Since The Draft Is Happening Soon

I thought I would give a mock draft a try today. I'm not anywhere as up to date on the prospects in this draft, so much of this comes from the 30 visits and pro days attended.

Here goes nothing:

Rd1 Pick 21: Chris Johnson CB, SDSU - Future 1a CB with immediate starter capabilities.

Rd2 Pick 53: Gennings Dunker OL, Iowa - High floor OL that should excel at LG.

Rd3 Pick 76: Carson Beck QB, Miami - QB is too high of need to not take one with a top3 pick

Rd3 Pick 85: Zachariah Branch WR, GA - Speedy slot WR/Return specialist

Rd3 Pick 99: Bud Clark FS, TCU - 15 INTs in 4 seasons. Too much production to ignore here.

Rd4 Pick 121: Austin Barber Swing Tackle, Florida - Immediate swing tackle that should develop into the starting lineup at LT or RT in year 3.

Rd4 Pick 135: Taylen Green QB, Arkansas - This is more of a personal choice here. I'm looking at Green to be used as an offensive weapon in multiple ways. Much like how the Saints used Taysom Hill.


This is where I will stop. Like I said before, I just don't know this class as well as past classes.

 

I like the idea of getting another corner on the other side of Porter that will stick around longer than just a year, which has been the case for too long now.

If we get two lock down corners on either side of the field the defense could be dangerous.

Plus we get our guard in the 2nd. Alot of the guards in the draft are praised for pass pro, but Dunker looks to be really good run blocker as well.

 

This one is close to what I want to see. Although I have no interest in Beck. Really want to see another stud defensive linemen added this year

 

Of the QBs that have visits, who do you like? I don't know the guy from one of the Dakotas. Green has not shown to be a very accurate passer.

I agree with adding another DL. We added a good depth piece in FA. I think if we must choose between OL and DL, MM will go with OL. Not sure how Omar will see it.

 

I dont want to take a qb at all.I would much rather see them continue to rebuild the team. We need a left guard, a man beating slot receiver, a pass rushing defensive lineman, possibly an ot, a kick/punt returner. It wouldnt hurt to get a big thumping linebacker either. They’re supposedly really high on Howard. So roll with mason and Howard. If we suck we’re in a better position to draft a qb next season in what should be a better class.

 

I think they still have more top 30 visits to come.

 

I think they are high on Howard also. However, as it stands right now today, ARod is not signed as a Steeler, the only QBs on the roster are a guy that has never taken an NFL snap in Howard, and Mason Rudolph. QB is a priority.
I'm not even saying draft Carson Beck. I'm saying take a shot. Football is a funny game. You never know who might just become great. Last draft we needed a QB and drafted Howard in the 6th. I don't sense any change in need for a QB yet. 12 picks. I would be surprised and disappointed if none of them went to a QB.


What do we know about the guy from NDSU? I didn't watch a single game. I know they have put some decent to good players into the league.
Protecting the QB is top priority. Just ask Joe Burrow. Must keep building the OL. I'm hoping we will see a lot of emphasis on OL and a QB. And if we stink because we can't stop anyone, we'll be in better position to get those blue chip defenders next draft.

 

I know absolutely nothing about him. I dont foresee a scenario where they draft 12 players. I’m hoping they use some of them to guarantee drafting either Vega or Lemon.

 

I can see making moves to draft guys they really want as well, and using picks to trade into a better position to get them. I just don't have any sure thing players I want from this draft. There are some guys I think will be really good. But they all kinda have their warts.

 

That mock was done on Easter. I'll try to do some more reading and watch some of the DL prospects and get to another later this week. Maybe.

 

I think Vega would lock down left guard for the next decade. The addition of Pittman was a solid move by Kahn. A great move when you consider the cost. However, just like last year we dont currently have a receiver that excels against man coverage. Hence the wish for lemon.

 

Here’s a piece Steelers depot did on the qb you asked about. Hate the comparison to teblow

https://steelersdepot.com/2026/04/t...rs-is-most-underrated-player-in-entire-draft/

 

That article brings up MM and working with young QBs. It says the ceiling is high with Payton if he can put all the tools together. That makes me think day 3 at earliest.

 

There really isn't any QB worth above a 5th round pick, IMO. Well, other than Mendoza.

 

I would only take Green if used as a WR.

Beck wouldn't be a BPA at 76.

I like Johnson, Dunker and Clark picks

 

I look at Green as an athlete. Put him on the field and give him the ball in some capacity and watch him make a play. I don't know if you can have a plan for him in the NFL just yet.


I think we have a legit shot at taking Johnson. It depends on who's there obviously but I would not be surprised at all.


I don't know what we'll do at WR. MM has said he doesn't want a slot WR. He wants WRs he can put anywhere and they can do the job. I guess that's what all coaches want but makes me think he will draft one of the WR/KR/PR/Gunner type guys which is why I used Branch in that mock.

 

Mock 2.0: Mix it up


Rd1 Pick 21: Kayden Proctor LT, Bama - if Proctor is there at 21, I would be shocked if he isn't the pick.


Rd2 Pick 53: Chris Bell WR, Louisville - Injury rehab probably means he won't play in 2026, but the Steelers get an elite talent WR.


Rd3 Pick 76: Domonique Orange DT, IowaState - 0/3T just fits what the Steelers look for.


Rd3 Pick 85: Cole Payton QB, NDSU - QB is still too large of a need to not take one here. Big, athletic, accurate passer.


Rd3 Pick 99: Jaishawn Barham LB, Michigan - Can line up off ball or on the edge. A moveable Box LB.

Rd4 Pick 121: Billy Schrauth OG, ND - More OL, which I think will be the overall theme of this draft.


Rd4 Pick 135: Jeff Caldwell WR, Cincinnati - the athletic upside is too great to pass up. Drops are the concern.


Rd5 Pick161: Ephesians Prysock CB, Washington - Developmental CB that starts out as a ST ace.


Rd6 Pick216: VJ Payne SS, KSU - 6'3" SS that is another ST ace while he learns the position for the NFL.


RD7 Pick224: Travis Burke OT, Memphis - 6'9" 325 Swing Tackle. Size and versatility.



Rd7 Pick230: Kaden Wetjen WR, Iowa - Return Specialist.



Rd7 Pick237: Riley Nowakowski TE, Indiana - Blocking TE/FB/ST




And that is likely the last time I mock all 7 rounds. 12 picks is ridiculousness!

 

My latest mock draft using a simulator site was...

21. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren S Toledo
53. Josiah Trotter LB Missouri
76. Domonique Orange DT Iowa State
85. Keylan Rutledge OG Georgia Tech
99. Dametrious Crownover OT Texas A&M
121. Charlie Demmings CB Stephen F. Austin
135. Zane Durant DT Penn State
161. Ephesians Prysock CB Washington
216. CJ Daniels WR Miami (FL)
224. DJ Campbell OG Texas
230. Will Kacmarek TE Ohio State
237. Eli Heidenreich WR Navy

In this mock the simulator took the top WRs very early. Hurst was there at 53, but I preferred Trotter.

 

I could live with this minus Carson Beck

 

One Last Time 3.0:

Rd1 Pick 21: Kayden Proctor LT Bama - I'm definitely stuck on OL here. I think Proctor will be the highest rated OL left on our board. I think the Steelers would take 'Vega' if he were still on the board. The dropoff at LT is significant which makes the position higher priority.

Rd2 Pick 53: Zachariah Branch SWR Georgia - Speedy Slot WR that is also a return specialist. Branch was the only pro day dinner for this staff.

Rd3 Pick 76: Keylan Rutledge OG GaTech - OL leads the offense and the Steelers highest rated OL on day 2 makes the most sense. If the pick is 'Vega' at 21, I think we will see a defensive pick here.

Rd3 Pick 85: Kyle Louis SS/ILB Pitt - A tackling machine with speed and quickness that diagnosis well and can cover man.

Rd3 Pick 99: Bud Clark FS TCU - College production and team fit just makes sense here.

Rd4 Pick 121: DeMonte Capehart DL Clemson - Run stuffer in the middle of the DL. Good size and length. Developmental pass rusher.

Rd4 Pick 135: Drew Allar QB PSU - Less than a week before the start of the draft and still only Rudolph and Howard in the QB room. Choosing between Allar and Payton here, I went with the righty for continuity.

Rd5 Pick 161: Jeff Caldwell WR Cincinnati - Raw, developmental WR with plus size and speed. Needs coaching to develop his natural abilities and strengths.

Rd6 Pick 216: Travis Burke OT Memphis - HUGE swing tackle with good, not great technique.

Rd7 Pick 224: James Thompson Jr DL Illinois - Good run stop skills. Developmental DL with backup potential.

Rd7 Pick 230: Domani Jackson CB Bama - ST Ace, developmental CB. Athletic, good size and speed. Needs to learn the above the neck aspect.

Rd7 Pick 237: Brett Thorson P Georgia - Ray Guy winner. Competition for Johnston.


That's the last one. Confidence level low but I went with guys that were brought in for visits or had pro day workouts/dinner. Who knows? First draft with these guys.


GO Steelers!!!

 

I really like FB/TE Riley Nowakowski as a Bigger, Faster, Stronger version of James Connor. Although I do think it will take at least a 6th round pick.

Besides being the Starting TE/FB he had over 500 Special team plays in college.

 

i thought i would make some trades and came up with this.

46.
Jacob Rodriguez LB Texas Tech

53.
Gennings Dunker OG Iowa

85.
Keylan Rutledge OG Georgia Tech

99.
Markel Bell OT Miami (FL)

104.
Dontay Corleone DT Cincinnati

108.
Bud Clark S TCU

127.
Ja'Kobi Lane WR USC

135.
Mason Reiger EDGE Wisconsin

153.
Charlie Demmings CB Stephen F. Austin

172.
Jeff Caldwell WR Cincinnati

221.
Cole Payton QB North Dakota State

226.
Kaden Wetjen WR Iowa

2027 TB 2nd
2027 ARI 3rd
2027 DEN 3rd
2027 DEN 4th
2027 GB 5th
2027 KC 7th