Creating a mock draft that maps out every pick at the upcoming event is never an easy task. No one truly knows how the NFL Draft will unfold, even with months of analysis. That said, ESPN’s Matt Miller remains one of the most respected draft analysts covering the process.
In his latest article, Miller projects all 257 selections, but a few of his choices stand out as questionable.
No trade occurred for Pittsburgh during this simulation, which remains unlikely. They have 12 picks, and Miller shows that the bulk of selections could make the Steelers lean into odd choices. While giving Miller a grade isn't completely fair off a mock draft where he goes through that many picks, it's safe to say he made some bold decisions.
Overall, Pittsburgh comes away with a solid draft class, but Miller had them make some poor decisions along the way.
Pittsburgh Steelers receive mixed report card in ESPN Matt Miller's whacky Mock Draft
Round 1 | Pick 21: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
The mock draft opens with a bit of a wildcard selection for the Steelers. Kadyn Proctor is the pick, brought in to provide stability at left tackle. Proctor is a massive presence in the trenches and would help ease concerns surrounding Broderick Jones’s injury status. While Miller could have opted for a wide receiver at this spot, Proctor represents solid value and addresses a key need.
Round 2 | Pick 53: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
This is the point in the draft where Pittsburgh fans would likely lose their minds if this simulation came to life.
Garrett Nussmeier may be an option for the team, but selecting him this early would be a major reach. Taking him in the second round would signal a full commitment to him as the future starting quarterback. This draft class does not warrant investing such high capital in a quarterback, and selecting Nussmeier in Round 2 would be a significant mistake.
Round 3 | Pick 76 (via DAL): Gennings Dunker, OG, Iowa
After Miller’s misstep in the second round, he rebounds by sending Gennings Dunker to the Steelers. Dunker has emerged as a versatile offensive lineman throughout the pre‑draft process, though he is likely to settle in at guard at the next level. Pittsburgh could use reinforcements at left guard, and Dunker projects as a dependable starter with long‑term upside.
Round 3 | Pick 85: Tyler Onyedium, DT, Texas A&M
This pick marks the beginning of Miller’s back-and-forth grading throughout the mock draft. Selecting Tyler Onyedium at No. 85 overall feels far too aggressive. Pro Football Focus currently ranks him as the 244th prospect in this class, making the value hard to justify at this stage. Several defensive tackles who would have been a better fit for Pittsburgh were still available.
Round 3 (comp.) | Pick 99: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
This is where redemption arrives, as the Steelers land Chris Brazzell II late in the third round. ESPN ranks the wide receiver as the 50th overall prospect in the NFL Draft, making the value impossible to ignore at this point. When you factor in Pittsburgh’s clear need at the position, this becomes one of the strongest selections in the entire mock draft.
Miller earns high marks for this pick, as it stands out as one of the best values featured in the article.
Round 4 | Pick 121: Jakobe Thomas, S, Miami
Any momentum gained from the Brazzell selection comes to an abrupt stop with the choice of Jakobe Thomas. While the Steelers do have a need at safety, there were several better options still available. Instead, Miller has Pittsburgh selecting Thomas, who is ranked as the 297th overall prospect in the draft by Pro Football Focus. A clear miss by Miller at this stage of the mock draft.
Round 4 | Pick 135: Trey Moore, EDGE, Texas
The questionable decisions continue as the Steelers close out the fourth round by selecting Trey Moore. Unless Pittsburgh plans to trade one of its current outside linebackers, there is little justification for addressing that position. If the intent is to view Moore as more of an inside linebacker, the fit becomes even more unclear. The lack of a defined role makes this selection confusing.
Round 5 | Pick 161: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
At this stage of the mock draft, many project Kaytron Allen to come off the board around this range in the upcoming NFL Draft.
While the Steelers do not have an immediate need at running back, Allen fits the physical style the team traditionally values. He is a tough, downhill runner who may surprise some with his ability as a receiver and his willingness to block when asked. Although this pick does not address a pressing need, it at least offers reasonable value compared to several of the earlier reaches in the mock draft.
Round 6 | Pick 216: Collin Wright, CB, Stanford
Miller continues to stray off course with another surprising selection. Collin Wright lacks recognition across most draft boards, and Pro Football Focus ranks him as the 405th prospect in this class. While adding cornerback depth is a reasonable objective for the Steelers, Wright represents an extreme reach, even this late in the draft. The value simply does not align with the selection.
Round 7 | Pick 224 (via NE): Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southeastern Louisiana
After a stretch of baffling selections, Miller pulls things back together with an excellent value pick. Kaleb Proctor earns a strong grade, as he offers an appealing blend of upside and value at this stage of the mock draft. The Steelers add a quick, disruptive defensive lineman who could realistically develop into a starter over time. ESPN ranks Proctor as the 179th overall prospect.
Round 7 | Pick 230 (via IND): Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas
After several missteps in the middle rounds, Miller continues to recover by selecting Julian Neal.
The cornerback is commonly projected as a fourth-round talent, but he slips to this point in the mock draft. While the earlier selection of Wright becomes harder to justify in hindsight, landing Neal helps offset that mistake. Neal should provide quality depth at cornerback and has the potential to push some of the fringe roster players to rise up the depth chart.
Round 7 | Pick 237: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
Miller wraps up the mock draft for Pittsburgh by returning to the position where it began, offensive tackle. Isaiah World is a surprising selection, especially since ESPN projects him as a fourth-round pick, making this another excellent value late in the draft. The Steelers can never have too much help along the offensive line, and adding both World and Proctor strengthens that unit significantly.