An early look at a full mock draft for 2026

Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 draft.


It's getting close to thanksgiving so I think it's time to talk turkey. The 2025 Steelers are not likey to make the playoffs, and if we do, odds are we are one and done. Don't get me wrong I will still watch and root hard. With that said I am doing a early mock draft for 2026 on 11-25-2025


Once the players work out, get measured and play the playoffs and postseason Senior Bowl, it will be more refined but as of right now here's what I would do.


I will be using this excellent site for this bio's , which I recommend as the best on the web.


https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/DraftOrder/2026/Steelers

With no further ado, he is who I would select as of 11-23-2025



Round one. QB John Mateer.

https://nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/John-Mateer-QB-WashingtonState

He gives us hope in case Howard who has yet to play isn't the answer. Clearly Rodgers won't be back, and Ruodlph is a backup ... If we can trade down at the end of round one, I am for that and picking up additional draft picks. Mateer was very good in 2024 and is playing hurt in 2025



Round two.

G Inone. A powerful player for our run game, Semualo won't be back. Steeler fans will love his style of play.. A mobile road plow he is.

https://nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Vega-Ioane-OL-PennState



Round Three A

CB Chalder Rivers

https://nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Chandler-Rivers-DB-Duke.


We need a solid #3 cover, and with luck a good #2. Rivers can fill that role and adds a lot of Special teams


Round Three B

FS Earl Little

https://nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Earl-LittleII-DB-Alabama

Good workout #'s and production on the field in terms of forcing fumbles and making interceptions.



Round 3 C

WR Bryce Lane

https://nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Bryce-Lance-WR-NorthDakotaState#google_vignette


A big possession receiver with a good catch radius and nose for the end zone.



Round 4 A

OT Blake Miller

https://nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Bryce-Lance-WR-NorthDakotaState#google_vignette


A solid player who is very durable. He is smart and flexible.



Round 4 B Jason Henderson

https://nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Jason-Henderson-LB-OldDominion

A small school star who is productive vs the run.




Round 5 P Chace

https://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/5220347/john-hoyet-chance


Has a great leg and is skilled at dropping punts inside the 20. High yard per punt 47.1 and Net 42.7. Fans wll love his eyebrows too. Our current punter is too inconstant.



Round 6A

DT Jordan Hall

https://nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Jordan-Hall-DL-Georgia

A run stopper who can project to a NT with added weight.



Round 6B

FB Man Bredeson

https://bnbfootball.com/2026-nfl-draft/fullback-rankings/

A hammer of a blocker


Round 7A



WR Colbie Young

https://nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Colbie-Young-WR-Georgia


Another very good possession receiver who is tall and smart,



Round 7B

OT Turner Corocran

https://nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Turner-Corcoran-OL-Nebraska

A big coachable swing tackle.




Well that is the draft for now. When the off season comes I hope for a new Head coach, and a new offensive line coach. Happy turkey day to all!

 

Waaaay too early for putting names in draft slots. As much as I do enjoy playing with the mock draft sims, watching visits, and just generally trying to guess who we will actually draft vs who I want to draft.


NIL has changed the way prospects view leaving early.

 

That guard is a poor fit. Square peg in a round hole

 

I remember this time of year we were looking forward to a deep playoff run.

Truly sad.

 

Why do you say that? Have you seen him play? I think he a grade A run blocker and a grade B pass blocker.

 

He’s playing in a gap scheme and we predominantly run an outside zone scheme. It would be Dotson all over again with a bunch of fans whining about natural position while ignoring the importance of scheme

 

He can play zone blocking as he moves well and man. And he is a good puller. Strong dude with a wide base.

 

He can play zone blocking as he moves well and on man. And he is a good puller

 

Mock Draft time baby!!!







For the first round, John Mateer is likely to return to School. NFLDraftBuzz has yet to update as, as of today's date, the College Football Season isn't over. However, given how Mateer has played since coming back from that injury, it wouldn't serve him well to declare this year. Not only him either, Nico Iamaleava, LaNorris Sellers, Arch Manning and Dante Moore are all also likely headed back as well. That would leave Pittsburgh with drafting either an OT or a WR. Of the two, WR seems to be the better fit. That said, outside of Jordyn Tyson via Hines Ward, there isn't much to state which WR Pittsburgh should opt for. Due to who they have scouted this season thus far, Makai Lemon, Chris Bell and even Denzel Boston appear like wild cards. Carnell Tate would likely be option number one but he is going to be the first one off the board.


For Round Two?! Vega Ioane actually would be an amazing value... provided he is even there to begin with. He will be a First Round Guard; a rarity even though three went the year before. I don't have him graded as highly as I did Grey Zabel but I do have him graded higher than Tyler Booker for certain. Now, as for if he would fit into Pittsburgh's scheme?! That is about as good of a fit as one is going to find. Only Jake Slaughter from Florida, Brian Parker from Duke or Charles Jagusah from Notre Dame would be better fits. Not for Round Two sans Jake but the others would be rock solid options.


For the Round Three options all together, a quick summary of each

1. Chandler Rivers would basically be getting Asante Samuel Jr. but it is good insurance assuming otherwise. I anticipate Asante Samuel Jr. playing sooner than later. For that matter, even if he is gone, I expect the Steelers to target Slot CB in Free Agency before they do so in the draft due to how difficult it is to play.
   
   
   
2. Solid pick. That said, if Zakee Wheatley or Keon Sabb is available, those two would be superior options for Pittsburgh's Defense.
   
   
   
3. Bryce's Route Tree and inability to separate consistently are big no no's historically from how Pittsburgh targets their receivers. Others like Zachariah Branch from Georgia or Evan Stewart from Oregon fit the profile much more and can be had roughly in the same round.
   
   

Onto the Round 4 options that you have. Just like before, here are my thoughts on each:

1. Blake Miller dropping this far is highway robbery. A battle tested OT with both experience and athleticism who can play multiple schemes. He would be the premier player to take over for Broderick should he leave in 2027 and/or provide rock solid Swing Tackle ability as a Rookie.
   
   
   
   
2. I will admit, haven't watched too much of him. That said, given how scarce Pittsburgh's Corner Room is, I would target there. If LB was going to still be the option here?! Maybe Jaishawn Braham from Michigan though I doubt he falls that far.
   
   

Again, haven't done my film study on Punters. That said, I would advise drafting one this early on Day Three. Waitman did have a bad game but he is by no means a bad Punter.




Rounds six and seven I will lump together to round out the mock draft:

1. Bear Alexander would have been my preferred choice over Jordan Hall. I am all about improving the run but you gotta have some pass rush juice to go along with it. Yahya Black is an excellent example of a prospect who few people didn't pay enough attention to his higher than projected ceiling when it came to generating pressures.
   
   
   
2. Agree about Max 100%. He is fun to watch, is just as much of a Special Teams Ace and can provide much more in the Running Game. He might not have Connor Heyward's abilities as a Receiver but he is sparingly used there anyhow.
   
   
   
   
3. Colbie Young I haven't watched too much of. That said, I wouldn't be shocked if he goes higher. He doesn't show much athletically but his main skillset combined with his frame will allow him to fit into a variety of West Coast/Play Action based systems.
   
   
   
4. Turner Corocran will be shooting up draft boards imo by the time we get to the Draft in Pittsburgh. His age might hinder him but his versatility and potential at IOL will allow him to vastly outplay his draft slot. I would be delighted if he was the final pick.
   
   
   

Overall?! I would give this a B. John Mateer in Round One, as of now, is way too rich for me but having the likes of Vega Ioane and Blake Miller slotted where they are more than make up for it. Rock solid hits with Max Bredeson and Turner Corocran also add some value. I haven't done too much film study with Jason Henderson and zero on the Punters. I will say though that Pittsburgh historically doesn't select FCS Players that high that often; usually in the back half of Day Three. Chandler Rivers, Bryce Lane and Jordan Hall were the major questions I had personally.

 

My retort to an excellent post. A better breakdonw on what I worte.

Round 1: QB John Mateer, Oklahoma (Projected: Late Rd1–Early Rd2, #56 Overall)

• Bio Snapshot: 6'1", 224 lbs. Dual-threat wizard who transferred from Washington State; torched the Pac-12 in 2024 with 3,139 pass yds (64.6% comp, 29 TD/7 INT), plus 826 rush yds & 15 scores—led FBS with 44 total TDs. 2025: Flashes arm zip (easy 55+ mph deep balls) and elusiveness (55 forced missed tackles last year). Pre-snap savant with pocket poise, but can force throws into traffic Is playing with a broken throwing hand this year. I want this guy.
• Why Steelers? Spot-on insurance if Howard (drafted 2025) flames out or stays buried. Mason Rudolph's a clipboard warrior, and Rodgers is gone. Mateer's suddenness echoes Fields' mobility but with better processing—perfect for Arthur Smith's boot-heavy scheme. Trade down to #25-28? Nab extra picks for Day 3 hauls which I did not mock the traded picks! We must watch his video pre throwing a hand injury. A franchise QB? Worth the gamble

Round 2: OG Olaivavega "Vega" Ioane, Penn State (Projected: Rd2–3, #47 Overall)

• Bio Snapshot: 6'4", 330 lbs. Mauler with 42 college starts (all 16 in 2024 CFP run); 91% pass block win rate, 80% run block. Clocked a 5.35 forty—decent for his tank-like build. Anchored a line that fueled 100+ yd rushers weekly; just 3 penalties in '24. He can play man blcoking too, not just zone blocking.
• Why Steelers? Ioane's your "mobile road plow." Thunderous punch, combo-block awareness, and zero penalties? Steeler fans will chant his name on 3rd-and-1. Versatile for guard/tackle emergencies; high floor as Day 1 rotational beast.

Round 3A: CB Chandler Rivers, Duke (Projected: Rd3, #96 Overall)

• Bio Snapshot: 5'10", 185 lbs. Ballhawk with 4.45 speed; 2024: 52 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 3 INTs (incl. pick-six vs. FSU), 9 PBUs. Career: 110 tackles, 13 PBUs over 26 games. Elite leaper (contested-catch menace) and zone instincts; gunner on STs.
• Why Steelers? Depth behind Joey Porter Jr? Rivers slots as CB3 with CB2 upside, plus special teams ace to eat snaps on returns. Quick-twitch press man fits Keith Butler's (or successor's) hybrid schemes—think Kenny Moore clone. Undersized? Yeah a tad, but his burst covers it.

Round 3B: FS Earl Little Jr., Florida State (Projected: Rd4, #107 Overall)

• Bio Snapshot: 6'1", 193 lbs. Versatile DB (FS/nickel) from Alabama transfer; 4.44 forty, 2025: 69 tackles, 4 INTs, 2 PBUs over 23 games. Elite foot quickness, run support, and ball skills (high IQ at the catch point); 813 snaps.
• Why Steelers? Minkah Fitzpatrick's trade back to Miami leaves a void—Little's fumble-forcing (career leader) and picks add turnover juice. Workout warrior with multi-role flex (even CB snaps); pairs with DeShon Elliott for a rangy duo. Production pops on tape—perfect for forcing those INTs in the red zone.

Round 3C: WR Bryce Lance, North Dakota State (Projected: Rd3–4, #123 Overall)

• Bio Snapshot: 6'3", 209 lbs. FCS red-zone king; Career: 50 rec, 1,001 yds, 7 TDs (20 ypc); 2024 explosion: 75/1,071/17. 62% contested-catch rate, vice-grip hands (2 drops on 99 targets), 301 YAC. Tracks deep balls like a missile.
• Why Steelers? Post-Pickens/Metcalf shuffle, you need possession X-threats. Lance's catch radius and end-zone nose fill that—think a taller, grittier Van Jefferson with YAC pop. FCS level raises eyebrows, but his TDs scream "scheme him open."

Round 4A: OT Blake Miller, USC (Projected: Rd4–5; N

• Bio Snapshot (From aggregated scouts): 6'6", 315 lbs. Versatile swing tackle with 40+ starts; 2025: Zero sacks allowed in 10 games, 85% pass pro grade. Smart anchor (high IQ in stunts), durable (3-year starter), flexible for RT/LT. 5.1 forty, strong run mauler.
• Why Steelers? Broderick Jones needs competition; Miller's coachable smarts and toughness fit the "durable/flexible" bill. Projects as RT depth with LT upside—keeps Troy Fautanu inside. No-fuss vet-in-waiting for a line that's allowed 25 sacks already in '25.

Round 4B: LB Jason Henderson, Old Dominion (Projected: Rd4–UDFA, #348 Overall)

• Bio Snapshot: 6'1", 225 lbs. Tackle machine; 2023: 170 stops (14.2/g), 19.5 TFL, 4 sacks. Career: 2191 snaps, led nation with 186 tackles in '22. High-motor pursuit, run diagnosis; versatile off-ball.
• Why Steelers? Small-school gem for Elandon Roberts' heir—productive vs. the run, fits as SAM/ILB hybrid. Undersized, but his thump echoes Devin Bush's early promise. Instant special teams contributor; tape shows he sheds blocks like a vet.

Round 5P: P John "Hoyet" Chance, Louisiana Tech (Projected: Priority FA)

• Bio Snapshot: 6'1", 205 lbs. Leg like a cannon; 2025: 56 punts, 47.1 avg (net 42.7), 25 inside-20 (45%), 5 touchbacks, 72 long. Coffin-corner artist with hang time.
• Why Steelers? Our current punter inconsistency is an issue. Chance's "great leg" and IN20 magic flips that script. 47.1 gross? Elite. Plus, those eyebrows? Instant meme gold for Terrible Towel waves. Fans will adore the boom.

Round 6A: DT Jordan Hall, Georgia (Projected: Rd6–UDFA, #310 Overall)

• Bio Snapshot: 6'4", 320 lbs. Run-clogging bulldozer; 2025: 12 tackles, 8 pressures (no sacks) over 25 games/379 snaps. Bull-rush beast with edge-setting instincts; long arms, high motor.
• Why Steelers? Add bulk to Keeanu Benton—Hall projects as NT with 10-15 lbs; his leverage and hustle stop runs cold. Fits Aaron Donald-lite mold for sub-packages; Georgia pedigree means he's scheme-versatile.

Round 6B: FB Max Bredeson, Michigan (Projected: Late Rd6–FA; From BNB rankings)

• Bio Snapshot (Thin class per BNB): 6'0", 240-ish lbs. Lead-block hammer with receiving chops; 2025: Rare touches but paved for 1,200+ team rush yds. Athletic for size, versatile H-back traits in a dying position.
• Why Steelers? Fullbacks are unicorns, but Bredeson's is a "hammer blocker". Size/speed combo sticks on rosters—think Kyle Juszczyk lite for play-action wrinkle.

Round 7A: WR Colbie Young, Georgia (Projected: UDFA, #310 Overall)

• Bio Snapshot: 6'3", 215 lbs. Tall-slot mismatch; 2025: 23 rec, 336 yds, 1 TD (14.6 avg). Career: 102/1,266/11. Vacuum hands, red-zone fades, high IQ—polished route dog.
• Why Steelers? Another possession stud to pair with Lance; Young's height exploits zones, and his smarts fit Mike Tomlin's vet-like expectations. UDFA steal for camp battles—contested-catch king.

Round 7B: OT Turner Corcoran, Nebraska (Projected: UDFA, #348 Overall)

• Bio Snapshot: 6'6", 310 lbs. Swing tackle vet; 49 games/2,580 snaps, 30 starts (true frosh LT pioneer). 2025: Recovered from '23 injury, 82% pass pro. Coachable mauler with second-level pop.
• Why Steelers? Depth for the trenches—Corcoran's "big coachable" frame seals edges in run game. Infinitely moldable; projects as practice-squad insurance with spot-start upside.

Of course I am hyping all pick'a a tad!