The Pittsburgh Steelers' hiring of Mike McCarthy as their next head coach will mean many changes moving forward, and the most impactful could be a renewed commitment to improving the offense. After nearly 60 years of being run by a defensive-minded HC, Pittsburgh's shift towards the offensive-minded McCarthy suggests that they will be prioritizing adding talent on his side of the ball this offseason.
Free agency is rather thin on offensive difference-makers this year, but fans should expect general manager Omar Khan to do his best to find diamonds in the rough as he did with Kenneth Gainwell a year ago.
Where they can make real improvements is through the 2026 NFL draft, which, of course, will be coming to the Steel City this April. What better time to go all-in on fixing the offense than in front of your own fanbase, and that is exactly what I am attempting to do in my latest 3-round Steelers mock draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers go all-offense in latest 3-round mock draft
Pick 21: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
The overwhelming consensus for where Pittsburgh will go with their first pick is wide receiver, and for good reason. DK Metcalf failed to live up to his massive contract in 2025, and he is still the best they have at the position by a wide margin. Still, with Isaac Seumalo hitting free agency and the geriatric Aaron Rodgers likely returning as the starting quarterback, solidifying the offensive line needs to be a priority.
Penn State's Olaivavega Ioane is one of the best offensive linemen in the 2026 class, and he thrives in pass protection at the guard spot. He has the size to stall even the strongest interior rushers, and he moves better than you would think at over 320 pounds. Is he the highest upside pick? No, but he would help lower the chance that the offensive line takes a step back next season.
Pick 53: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
This is where I have the Steelers dipping into a really strong wide receiver class. Elijah Sarratt is coming off a solid, if unspectacular, season for the National Champion Indiana Hoosiers. He was one of the best receivers in college football back in 2024, but his play took a bit of a downturn in 2025.
Even so, he scored 15 touchdowns on just 64 receptions, and his ability to convert tough catches and back shoulder throws would take the pressure off of Metcalf to do those things. Whether Rodgers is the QB or not, adding a gritty possession receiver with a little bit of run after catch ability would be a big help in the passing game.
Pick 75 (via Cowboys): Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State
The Steelers go with another Penn State product with their first of three third-round selections. Nittany Lions' left tackle Drew Shelton is an interesting prospect due to his athleticism and technique in pass protection, and Pittsburgh could absolutely use his skill set along its offensive trenches.
Shelton could compete for the starting LT job as a rookie, especially with Broderick Jones' future very much in the air after a neck injury late in the 2025 season. Dylan Cook played very well in his absence, but the sample size wasn't big enough to assume he can handle being the full-time starter moving forward. Shelton's play strength could potentially hold him back from being a starter in the NFL, but that could improve in a pro conditioning program.
Pick 85: Eli Stowers, TE (sort of), Vanderbilt
I know, I know. A tight end pick this early, or even at all? While yes, Pittsburgh isn't exactly hurting for bodies at the TE spot currently, that could quickly change. Connor Heyward is a free agent, and Jonnu Smith is one of the most obvious cut candidates in the entire league. Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers is also much more of a big slot receiver than a real tight end, allowing him to be deployed in creative ways by McCarthy's staff.
While simply getting the ball to Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington would be great after last season's debacle, adding more versatile playmakers is rarely a bad thing. Stowers wouldn't have to play a ton of snaps right away, affording the Steelers time to figure out how best to use him.
Pick 99: Kevin Coleman Jr., WR, Missouri
To finish things out, Pittsburgh adds one final playmaker who could complete their receiving room. Missouri's Kevin Coleman Jr. had a strong week at the Senior Bowl, and he may have played himself into third-round conversations.
Coleman Jr. is a slight receiver at just 174 pounds, but his precise route running and surprising ability to make plays in traffic make him a legit slot weapon. A receiving room of Metcalf, Sarratt, and Coleman Jr. may not strike fear in the hearts of defenses, but it would at least be a group with some upside compared to last year's group.