Welcome to Pittsburgh Steelers mock draft mania. With only a few weeks left until the draft, I want to create a steady stream of content ahead of the big day in April.
We looked at a disaster case with the Steelers pulling the trigger on a quarterback earlier. For this scenario, the team decides to forgo the 2026 draft class (to an extent) and focus on loading the boat for a quarterback in 2026.
They still land some good talent in this scenario, but they sacrifice filling a few holes now with their top picks with an eye to the future. It took some wheeling and dealing on the PFF Mock Draft Simulator, but overall, I wouldn’t hate this draft class.
The Pittsburgh Steelers make some moves with their eyes on the future in mock draft
Steelers trade back with the Dolphins in the first round
No matter what in this scenario, the Steelers were going to trade back to acquire picks for the future. The Dolphins wanted to move up for an edge rusher, and Pittsburgh was happy to move back nine spots.
In exchange, the Steelers net a second and third round pick in 2026, a solid haul for next year. While neither alone will help the Steelers move up into top quarterback territory, both can supplement the team when losing picks in a trade-up.
Round 1 | Pick 30: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
I am higher on KC Concepcion than most, and I would be a huge fan of moving back in the first round to draft him. He runs sharp routes, finds ways to get open, and is an explosive after-the-catch option for an offense.
The Steelers offense is lacking that right now. Conception can instantly come in and play both on the outside and in the slot. Most importantly, he provides another type of receiver to work with the bigger-bodied options already here.
Analysts are quick to ding Concepcion for his hands, but that seems like more of a concentration issue as opposed to his hands being bad. He actually makes some spectacular plays and extremely tough grabs.
Moving back feels like the perfect scenario. You get some ammo for next year and still fill your biggest need on the roster. Add in Concepcion’s fit, and this would be a strong start to the draft class.
Steelers trade out of the second round with the Titans
Tennessee moves up for a running back, and the Steelers get creative in order to accumulate more ammo for 2027. They give up their second round pick this year and swap third round picks (essentially move up 30 spots) and net a fourth round pick next year.
Not having a second-round pick hurts short-term, but it gives you three second-round picks next year in addition to another fourth. Suddenly, you are stockpiled with picks, and you can still land some quality talent in the third round.
Round 3 | Pick 66: Domonique Orange, DL, Iowa State
Defensive line feels like a position that could be drafted anywhere from the third round through the rest of the draft. The long-term need is obvious, so if the right player presents himself, the team should jump at the opportunity to land them.
Domonique Orange is a nasty run defender and profiles as a classic nose tackle. He has the athletic upside to develop into a pass rusher in time, but he isn’t there yet.
That said, he would give Keeanu Benton the flexibility to move around. This gives the Steelers the chance to see what he can do in a contract year.
Round 3 | Pick 76: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
An explosive player at the linebacker position is something this team has lacked for a long time. Anthony Hill Jr. is just that. While his athleticism hasn’t translated to coverage success, he is an aggressive run defender and blitzer.
His aggressiveness can get the best of him. He has some missed tackles and bad coverage angles because of his aggressive play. That said, he can be coached down, and I see no reason why he couldn’t become a starting linebacker for the team.
Round 3 | Pick 85: Genesis Smith, DB, Arizona State
The Steelers specialized in getting better against the run with their first two third-round picks. Now they get a coverage specialist who can fly around the backend of a defense and force big plays.
His downside is run defense, but he shows a willingness to stick his nose in and try to disrupt things. That can at least be coached up. That said, he can eventually fit in as a free safety and ballhawk for a defense.
Round 4 | Pick 121: Billy Schrauth, IOL, Notre Dame
One of the downsides of sacrificing picks this year is that you can’t fit every hole this year. Offensive guard is the biggest need on the roster outside of receiver, but we have to wait until round four to get someone. Thankfully, guards tend to fall in the draft.
Billy Schrauth is a talented mauler of a guard who has some injury history and questions about his athleticism. That said, he has a grittiness about him, and I think he would start sooner rather than later. He can get thrown into the mix at guard this year.
Round 4 | Pick 135: Carson Beck, QB, Miami
It feels like the Steelers are certain to take a quarterback in this draft class. In this scenario, they take a guy who profiles as a long-term backup. While Carson Beck isn’t a flashy name, he has the traits you want in a steady reserve.
Again, the idea of this draft is to land your quarterback of the future in 2027. You don’t need to take a risk with a high upside when you are banking on a QB in 2027. Beck can settle in eventually as a backup option for the team on the cheap.
Round 5 | Pick 161: Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington
You’ll be hard-pressed to find me not mocking one of the freakishly big Washington cornerbacks in my drafts. They have the rare size the team covets and don’t require a massive draft cost. Ephesians Prysock can develop and contribute on special teams.
Round 6 | Pick 216: Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
Tight end remains a need for this team. A third option can contribute on offense while also playing on special teams. Oscar Delp underachieved at Georgia, but he feels like he is talented enough to produce better in the pros.
Round 7 | Pick 224: Travis Burke, OT, Memphis
A recent draft visit, Travis Burke is a massive human being with all the traits you want in a tackle. He needs a lot of work. Thankfully, the Steelers have a strong coaching staff in place and could develop him over time.
Round 7 | Pick 230: Colbie Young, WR, Georgia
The Steelers got a savvy route runner in the first round. Now they get a big athletic option to try and develop. There are character concerns with Colbie Young, but he is worth the flyer in the seventh round.
Round 7 | Pick 237: Jordan Van Den Berg, DL, Georgia Tech
A fun player to watch, Jordan Van Den Berg is a great run defender with pass-rush upside. However, his lack of size and mass make him a hard player to fit on the line. I’ll bet on the traits as a backup that can wear multiple hats, though.