The Pittsburgh Steelers are stepping into a new chapter with the hiring of Mike McCarthy as their head coach. This move signals a significant cultural shift for a franchise known for its stability, having had only four head coaches since 1969. McCarthy, returning to his hometown, is eager to guide the Steelers back to their championship roots.
With a hefty arsenal of 12 draft picks, Pittsburgh is poised to make a splash in the 2026 NFL Draft. The consensus among experts is that the offensive line should be a top priority, with standout prospects from major college programs ready to anchor McCarthy's system. However, the Steelers have the flexibility to either shore up the trenches or trade up for a game-changing playmaker, making this draft a pivotal moment for the franchise.
Let’s dive into the latest mock drafts to see how the Steelers might utilize their picks:
On The Clock Mock Draft (Steelers.com)
- Mike Prisuta: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
- Max Starks: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
- Matt Williamson: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Notable: All three analysts predict the Steelers will target a wide receiver in the first round, indicating a strong desire to bolster their receiving corps.
Matt Miller's Mock Draft (ESPN)
- 21: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
- 53: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
- 76: Gennings Dunker, G, Iowa
- 85: Tyler Onyedim, DT, Texas A&M
- 99: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee
- 121: Jakobe Thomas, S, Miami (Fla.)
- 135: Trey Moore, EDGE, Texas
- 161: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
- 216: Collin Wright, CB, Stanford
- 224: Kaleb Proctor, DT, SE Louisiana
- 230: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas
- 237: Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
Vinnie Iyer's Mock Draft (The Sporting News)
- 21: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
- 53: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
- 76: Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
- 85: Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor
- 99: Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
- 121: Treydan Stukes, CB, Arizona
- 135: Kevin Coleman Jr., WR, Missouri
- 161: Albert Regis, DT, Texas A&M
- 216: Pat Coogan, G/C, Indiana
- 224: Jordan van den Berg, DT, Georgia Tech
- 230: Robert Henry Jr., HB, UTSA
- 237: Tommy Doman Jr., P, Florida
Field Yates' Mock Draft (ESPN)
- 21: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
- 53: Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
Tom Fornelli's Mock Draft (CBS Sports)
- 21: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Ryan Wilson's Mock Draft (CBS Sports)
- 21: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
- 32: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
- 85: Gennings Dunker, IOL, Iowa
- 99: VJ Payne, S, Kansas State
Notable: Wilson suggests the Steelers might trade up, sending two second-round picks to the Seahawks for the 32nd overall pick.
Lance Zierlein's Mock Draft (NFL.com)
- 21: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Todd McShay's Mock Draft (The Ringer)
- 21: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
Mel Kiper's Mock Draft (ESPN)
- 21: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
As the Steelers gear up for the draft, the focus remains on building a solid foundation for the future. Whether they prioritize protection for their quarterback or add explosive talent on the outside, Pittsburgh is positioned to make impactful decisions that could shape their trajectory for years to come.