The 2025 season is officially in the rearview mirror for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and honestly, that Wild Card loss to the Texans still stings. But you know how it goes in Pittsburgh. We don’t dwell; we reload. And with the 2026 NFL Draft coming right to our doorstep in the 412, the stakes feel a lot higher than usual.
Basically, the roster is at a massive crossroads. We’ve got a projected $39 million to $65 million in cap space—depending on who you ask—and a staggering 12 draft picks to play with. That is unheard of for this franchise. Usually, we’re clawing for extra Day 3 capital, but thanks to the George Pickens trade with Dallas and some savvy compensatory pick math, Omar Khan is sitting on a goldmine.
The biggest question mark? It’s the 42-year-old elephant in the room. Aaron Rodgers. His future is a total coin flip. If he retires or the front office decides the "bridge" has reached its end, the nfl mock draft steelers conversations are going to be dominated by one position and one position only: Quarterback.
The Quarterback Conundrum at Pick 21
Picking at No. 21 isn't exactly the "sweet spot" for a franchise savior. But this 2026 class is shaping up to be deeper than people realize. You’ve probably seen the names floating around. Ty Simpson out of Alabama is the hot one right now. He’s got that SEC pedigree and showed some serious flashes this past year, even if his season was a bit of a roller coaster.
Some scouts think he’s the high-ceiling play. Others? They’re looking at Trinidad Chambliss from Ole Miss. That kid was a literal human highlight reel in the College Football Playoff. If he doesn’t get that medical waiver to stay in school, he’s going to be the guy everyone talks about at the Combine.
Then there’s Garrett Nussmeier. PFF has him as a mid-round target, but you know how it works—quarterbacks always fly up the board once the "underwear Olympics" start in February. If the Steelers don't land a veteran like Kyler Murray or Daniel Jones in free agency, taking a swing on a guy like Simpson or even Penn State’s Drew Allar (if he checks out medically) becomes almost mandatory.
Why the Trenches Still Come First
Look, Omar Khan and Andy Weidl have a "type." They like big humans. They like the trenches. Even though there's a lot of noise about wide receivers and corners, don’t be shocked if they go defensive line early.
Cam Heyward isn't getting any younger. It’s tough to say, but at 36, he’s nearing the end. Replacing a legend is impossible, but you have to try. Zxavian Harris from Ole Miss is a name that makes a lot of sense for the Steelers' identity. He’s 6'8" and 330 pounds. That’s not a football player; that’s a mountain.
Current Top Needs for the 2026 Draft
- Quarterback: The Rodgers era is likely a one-and-done or close to it.
- Defensive Tackle: Long-term insurance for the post-Heyward years.
- Wide Receiver: DK Metcalf is the alpha, but we need a legitimate WR2 after the Pickens trade.
- Cornerback: Joey Porter Jr. needs a consistent partner who doesn't get flagged every three plays.
Honestly, the secondary is a bit of a mess. James Pierre did a decent job filling in, but he’s hitting free agency and might want more than the Steelers are willing to pay. That’s why you see guys like Keith Abney from Arizona State or Malik Muhammad from Texas popping up in every nfl mock draft steelers fans are reading. Muhammad is especially interesting because he’s got that "don't-throw-at-me" swagger that Mike Tomlin loves.
The Mid-Round Value Plays
With three 3rd-round picks, the Steelers can actually afford to be aggressive. One of those picks came from Dallas in the Pickens deal, and another is a projected compensatory pick for losing Dan Moore.
I’m keeping a close eye on the offensive line. Broderick Jones has been... well, he’s been a project. His neck injury ended his 2025 season early, and while Dylan Cook stepped up, you can never have enough tackles. If a guy like Fano from Utah or even a mauling guard like Emmanuel Pregnon from Oregon is there in the second or third, Khan will pull the trigger.
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And let’s talk about the "Georgia Pipeline." It’s a real thing. Zachariah Branch is the name everyone wants. He’s got that electric, game-breaking speed that this offense has lacked since, well, maybe ever. Imagine Metcalf taking the top off the defense and Branch underneath making people miss in space. It’s a dream, but at No. 21, he might be a reach, and by the second round, he’ll probably be gone.
What to Watch During the Senior Bowl
The next few weeks are going to be chaotic. The Senior Bowl is usually where the Steelers' draft board starts to solidify. We know Mike Tomlin loves to be down there on the field, chirping at the linemen and getting a feel for who actually loves football.
If you're looking for actionable steps to stay ahead of the curve, here is what you should be doing:
- Track the Underclassmen Declarations: Keep an eye on guys like Malik Muhammad. If they stay in school, the CB market gets very thin, very fast.
- Monitor the Cap Casualties: If the Steelers release Patrick Queen or Pat Freiermuth (which is being whispered about to save roughly $18 million), those positions suddenly jump to the top of the priority list.
- Watch the "Trench" Prospects at the Senior Bowl: Look for Emmanuel Pregnon. If he dominates in Mobile, he’s a lock for the Steelers' Day 2 radar.
The 2026 draft isn't just about finding a player; it's about defining the next decade of Pittsburgh football. With 12 picks and the home crowd behind them, the "Khan Artist" has no excuses this time.