2026 Steelers Mock Draft: Post Pro Day Edition

Spring has sprung and so has the first installment of the Mock Drafts. Ask here and today I will be performing my own Mock Draft for the Black 'n' Gold. Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, there are still some spots on the Roster that do need attention but thanks to Free Agency, the range of options have made predicting selections a bit tougher than what I am used to. In addition, this is the first year I cannot use Pro Day Visits as a major guide; a major department from the Mike Tomlin days. Mike McCarthy did address this at the NFL Owners Meeting; stating that there were difficulties along the way and that more Pro Day Visits were to happen. Whatever the case may be, we are now officially in April and Draft Day is less than 20 days away. As always, before we begin, a disclaimer to those new to the site!


These written statements by the author do not reflect nor are shared opinions of members of TheSteelersFans Message Board, Staff Members and/or Site Administrator.




Round 1 (Pick 21): Pittsburgh selects......


Emmanuel McNeil Warren: Safety from Toledo



Shocking?! Oh absolutely indeed. I myself initially had others pegged here but McNeil Warren is a player that can aid in both short term and long term. The First Round Pick should not just be about finding the "Best Player Available" but rather the "Most Impactful Player Available". Now granted, per the NFL Draft Advisory board, a little over 7% of all prospects would fall into the MIPA Category. The rest posses more uncertainty there; boom or bust as we call it. For Emmanuel, the major concerns for him are his propensity to telegraph his assignment pre snap along with being a coverage concern when faced with Wide Receivers who have great COD (Change of Direction) Skills, Explosiveness, Route Running and very good press beating abilities at the LOS (Line of Scrimmage). This however, is where things end for the negatives. As for the positives, Pittsburgh has historically prided itself on takeaways in multiple ways. Say hello to arguably the best player in terms of forcing fumbles not just in this class but one of the best players with said skillset in the past three drafts. While he will have problems against opposing wide outs who are very twitchy in the slot, Tight Ends and other Wide Receivers need look elsewhere for he has very unusual and very rare flexibility and agility for a man standing at 6'4. His press technique is also excellent; only some of the best being able to evade him. His biggest asset though is in run defense; an area where he shines. It isn't just about him routinely reading his gap assignments correctly but also heading to said areas with bad intentions. Given how often teams ran to Pittsburgh's Outside on stretch runs, having a Safety with the range like Emmanuel will greatly reduce the number of explosive plays on the ground.



Round 2 (Pick 53): Pittsburgh selects....


Carson Beck: Quarterback from the University of Miami



Now, before you chuck your proverbial apples, tomatoes and rocks at me, please, here me out. Recall on how I stated that Mike McCarthy did not perform many Pro Day Visits; the only one being at Georgia. Now, Georgia isn't where Beck finished.. but it is where he started. If there is a person who knows Beck a bit more than most College Coaches, Kirby Smart would fit this mold. Moreover to the point, Mike McCarthy clearly has a type for what he wants in his QBs; big, tall, large hands. Traits aside, there is a tools element that he also has an appetite for; processing ability, ball placement, multi read ability, accuracy, pocket management, rapid release (time to throw) and clutch capability. Carson Beck is all of this and then some. For example, Beck is more athletic than he is given credit for. If need be, he will scramble to pick up yardage. I wouldn't count him a running QB but he can do so if needed. The arm strength is definitely a question given some of the passes he did make this season but I still believe that UCL Repair Surgery will still need a bit more time there. A major common mistake that some make is that just because a player feels 100% does not equate to being 100%. This is a common Philosophical Category Error. For Beck, I imagine that his elbow is still working its way back into that state pre injury. In fact, some of that supposed lost velocity was actually seen during Miami's final four games before the College Football Playoff. What makes Beck though the likely pick here is that he will be the best QB to operate under Mike McCarthy's West Coast Offense. The previous aforementioned qualities that McCarthy looks for needs to be done at a consistent level. Throughout the 2025 Football Season, Beck has had the best release, best pocket management, best multi read ability and arguably the best processing of any College QB; Fernando Mendoza included and especially so. While Beck's age, gunslinger mentality and lack of creativity may scare off many NFL Teams, for the Steelers, a new era must also signal a new change in philosophy. Beck marks that new change and will have the opportunity to compete for the backup spot; a roster spot that is far more valuable than it is given credit for.



Round 3 (Pick 76): Pittsburgh selects....


Keylan Rutledge: Offensive Guard from Georgia Tech



Isaac Seumalo is gone and a major void needs to be filled at the Left Guard spot. Now, Pittsburgh can attack this a number of ways. The first way is to have Spencer Anderson kick to Left Guard for the starting spot. The second is to have both Brock Hoffman and Spencer Anderson battle it out for the starting role. Here is where I stand; Pittsburgh will select an Offensive Guard within the first three rounds and have said rookie battle it out with Hoffman over Spencer due to Spencer's versatility as an acting 6th Offensive Lineman on the team. Such versatility and utility are very rare among NFL Lineman and doubly so NFL Interior Offensive Lineman. That makes Spencer's skillset very valuable and thus should not be spent on a singular position. This is where Keylan Rutledge comes in; a tough, versatile and dependable blocker that can play all three IOL positions. For him though, learning Left Guard will be key though I don't suspect that the learning curve will be too deep given he has done so already. Beyond the usual monikers of him, my favorite aspect about Keylan is his overall anchor against bull rushers from both opposing IDLs (Interior Defensive Lineman) and EDGE Defenders. Doesn't matter how strong or athletic they are, Keyland always seems to stop them dead in their tracks; a pre requisite for any Rookie Guard wanting to start in the NFL as the likes of power, anchor, balance, body control and leverage are all critical in dealing in one on one situations. Now, Keylan has the power, anchor and leverage. Balance and Body Control?!... he isn't lacking but he isn't consistent either. Too often his play balance affects his ability to properly get into his pass protection sets consistently. His balance also creates issues in the running game as well; his pad level rising too high and giving his opponents easier opportunities to defeat him quickly. Despite this, I do believe that what I am seeing from Keylan is a player that is playing a bit too fast for his own good and not something athletically related. While I did have questions about both his traits and tools, both were answered at the NFL Combine and, as a result, I have far greater respect and appreciation for Keylan than I initially did heading in. He will fit the Steeler Mold Omar Khan often discusses; his competitive temperament being one of his most admirable intangibles. While he might not crack the starting lineup in 2026, having a rock solid contingency plan, doubly so in a talented rookie who can learn the ropes, is never a bad investment; especially in the trenches where games are won and lost.



Round 3 (Pick 85): Pittsburgh selects....



Antonio Williams: Wide Receiver from the University of Clemson



This pick is very self explanatory so I won't go over too much of the reasoning here. The team still very much believes in Roman Wilson despite the narrative around him and now armed with a new regime, Roman can still get back on track as there is still too much talent there to work with. Now, while a new regime can signal a new beginning.. it can also mean an ending should things not work out. Again, not saying Wilson cannot (I believe he will) but in the event that it doesn't, it is necessary to add a reliable contingency plan in the slot. It doesn't get much better, in this stage of the draft than Antonio Williams. Precise, calculating, detail oriented and dependable; all a QB could ever want in a reliable Slot WR option. From finding soft spots in Zone Coverage, understanding leverage in Press, beating press at the LOS to working the MOF, Antonio Williams' Career is one marked by dependency and proficiency in the slot. If only his availability matched up to it; two season's of missed time (2025 was a hammy and 2023 was due to lingering lower body injuries). While his savvy abilities to find soft spots to get open in Zone is great, how much punishment he is willing to take is something that must be considered. I do believe he can add 10 more lbs. without losing any explosiveness though. His agility is okay but that doesn't hinder him from running proper routes in the slot; strange considering the level of COD required in that spot usually has to be good at minimum. Overall, Williams' may have durability concerns but there are too many positives that outweigh his negatives at the moment. For Pittsburgh, adding in competition for Roman Wilson is a necessity and one of the draft's most underrated gems in Antonio Williams will be more than capable of doing so; starting even should it come to that.



Round 3 (Pick 99) Pittsburgh selects.....


Bud Clark: Safety from TCU


Drafting two safeties is definitely unusual; doubly so since one was already selected in Round 1. Again, much like Carson Beck, allow me to explain here. Let us begin with the current Safety Room. Now, on the surface, the team has the likes of Jalen Ramsey, JaQuan Brisker, Darnell Savage and Deshon Elliot. Sounds too good to be true... because it is way too good to be true. For one, the likes of Ramsey and Brisker will be primarily used as either Deep Third Safety options or Big Slot Backs. That leaves only the likes of Savage and Elliot as defined roles. Even if the likes of both Brisker and Ramsey's roles do continue in the domain of Safety, of the four safeties, only Elliot and Ramsey are both signed through 2026. After 2026, both Brisker and Savage are likely gone. That said, both Elliot and Ramsey have equally concerning issues of their own; Elliot being 30 by 2027 and Ramsey being 33 by the time his contract ends in 2028. This basically means that Pittsburgh has only two short term options in the building and no long term options. Enter Bud Clark; the best pure Free Safety in the entire class and arguably the best ballhawk in the entire class as well. Very few, if any Defensive Backs in the class, possess both the proven production along with the skills attacking the ball like Bud does. From undercutting Wideouts to playing the Deep Middle baiting opposing QBs, there isn't many ways in which you will not Bud generating turnovers for his game is built around having tremendous coverage. Deep Middle though is where he shines brightest but Bud isn't opposed to mixing up as a big slot option nor is he afraid to lay some boom as a Strong Safety. For the purposes of him though, having him as a Third Safety to nickel role will be the best way to start out his NFL Career. To begin, his technique in his tackling does need work; far too many lunging attempts and not enough wrap ups. His lack of technique in man coverage is also something that needs work on; prematurely opening his hips being a major flaw. The biggest though is his injury history; significant time missed in 2021-2022 and 2025 as well. That is three seasons. Despite the injury concerns though, everything else with Bud is very correctable and the proven translatable turnover production is simply too difficult to pass up here.





Round 4 (Pick 104) *** Pittsburgh trades pick 121 and pick 216 with Arizona to move up to this spot ***



Pittsburgh selects.....


Markel Bell: Offensive Tackle from the University of Miami


Broderick Jones has been reported to be "doing well" and that he will be ready to do whenever he is needed. While that alone is a good thing for Broderick, let us not forget about the current circumstances at play here. For one, Broderick's 5th Year Option is still needed to be picked up by May 1st. If not, he will be leaving as a Free Agent in 2027 unless he is extended here. For this mock, I am going with the likelihood that he isn't getting the fifth year option nor will he be a Steeler in 2027 either. Broderick though will (hopefully) play in 2026.. preferably all of 2026. This way, our future LT in Markel Bell can sit back and learn the ropes of the dos and do not's as an NFL Offensive Tackle. Let's just get the negatives out of the way; run blocking will always be his Achilles Heel. Never mind his height disadvantage but his lack of run blocking footspeed will limit him to gap only schemes. Now, for the West Coast, Zone Blocking... pretty much is the bread and butter of the Offense. However, with Mike McCarthy, I expect a change though it will not only be due to Markel Bell. Pittsburgh historically has had success with zone blocking but with McCarthy, he has emphasized he will used a varied approach depending on the running play calls themselves as opposed to limiting it to a formation. Given how some running plays do work with zone versus others, that is going to be interesting indeed. That said, while Markel's ability to run block is.. not great or even very good, his abilities as a Pass Protector are not just NFL Starter worthy but also one that is of Pro Bowl ability as well. His main strength doesn't just lie in his size but also how nimble and quick he is as well. For a 6'9, 345lbs. man, he sure doesn't move like one in pass protection. The good doesn't just end with size or movement. My personal favorite and arguably his biggest strength overall?! His overall recovery skills. From repositioning himself in his pass sets due to his superfreak level balance to his tremendous footspeed in pass protection, Markel Bell is an absolute nightmare for even some of the most freakshow EDGE Players. His strikes and independent hand usage are also major strengths as well; his play demeanor as well. Add it all up and you have an NFL Starting Caliber Offensive Lineman who just needs acclimation. At only 23 years of age, he still can get better from a technics perspective and he can do so while learning the game from the sidelines as a developmental piece.



Round 4 (Pick 135) Pittsburgh selects....


Tim Keenan III: Defensive Lineman from the University of Alabama


Yet another one for the new DC in Patrick Graham. While this one doesn't scream "flashy" or "appealing", I would rather ascribe Tim Keenan III to be smart and steady. Coincidentally enough, this describes TK III to the tee; he knows what he is and what he isn't. He will never develop into a reliable three down IDL; such IDLs are comically rare in today's NFL anyway. He doesn't possess much lateral agility; further limiting his versatility and his lack of length make him a zero tech exclusively. In a draft though with some notable run stuffing NTs though, I would consider TK III the most underrated gem of all of them. What he lacks in positional versatility and pass rushing he more than makes up for in pure run stuffing abilities. Given Patrick Graham's appreciation and propensity to stop the run, such a scheme will require players that are gap sound, dependable, and can be consistent in maintaining the LOS. TK III can do all the above while freeing up his fellow defenders to clean up the rest as he has shown he can consistently take on double teams. It may not happen as frequently as one would hope; stamina being an issue. However, given how he won't be alone along with him being a NT only reduces these concerns. Gems like TK III are not only worth their weight in gold due to their specific roles but also due to the scheme's they play in. Patrick Graham's Defense does need players who can stop the run and Tim Keenan III is one of the draft's best.



Round 5 (Pick 161) Pittsburgh selects.....


Mason Reiger: EDGE from Wisconsin


Pittsburgh sure does love Wisconsin Defenders don't they?! T.J. Watt, Isaiah Loudermilk, Keeanu Benton and Nick Herbig. All of them are former Badgers who have contributed in some form of way for the Steelers. While the regime is different, the mold in what Pittsburgh looks for remains the same in the Steeler Mold: tough, aggressive, relentless, perseverance and opportunistic. Mason epitomizes what it means to be a Steeler. Furthermore, he possesses the qualities Pittsburgh looks for in their 3-4 OLBs; fast, committed, dedicated, versatile and reliable. His Shrine Bowl performance opened up a lot of eyes but for me, his overall performance against Michigan is where I personally got my first glimpse of him. He isn't going to be winning a standup strength contest against bigger NFL Offensive Tackles currently but his ability to stack and shed them is more than enough to deem himself worthy of being a rotational piece. His primary asset though comes in the form of pass rushing; his inside spin move being one of his major highlights. He is also capable of swims and rips. All this said, his biggest trait is a term called the blue motor. In layman's terms, Mason Reiger doesn't quit on plays and will continue to play at the same speed from the beginning of the game to the very end. That is a quality any NFL Coach can both admire and be willing to take a swing at. I say take a swing at for Mason's pass rush plan is linear at the moment in both variation and setup. He doesn't have the ability to rely on speed to power quite yet and the speed at which he begins to attack Offensive Tackles is just one speed as a whole; his attack plan very easy to predict. That said, players like Mason Reiger provide stellar Special Teams value and, given how much Pittsburgh has lost during this past Free Agency, adding in someone like Mason can burden the blow.



Round 7 (Pick 224) Pittsburgh selects.....


Red Murdock: Linebacker from the University of Buffalo


Late to add an Off Ball Linebacker I know but this one is definitely worth mentioning. Much like Mason before him, he does fit the Steeler Mold. More over, he will fit in what Patrick Graham needs; an ass kicking run defender. That said... that is all Red currently provides. Don't ask him to play pass coverage for it isn't feasible. Special Teams though?! Very much so and this is where Red will shine brightest. If anything, he is likely a Special Teams demon and one of the draft's best kept secrets. Even though the NFL continues to devalue Special Teams, players like Red Murdock are still needed to both teach the basics of the NFL along with having youth to add along the unit as a whole.


Round 7 (Pick 230) Pittsburgh selects....


Anez Cooper: Offensive Lineman from the University of Miami


Can never have too many Offensive Lineman. In addition, Ryan McCollum and Brock Hoffman will only be here for one whole season. While we did select Keylan Rutledge, Anez Cooper as a backup is excellent insurance. For my money, Cooper is a Top 5 Guard in the entire class and getting him at this point in the draft isn't just excellent value but straight up highway robbrey. Very few IDLs and very few EDGEs will beat him in a pure contest of strength.. much like his teammate Markel Bell. Also like Bell though, very scheme dependent due to the lack of run blocking footspeed. Even so, Cooper as a backup given his potential and talent is very much an Omar Khan pick.



Round 7 (Pick 237) Pittsburgh selects.....


Andre Fuller: Cornerback from the University of Toledo


Cornerback is set in terms of the starters but the depth behind them is not very promising. Leaving that to a 7th Round Rookie is also not feasible. However he is here for a legitimate reason; to challenge Cory Trice Jr. Cory is on his last legs and will need to have a flawless summer. Even if he does, should Andre prove to be even level with Cory, I expect Cory Trice to be gone. Why does that matter for Andre Fuller?! That shows he can be looked at as someone to develop in the future. As a starter, he does have the desired traits and tools that Patrick Graham and the Steelers want in their Corners; big, tall and long. Decent speed but his foundation in press will allow him to take on most speed threats in the league.






That will conclude the first mock draft for the Pittsburgh Steeles! Thank you so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed! Please leave a comment below as it always helps me out! Before we leave, we are approaching the end of the Top Five Positional Rankings and Top 32 Big Board. Semi Final will be up this coming week for both along with the second mock draft. The final mock draft will be the week after!


Until next time, this has been AskQuestionsLater saying so long and stay safe!!

 

I appreciate the effort that went into this mock draft, but I have several concerns regarding the current selections.

I strongly disagree with taking a safety in the first round, particularly one who played a weak schedule and didn't prove himself against top-tier quarterbacks or elite college teams. He did not make enough plays vs. the pass.

Regarding the link provided (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/emmanuel-mcneil-warren-1.html), this choice simply doesn't work for me.

Additionally, I believe Beck is a reach in the early rounds and that playboy would be better suited for the third or fourth round. Regarding the third-round picks, while I like Rutledge, I believe he unavailable at pick #76. On a positive note, I really like the Bud Clark selection later in the third round!

-JB

 

Quite possibly the worst mock draft ever.


The 5th or 6th best safety in the first? Beck in the second?

 

Not a fan of the first two picks too high for both players IMO, I don't think they can wait until the third round to pick a WR. I like the picks of Rutledge, Clark, and Reiger though.

 

Not a fan.

 

If not Safety, CJ Allen is very much likely in play for pick 21. The rumblings of Patrick Queen becoming a trade target got that much louder since he has switched agents. Usually, players who switch agents often want a sizeable pay day. Pittsburgh isn't giving him such a payday as Joey Porter Jr is likely set to be either among the highest paid or even highest paid Corner in all of Football.


The major reason I chose Safety, more specifically Emmanuel McNeil Warren, is due to his penchant for creating turnovers, run stopping ability and versatility despite being a Box Safety. Others have Dillon Thieneman as the potential target but the team needs an enforcer at the Safety spot first and foremost. Dillon is a multi role DB best suited in the STAR role or as a Big Nickel; something I did address with Bud Clark later.



Remember, the draft is about maximizing each selection while finding the MIPA. As it stands, the secondary is lacking any sort or form of future pieces right now; none of which are true Strong Safeties. Emmanuel McNeil Warren is the drafts best one and can be an immediate contributor Day One.

 

I like a lot of this, but I don't think some of who you have will still be on the board at those picks, and some I believe You took too high.

 

May I ask who specifically?!

 

I think you’ve identified impact positions at multiple points. If they use all 12; this is as good of a plan as any I’ve seen.

I also think they could very readily take a safety in the first round.

Steelers well know from their own history how transformative an impact safety can be. Their biggest rival keeps their entire defense afloat with one. A rookie safety helped solidify the Seahawks defense.

And MM’s best defenses in GB had Charles Woodson wandering around the defensive backfield at a hybrid role.

 

QBs will always go much higher than they should. I have discussed why Beck is the best QB Ad Nauseum in the class. Among all the QBs that possess the traits needed to succeed at the NFL Level, I am pushing my chips in the middle of the table for Beck.

 

All the traits and tools I have listed do translate to the NFL. More importantly, can said QB do so consistently. Beck is the only one capable of such. Allar was getting there before his injury, Simpson capsized after the first half of the season and Curt Cignetti's Offensive Philosophy has already been discussed many times over in regards to Mendoza; Mendoza being a byproduct of it as opposed to the reason.