through this!
Trey Moore has the size and physicality that the Steelers want in their linebacker room. While some view him as an edge rusher, I think he is better suited off the ball. He can rush the passer and play the run. Coverage will need some work, but he has the athleticism to be a good two-down player and special teams’ option at worst.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5: DeMonte Capehart, DL, Clemson
DeMonte Capehart sometimes looks the part of a game wrecker, but inconsistencies and a lack of playing time, despite being a senior, draw questions about his true ceiling. The Steelers have their starters set, so they can take a shot on a developmental player to eventually work into the rotation.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5: Darius Taylor, RB, Minnesota
Running back isn’t a supreme need for the Steelers, but adding another option with this surplus of capital makes sense. Darius Taylor is a classic Pittsburgh back, lacking long speed but can hit the hole hard for short and intermediate runs.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6: Iapani Laloulu, OC, Oregon
Is center a need? No, but landing a better backup is good insurance. Iapani Laloulu has some good tape as a powerful center at Oregon, but his lack of length will limit him at the next level and likely keep him as just a backup.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6: Rayshaun Benny, DL, Michigan
Rayshaun Benny is the antithesis of Capehart. His ceiling is low as a good rotational run defender, but you know what you are getting in him, and he is a good scheme fit. He can help fill out the back end of the depth chart along the defensive line.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Squirrel White, WR, Florida State
Another shot in the dark here, but overall receiver depth is needed, and Squirrel White is an explosive option. His lack of size and a route tree will make it tough for him to develop into a starting receiver, but he can be a potent returner and gadget player.
12 picks allows the Steelers to throw a lot of darts at the wall, but again, I expect this team to make some moves that will limit this capital.
That said, they acquire their developmental franchise quarterback and continue to build in the trenches with five total linemen, including two that could start sooner than later. You also refresh the secondary with some new faces. This certainly helps build the team for the future while adding some players who can help out right away.