The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a tricky situation as they approach the 2026 NFL Draft. With an eye on snagging a top-tier wide receiver, they might find themselves out of luck unless they make a move to trade up in the first round.
This scenario is playing out in several mock drafts, including the latest from NFL Network's draft expert Bucky Brooks. In his 2026 first-round mock draft, receivers are being snapped up quickly.
Brooks has the Cleveland Browns taking Ohio State's Carnell Tate at No. 6, followed by Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson heading to the New Orleans Saints two picks later, and USC's Makai Lemon going to the LA Rams at No. 13.
By the time the Steelers are on the clock with the 21st pick, the top three receivers are already gone. Brooks predicts Pittsburgh will select Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion. He notes that new head coach Mike McCarthy might see shades of Randall Cobb in Concepcion, whose catch-and-run abilities could add a fresh element to the Steelers' passing attack.
While Concepcion isn't a bad choice at 21, the way the draft unfolds in Brooks' mock isn't ideal for the Steelers. Missing out on Tate, Tyson, and Lemon means Pittsburgh might be picking their fourth-choice receiver. Some analysts even rank Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr. and Washington's Denzel Boston higher, placing Concepcion as a WR6 in the class.
Choosing the fourth, fifth, or sixth best receiver at 21 isn't exactly thrilling. To make matters more challenging, top offensive line prospects like Miami's Francis Mauigoa, Penn State's Olaivavega Ioane, Utah's Spencer Fano, and Georgia's Monroe Freeling are also off the board before Pittsburgh's turn.
Drafting KC Concepcion isn't a bad outcome. He'd be a solid fit in McCarthy's offense, complementing DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. on the outside. Yet, there's a sense of settling for a second-tier option, knowing they missed out on the top first-round-graded wide receivers of 2026.