With each passing week, it appears the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to fall further away from landing a top quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft.
They were planning to take a signal caller of the future this coming Spring, but it seems those thoughts have changed. With a weakened class at the position in the draft, and the Steelers rising in the playoff standings, they might change direction.
Unless they find a way to trade up for a quarterback like Fernando Mendoza, Dante Moore, or Ty Simpson, it appears Pittsburgh might kick the can down the road once more. They could be forced into waiting until the 2027 NFL Draft to address the long-term need. Their success late in the season has put them in a tough spot to land a QB heading into the New Year, barring a miracle.
Pittsburgh Steelers New Years 2026 mock draft sparks fireworks to land top Quarterback
Steelers waste no time in locating a trade up for a top quarterback to kick off the mock draft
As the first round of this mock draft starts, the simulation witnesses a surprise for Pittsburgh. The top quarterbacks are beginning to fall, and Dante Moore is the first to go off the board with the third pick. The Steelers find a trade partner with the Arizona Cardinals to go up and take their top signal-caller on their draft board. The move comes at a high cost, but bold action is necessary.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1 (Via Arizona): Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
It's unlikely, but the Steelers find a way to trade up to take the top quarterback, Fernando Mendoza.
He is expected to be the top pick in the upcoming event, but he finds a way to slip in this mock draft. Pittsburgh would be thrilled with this outcome. He is a high-floor prospect who knows how to run an offense. Mendoza has shown signs of a Kirk Cousins-like personality. He should be liked in the building and can become a franchise quarterback, which the Steelers desperately need.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 2: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
Making your rookie quarterback feel comfortable is important, so adding his safety blanket from Indiana, Elijah Sarratt, might help. Mendoza and Sarratt have formed a strong tandem this season, as the big playmaker has become a reliable red zone threat. You would've liked to have seen Sarratt produce more yards, but he came down with 12 touchdowns this season, which is impressive.
READ MORE: Steelers’ latest 2026 mock draft raises eyebrows after skipping top priority
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: Cayden Green, OT, Missouri
Building depth along the offensive line will be essential this offseason.
Cayden Green remained available at this point in the mock draft and was too good to pass up. He has plenty of experience at left guard and left tackle, both of which are needed for the Steelers. Green can compete for the starting guard spot if Isaac Seumalo leaves in free agency, or could become a solid backup swing tackle in Pittsburgh.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4 (Compensatory Pick): Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
2025 has been the best season of Malik Muhammad's Texas Longhorns career. He has been a big-time player for them over the past three seasons, and it should catch the eye of many scouts. The Steelers could use help in the secondary with plenty of question marks surrounding their future. Muhammad is mostly a boundary cornerback, but he can help compete for a starting job.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5: Adon Shuler, S, Notre Dame
It is not an urgent need now, but it may become one.
Pittsburgh could use help at the safety position, and Adon Shuler should be the aid they require. He is a versatile piece at Notre Dame who could help their roster. Shuler has lined up in the slot, and both in the box and at deep safety. This is a solid part of the mock draft to take the Notre Dame product to boost their depth chart next season.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6: Duce Robinson, WR, Florida State
They already added Sarratt earlier in the mock draft, but don't be shocked if the Steelers double-dip at the receiver position. They add Duce Robinson here, who is another big-bodied playmaker who can do some damage. Robinson produced a breakout campaign after two forgettable campaigns at Florida State. The towering receiver would help produce some bully-style weapons for their offense.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6 (Compensatory Pick): Lee Hunter, DT, Texas Tech
One area the organization would be wise to keep investing in is within the trenches. They have plenty of young defensive linemen, but they should add more bodies to compete and push for quality players up front. Pittsburgh takes Lee Hunter here to help push some of the bottom-of-the-roster guys. He is a massive defensive tackle with three years of promising experience as a starter.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama
It's been a tough season for Domani Jackson, but it could lead to a draft-day steal.
He is a press man cover-cornerback, and that fits the bill of what the Steelers want. He has good size, but can be problematic with being too grabby downfield, similar to Joey Porter Jr. in some instances. Jackson has seen his snaps decrease this season, being benched at times, but his talent level is worth the gamble at this point in the mock draft.