There is still news coming out surrounding the NFL Combine, but at the top of the list is the number of prospects the Pittsburgh Steelers met with. The team spoke with many players who are eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft. While meetings at the combine aren’t always significant on their own, Pittsburgh has used these interactions to help guide past selections. It’s definitely something to keep in mind.
If the franchise doesn’t meet with certain players, it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s no interest. However, their formal Combine meetings give us a sense of direction to where Omar Khan might go.
Scheduling conflicts can always play a role, but a meeting at the Combine is often a strong starting point. This mock draft highlights several players the Steelers showed interest in during the Combine, along with others who could be on their radar.
Free agency may ultimately shift the team’s plans, but this seven-round mock draft outlines a unique draft strategy that features a gutsy trade-up for a second first-round selection.
Pittsburgh Steelers post-Combine mock features an aggressive approach to the NFL Draft
Round 1: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
It may not seem like the most likely choice, but the Pittsburgh Steelers shock many by opening this mock draft with an offensive tackle selection.
Monroe Freeling has been rising quickly up draft boards following an impressive combine performance. While the Steelers may not appear to need a starter on paper, the uncertain future of Broderick Jones continues to raise concerns. The team cannot afford instability at left tackle, and Freeling could help solidify the position if Jones is unable to stay healthy.
Steelers strike a trade after a notable receiver begins to slip towards the tail end of Round 1
It’s uncommon for the Steelers to trade up, especially to move back into the first round. In this mock draft, however, they find a reasonable price, driven by their pressing need at wide receiver. After identifying a prospect they value, they decide to make the necessary trade calls. The move costs them their original second-round pick, third-round selection, and one of their fourth-round choices.
Round 1 (via Seahawks): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Most of the top receivers are off the board at this point, but the Steelers see KC Concepcion fall within reach. The team met with him formally at the combine, and that could be just the beginning of their pre-draft relationship. Although he has dealt with drop issues, Concepcion has consistently found ways to create plays. He would be a strong addition and provide a boost to the offense.
Round 3 (via Cowboys): Hezekiah Masses, CB, California
Adding talent to the secondary is something the Pittsburgh Steelers must accomplish this offseason.
They wait until the third round to address that need, selecting Hezekiah Masses. He fits the prototype the organization typically looks for at cornerback, with excellent size, length, and strong press-coverage ability. An impressive combine performance keeps him firmly on the team’s radar.
Round 3 (comp. pick): Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
The Pittsburgh Steelers met with Genesis Smith at the combine, and he stands out as an intriguing prospect. Nearly every player at his position delivered a strong performance during the pre-draft workouts. With several Steelers facing uncertain futures as they approach free agency, the safety position could quickly rise on the team’s draft board.
In this mock draft, Pittsburgh selects Smith, who has earned a reputation as a “ball hawk” in this year’s draft class.
Round 4 (Comp Pick): Carson Beck, QB, Miami
There is a growing belief that Pittsburgh will select a quarterback at the upcoming draft. It may not be a top prospect, but rather a developmental project. That speculation gained momentum at the combine, where the team met with several project-type quarterbacks. Carson Beck may have the lowest ceiling among that group, but the Steelers could view him as a serviceable bridge option at the position.
Round 5: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
Another combine meeting for the Steelers was with Ted Hurst, a big-bodied receiver with exceptional speed.
Although he comes from a smaller program at Georgia State, he put together a strong college career. He began at Division II Valdosta State before transferring, and his past two seasons at Georgia State were outstanding. Hurst consistently uses his speed to create separation and win matchups, making him an intriguing potential addition to the Steelers’ offensive weapons.
Round 6: Deven Eastern, DT, Minnesota
Don’t rule out the Steelers selecting a defensive lineman, especially after meeting with several prospects at the combine. They haven’t shown much interest in Deven Eastern yet, but that will likely change. Pittsburgh has a strong track record of targeting Big Ten players, and Eastern fits the prototype they look for. He boasts long arms, a sturdy frame, and brings starting experience.
Round 6 (comp. pick): Lake McRee, TE, USC
With Jonnu Smith likely departing the organization this offseason, the Steelers could look to add another tight end.
That scenario may prompt them to use a late-round pick to address the vacancy. While Lake McRee didn’t stand out at the combine, he remains an intriguing option at this stage of the mock draft. McRee flashes encouraging traits as a pass catcher, but he’ll need to continue developing his frame and improving as a run blocker.
Round 7: Micah Morris, OG, Georgia
The Steelers opened their mock draft by selecting Freeling, and now they follow that up by choosing his Georgia teammate, Micah Morris.
With Isaac Seumalo likely departing in free agency, the team must find a replacement. They could address the need through free agency, but adding a young, long-term option is a smart move. Morris enters the NFL with extensive experience as a starting left guard, making him a natural fit for the role.