At the bye week of the season, the Pittsburgh Steelers sit atop the AFC North standings with a 3-1 record. It's too early to call them favorites to win the division, especially with some of their questionable ways to achieve victory during the first four games. No matter how the remainder of the season transpires, nothing will feel successful unless the Steelers win a playoff game.
While the season pushes on, many aren't paying attention to the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Numerous storylines will surround Pittsburgh as it prepares to host the event in April. The Steelers will probably move on from Aaron Rodgers, barring an unforeseen change of heart by team and player.
They’ll need to rebuild their offense once again, and this mock draft reflects that effort.
Pittsburgh Steelers 7-round mock draft has the team making a blockbuster trade
Steelers call the Las Vegas Raiders to secure a trade up for a young quarterback
With numerous compensatory picks expected to join the Steelers' number of selections, they can afford to pay a hefty price to trade up for a young quarterback. While the class of signal callers hasn't been off to a terrific start to the season, some are doing well. Pittsburgh must identify which player is worth moving up 5-10 slots. They find one in this mock draft.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1 (Via Raiders): Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
He wasn't high on many draft boards heading into the campaign, but Dante Moore is starting to catch the eyes of NFL scouts.
The Steelers attended the Penn State vs Oregon game last week, and they got a first-hand look at how Moore operates in big-time situations. He's in his first year as the starting quarterback for the Ducks, but he is off to a fantastic start, which is boosting his draft stock.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 2: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State
Drew Shelton isn't a finished product, but he has a blend of youth and experience heading to the NFL Draft. He fits the mold of what the Steelers prefer in their offensive tackles. The remainder of the season for Broderick Jones will be the litmus test regarding how desperate the Steelers are for a left tackle. They add Shelton here to provide starting competition to Jones next season.
READ MORE: Steelers got a scary look at why this quarterback may be a draft disaster
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Eric Singleton Jr., WR, Auburn
They have DK Metcalf, but they will probably lose Calvin Austin III in free agency this offseason.
This mock draft addresses the alarming need at the receiver position by selecting Eric Singleton Jr. He is in his first season with Auburn after two strong years with Georgia Tech. He is an electric player at the receiver position who can also contribute as a runner. Singleton would be a nice addition to Pittsburgh's offense.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3 (Compensatory Pick): Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
Not having Minkah Fitzpatrick remains a sore spot on defense for this team. Unless they make an addition before the draft, they will need to address this need. Zakee Wheatley is the second Penn State product to go to the Steelers in this mock draft. He is a reliable backend safety who serves as the safety pin on defense. He would be a solid fit with Mike Tomlin and his team.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4 (Compensatory Pick): Roman Hemby, RB, Indiana
Kaleb Johnson hasn't been as advertised thus far, and Kenneth Gainwell is a pending free agent after the season. Expect the Steelers to add a running back this offseason, and Roman Hemby fits their mold. He has solid size, and he spent four years at Maryland before transferring to Indiana. Tomlin values Maryland players, and Hemby is accustomed to having plenty of carries.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5 (Compensatory Pick): Suntarine Perkins, OLB, Ole Miss
After a breakout campaign in 2024, Suntarine Perkins was expected to have a monster season. He is off to a slow start, but he oozes talent. His potential is through the roof. The Steelers could always move on from Alex Highsmith this offseason, and could need another outside linebacker. Pittsburgh adds Perkins at this point in the mock draft to be a depth option with high upside.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6 (Compensatory Pick): Cameron Calhoun, CB, Alabama
He has a lot of what you want from a cornerback prospect, but Cameron Calhoun must continue his progress following the draft. The Steelers could always use some new faces in the secondary, especially when it comes to competition at the bottom of their roster. Calhoun can play multiple spots in the secondary and plays on special teams at Alabama.
He would have a perfect shot to make the team.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Aaron Graves, DT, Iowa
Pittsburgh loves Iowa for their defensive lineman in recent drafts with Yahya Black and Logan Lee, who both made their roster this season. Aaron Graves could be the next Hawkeye to join the Steelers. The defensive tackle is off to a fantastic start to the campaign and could break out. The Steelers would love to have him. He fits their mold of a defensive lineman perfectly.