Welcome to Pittsburgh Steelers mock draft mania. We are wrapping up with my final two mock drafts of the 2026 offseason.
We have seen numerous scenarios play out, from trade-up to defensive focuses. This team can go in a variety of different directions. This mock draft is a little different, as it is what I would do if I were in charge.
I go after players and positions that I think are the best fit. Is this what the Steelers will end up doing? Probably not, but I feel like it gives Pittsburgh the best core to build around.
Pittsburgh Steelers trade out of the first round in my perfect mock draft
Steelers trade out of the first round with the Raiders
My top goal is securing some more talent along the offensive line for the Steelers. I want a player who can plug and play at guard to complete this offensive line rebuild.
Unfortunately, names like Vega Ioane and Monroe Freeling are gone well before I can pick. I’m not gung-ho on trading up in the first round, as I don’t see the value there overall. Instead, I field offers and look to trade down and acquire picks for next year.
The Raiders come calling and offer a competitive deal. A second and third round pick, in addition to moving up almost 20 spots in the third round, seems fair. It gives me the most flexibility to get the players and positions I want.
Round 2 | Pick 36: Emmanuel Pregnon, IOL, Oregon
Getting a hefty ransom and a top guard feels like the perfect scenario. While Emmanuel Pregnon lacks the elite traits Ioane has, he is a mauler in his own right. He feels like a massive upgrade compared to what this team has.
His run defense is his calling card, but he holds up well against power rushers on passing downs. His ability in space is the weakest element of his game, but even then, he still looks fine when on the move. He should be the next stalwart offensive lineman for this team and a bully along the interior.
Steelers trade up for a receiver with the Dolphins
I’m not done making moves. With the offensive line now set, I want another effective pass catcher for this team. The player I have in mind may not fall far enough to get him with our natural second-round pick.
I trade a fifth and one of our seventh-round picks to secure the guy I want. I wouldn’t be surprised if a move like this were to happen in the draft, given the Steelers' needs.
Round 2 | Pick 43: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
Germie Bernard isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but he runs sharp routes and has dependable hands. No, his athleticism doesn’t pop on tape, but he feels like a steady target that can complement the offense as an outside receiver and in the slot.
Round 3 | Pick 67: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
Moving up in the third round allows us still to land one of the top linebackers in the class. Josiah Trotter needs to improve his pass defense, but his run defense is stout. He flashes the ability in coverage to develop into an every-down player.
Round 3 | Pick 76: Darrell Jackson, DL, Florida State
I love the idea of landing a prospect like Darrell Jackson in the third round. He has the size and explosive ability to develop into a good starter. At worst, he could be a situational run defender. I’m betting on those traits at this stage of the draft.
Round 3 | Pick 99: Zakee Wheatley, DB, Penn State
A do-it-all safety, Zakee Wheatley can play either safety spot, although his coverage makes me think free safety is his better home. He can develop in year one before taking over as a starter after this year.
Round 4 | Pick 121: Devin Moore, CB, Florida
Like the Steelers, I like my big avatar cornerbacks, and Devin Moore fits the bill. He has a lot of great traits, but his health has been a concern. He won’t be needed instantly, but can sit and learn with the hopes of becoming a starter down the road.
Round 4 | Pick 135: Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College
Jude Bowry is a talented left tackle who excels in pass protection. He needs to get stronger and develop better technique as a run blocker. The traits are there to, at worst, be a swing tackle.
Round 6 | Pick 216: Riley Nowakowski, TE, Indiana
The Steelers need a third tight end and a fullback, and Riley could fill both of those voids. He is a gritty blocker and can do damage in space as a receiver. His size leaves some major questions about his fit, but for this specific role, it feels like a good fit.
Round 7 | Pick 224: J. Michael Sturdivant, WR, Florida
A sleeper in this draft class, J. Michael Sturdivant feels like he could have a bigger role at the next level than what he had in college. He has a lot of intriguing traits that could make him a viable depth receiver.
Round 7 | Pick 237: Chip Trayanum, RB, Toledo
The Steelers don’t have to draft a running back in this weaker class, but it feels like the team is out on Kaleb Johnson. Chip Trayanum has size, speed, and blocking ability. The question lies with his unique college journey and why it took him so long to develop into an impact player.
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