The 2025 season hasn't even started, but the Pittsburgh Steelers will keep their scouts close to many of the top prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. All indications suggest that the team will attempt to land Aaron Rodgers' successor this Spring, when the draft will be held in Pittsburgh. It should be a talented crop of quarterback prospects, and the Steelers will need to trade up.
Unless the quarterback crop stinks this upcoming college campaign, there will need to be movement at the top of the selection process for the Steelers to land a top player.
They are projected to gain four compensatory picks for their losses this past free agency. That will boost their chances of trading up and having plenty of draft capital to make impactful selections throughout the seven rounds.
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Unless most of the projected top quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft fall off a cliff this year, the Steelers must move up to take one. There are a couple on the board who slipped within reasonable striking distance for Pittsburgh in the mock draft. It's unlikely the team will finish with the 16th overall pick, but it does allow for a cheaper price to trade up to nab their quarterback.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1 (via Dolphins): Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Most mock drafts have Garrett Nussmeier going a little earlier than this pick, but he lands with the Steelers in this scenario. He has great qualities that will make the organization attracted to him. He has good size for the position, can escape the pocket, and has a good chunk of starting experience.
Nussmeier could be the top quarterback with a fantastic 2025 season, but an average season could push him down the board enough to be in striking range for Pittsburgh.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 2: Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama
Day two of the NFL Draft rolls around, and the Steelers are thrilled with the first round. They wait until their second-round selection and are shocked that Domani Jackson fell into their lap. They take a highly skilled cornerback to help their secondary. Darius Slay is a pending free agent, and despite positive signs, the outcomes of Joey Porter Jr. and Jalen Ramsey will determine the need at this position.
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Steelers Mock Draft Round 3 (Comp Pick): Xavier Scott, S, Illinois
Mike Tomlin gushed about the possibilities Ramsey could provide due to his versatility in the secondary. Count that as the same thing that would intrigue the Steelers with Xavier Scott. The defensive back plays all over the place for Illinois' defense. He can play at outside corner, in the slot, or at safety.
With a pressing need at the safety position, Pittsburgh will utilize Scott there.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College
It's a massive year for Jude Bowry to prove to scouts that he is ready for the NFL. He is worth the gamble here as a project at the tackle position. Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu must prove their worth this year, but no matter the outcome, the Steelers must invest picks into the trenches. Bowry has played most of his time at left tackle, but he did start some games on the right side.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4 (Comp Pick): Jaheim Oatis, DT, Colorado
There has been a recent influx of young defensive linemen for this franchise, but that shouldn't stop. Jaheim Oatis joined the Colorado Buffaloes after being a quality starter for the Alabama Crimson Tide. It will be a massive year for the run stuffer. He might be worth more as a nose tackle to start his career, but Oatis would be a nice addition to the Steelers' rotation up front.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5: J. Michael Sturdivant, WR, Florida
Expectations are high within the Florida Gators program, and if they live up to the hype, they will need J. Michael Sturdivant to produce.
He struggled to live up to the expectations after his massive freshman campaign with the California Golden Bears. He moved to the UCLA Bruins but couldn't stay consistent. He has a terrific opportunity to re-establish his draft stock with the Gators.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5 (Comp Pick): Raylen Wilson, LB, Georgia
The Steelers could use some reinforcements at the inside linebacker position next offseason. They add Raylen Wilson at this point in the mock draft. He is coming off his first year of significant snaps with the Georgia Bulldogs, and it should only get better this time around. Wilson has shown great play at times, but more needs to be seen from him before he is anything more than a late-round flyer.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6: Braelin Moore, OL, LSU
Braelin Moore is an in-state product as he hails from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He and his brother played college football together, giving Tomlin a football bloodline he can connect with. Moore has played all over the interior of the offensive line throughout his career at Virginia Tech and LSU. He has started games at guard and center, which will boost his value as a potential backup.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6 (Comp Pick): Dane Key, WR, Nebraska
Nebraska is heading into a make-or-break season with expectations higher than ever. Dane Key was a top target for the team in the transfer portal after he showed steady progress during his three years with the Kentucky Wildcats.
Key is a big outside target at receiver who could challenge the playmakers currently on the Steelers' roster.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Malik Spencer, S, Michigan State
Adding versatility at multiple spots in the secondary might be the new way of thinking for the Steelers in this mock draft. Malik Spencer is a chess piece for the Michigan State Spartans. He can play the strong safety position, in the nickel, and in the slot. Spencer has produced two solid seasons, and this could be his shot to increase his draft stock if he can force some turnovers.