Things are starting to take an ugly turn for the Pittsburgh Steelers after their midseason collapse. Unless something changes for the better in a hurry, this team is looking down the barrel of another 9-8 season, missing the playoffs.
The only silver lining is that if they miss the playoffs and sit in the middle of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, they might have a shot at one of the premier quarterbacks.
While the prospect pool of gunslingers has certainly underwhelmed from preseason expectations, the Steelers continue to invest a lot of scouting hours into the position. They want to take a big swing at the event, and this mock draft shows their efforts. It will be interesting to see which college players declare for the NFL this spring, as their decisions could lead to significant shifts in draft plans.
Pittsburgh Steelers mock draft takes massive gamble to address the quarterback position
Steelers kick off this mock draft with a trade demanding a high price to move up
There could be significant changes in the prospect pool once the quarterbacks decide whether to return to college or enter the NFL. It's possible that only two top quarterbacks from the current projected bunch could make it to the draft, which would be bad news for the Steelers. In this case, more head to the NFL than anticipated, and Pittsburgh makes an aggressive trade up for one.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1 (Via Washington): Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
The Steelers moved heaven and earth to finally attack the quarterback position.
They go with Dante Moore, who has all the tools necessary to become an elite signal caller at the next level. He has a solid chunk of starting experience during his college career, but only one significant campaign at Oregon this year. Moore's a lanky player, but there’s a lot to like in his game that could make him a franchise-caliber talent.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 2: Ja'Kobi Lane, WR, USC
One thing that continues to stand out for Pittsburgh is its lack of options at the receiver position. They must help their young quarterback, and they do that in this mock draft with Ja'Kobi Lane. He hasn't lived up to expectations this year, but he has a lot of raw talent. Lane has great size for the position and continues to produce strong numbers despite his touchdowns decreasing this season.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
One of the common Pro Day trips for Mike Tomlin every draft cycle is to Georgia. Daylen Everette is a player they will be interested in. He's still a young player and has a lot of speed in his game. Pittsburgh needs to get younger in the secondary to pair with Joey Porter Jr., and Everette would be a terrific choice. He also contributed on special teams during his career, which further boosted his draft stock.
READ MORE: Steelers midseason mock draft reveals stunning plan for life after Aaron Rodgers
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: Charles Jagusah, OG, Notre Dame
It's uncommon for a freshman offensive lineman to start on Day One for Notre Dame, but that's exactly what happened with Charles Jagusah. He is a terrific athlete and has the perfect size for a big guy in the trenches. The Steelers will need someone to replace Isaac Seumalo after the season, and Jagusah would be a great fit.
He's a plug-and-play guy in the fourth round of this mock draft.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4 (Compensatory Pick): Bear Alexander, DT, Oregon
It appears the Steelers may still receive a fourth-round compensatory pick, and Pittsburgh uses it to invest in the defensive line. Bear Alexander has jumped around the college world almost every year, but he has found a home in Oregon. He has great size and fits the profile of what the Steelers look for in the trenches. Alexander must improve his pass rush at the next level, but he's a quality run stuffer.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5: Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State
He had a strong year last season, but he's followed it up with one that might top it. Bryce Lance is the second receiver taken in this mock draft as the Steelers try to mix depth and talent at the position once and for all. North Dakota State may not be on the same level as Ohio State, but the program consistently produces strong players.
When it’s all said and done, Lance will have produced more than 2,000 receiving yards and over 24 touchdowns over the past two seasons.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State
You should never stop investing in the offensive line, especially with the ups and downs of Broderick Jones this season. Max Iheanachor is the next prospect selected in this mock draft to bolster the offensive tackle position. While Iheanachor has been terrific for Arizona State, he remains a raw athlete. He has terrific size to mold, and Pittsburgh will hope to find a diamond in the rough.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6 (Compensatory Pick): Bud Clark, S, TCU
It appears the Steelers could receive a sixth-round compensatory pick for losing Russell Wilson and James Daniels in the past offseason. It would have been ideal to address the safety position earlier in the mock draft, but the team typically targets the secondary in free agency. Bud Clark is a solid addition at this point. He's a turnover machine who can struggle against defending the run.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana
One of the biggest knocks on Aiden Fisher will be his measurables going into the next level. His time in the NFL Draft will depend on how he tests at the combine. You cannot deny his strong character and production throughout his college career. Pittsburgh shouldn't get its hopes too high this late in the mock draft, but Fisher is someone who could turn into a Tyler Matakevich-type going forward.