Welcome to Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft Monday version 5.0, where I continue to throw darts at the unknown. Reminder: this is not what I expect the team to do at the time of the draft, but it serves as one of many possible paths. Let’s have some fun!

Round 1: Denzel Boston/WR/Washington

Expected Role: Year 1 Starter

Analysis: For the past several seasons, the Steelers have struggled to put together a dynamic receiving corps. While DK Metcalf is a physical specimen who can take over a game, he needs help. Why not supplement one physically superior receiver with a second one? Boston is a towering presence at 6-4 with nimble feet, though he’s not as fast as Metcalf. He doesn’t have raw explosive traits, but he wins with nuance and technicality.

As a route runner, Boston is more successful facing man than zone coverage. There is surprising hip fluidity that allows him to sink and cut more smoothly than most receivers of his size. He also has a good understanding of how to use his routes, which makes up for his lack of top-end speed. He forces defenders to open their hips on vertical routes, creating separation for him to cut in or out. Against press coverage, he wins with his physicality, using his hands to wipe the defender’s jam attempt.

The most notable trait is his ability to win contested catches. He’s a natural hands catcher who attacks the ball in the air while also showing impressive body control. He treats the sidelines like a weapon, demonstrating good spatial awareness to get his feet in bounds.

The Steelers desperately need to find a receiver to take pressure off Metcalf, and Boston would be that. Although he won’t be a speed threat, there is more nuance to the position that augurs well for his success.

Others Considered: KC Concepcion/WR/Texas A&M, Caleb Banks/IDL/Florida, Kayden McDonald/IDL/Ohio State, Avieon Terrell/CB/Clemson

Round 2: Emmanuel Pregnon/OG/Oregon

Expected Role: Year 1 Starter

Analysis: Given the uncertainty surrounding Isaac Seumalo, the Steelers need to secure the left side of the offensive line’s future. Pregnon would be a plug-and-play starter who provides stability. Excelling in both pass protection and mauling defenders in the run game, he is one of the highest-floor players in this draft.

As a pass protector, he is a wall. His best trait is his anchor, which drops the moment a defender tries to bull rush him. If Pregnon gets his feet set under him, he wins. It’s extremely difficult for defenders to get through him with raw power alone. He’s not a sit-and-react player either. He uses heavy hands to stonewall defenders when his jab connects. While he excels against power, speed can give him some trouble. There is a delay in his foot speed that can lead to struggles recovering against more explosive defenders. The issue wasn’t as pronounced at the college level because his length and strength were sufficient to mitigate it.

Thanks to his raw power, Pregnon is even more impressive as a run blocker. A true people mover, he uses consistent leg drive to displace people out of their assignments. Although he struggles with quickness in the pass game, he can move laterally on the ground. He demonstrates effectiveness when pulling on gap schemes with good angle selection.

At 24, there is concern about his age, but adding Pregnon would give the offense a high-floor solution at left guard and a player who could blossom into a Pro Bowler.

Others Considered: Christen Miller/IDL/Georgia, Keith Abney II/CB/Arizona State, Chris Johnson/CB/San Diego State, Chase Bisontis/IOL/Texas A&M

Round 3: Kamari Ramsey/S/USC

Expected Role: Rotational Depth/Potential Year 1 Starter

Analysis: With Jalen Ramsey turning 32 this year and DeShon Elliott nearing 30, the Steelers need a youth movement on the back end. Kamari Ramsey would provide a Year-1 contributor who could split time at safety and also gain experience as a nickel defender. He isn’t the twitchiest athlete, but he has more than enough speed to mirror defenders in coverage.

As a safety, Ramsey brings experience barking out signals from his deep position and has a good understanding of what the offense tries to do. He plays with an “eyes up” mentality, reading the quarterback’s eyes and reacting to his movements. In coverage, he has oily hips that flip smoothly and serve him well when covering the deep middle. His backpedal is pristine, allowing him to transition to a full sprint without losing any momentum.

As a corner, he’s sticky in coverage. He’s able to effectively mirror shorter, quicker receivers and stay on their hip in man coverage. Ramsey doesn’t have the biggest frame, so he can lose battles against more physical receivers. His efforts would also provide a bonus as a blitzer. He takes solid pursuit angles and makes emphatic contact at the point of attack.

Adding a player of Ramsey’s caliber would provide Patrick Graham with a new and exciting chess piece.

Others Considered: Malik Muhammed/CB/Texas, Antonio Williams/WR/Clemson, Gabe Jacas/EDGE/Illinois, Garrett Nussmeier/QB/LSU

Round 3: Ted Hurst/WR/Georgia State

Expected Role: Special Teams Contributor/Potential Year 1 Starter

Analysis: Considering the Steelers are entering the draft with 12 selections, if there is a position that requires double-dipping, it’s receiver. Adding Boston is a good start, and selecting Hurst would give the offense a young and exciting duo to develop together. Like Boston, Hurst doesn’t have elite twitch, but he wins consistently with leverage and positioning.

Some players offer better route-running prowess on Day 1, but Hurst has the potential to grow in this department. He is a long strider rather than a quick accelerator, but he uses that to his advantage. His understanding of pacing his strides involves manipulation. He can lull defenders into relax before breaking on his routes. Hurst also knows how to take advantage of defensive backs’ blind spot, getting them to turn their head in anticipation of a route before cutting the other direction.

Another similarity to Boston is that his ability to attack the ball in the air is his greatest strength. At 6-3, he attacks the ball like a rebound, shielding the defender from making a play. More impressively, he understands how to use late hands to trick the defender into thinking the ball isn’t coming his way until the last moment.

Hurst is comparable to pre-injury Michael Gallup, who excelled at attacking the ball in the air. Adding him would bring a new dynamic to the Steelers’ receiving group.

Others Considered: Eli Stowers/TE/Vanderbilt, Dani Dennis-Sutton/EDGE/Penn State, Brian Parker II/OT/Duke, Dontay Corleone/IDL/Cincinnati

Round 3: Julian Neal/CB/Arkansas

Expected Role: Rotational Depth/Potential Year 1 Starter

Analysis: Given uncertainty of Asante Samuel Jr. and James Pierre’s future with the Steelers — both are free agents come March — it would be wise to add some talent to the room. Ideally, the organization attempts to re-sign one, if not both, while adding a rookie to ease their transition. Neal is a physical corner with prototypical size at 6-2 and 208 pounds. He balances his size with limited twitch ability. It’s not bad, but you can tell he is longer.

Neal is at his best when he can step up to the line and affect his matchup early in the play. He’s a press-man specialist who has an excellent initial jab that maximizes his length. Despite being physical, he shows good patience with his aggressiveness, which keeps him from lunging at defenders.

As a run defender, there’s an argument he’s the best cornerback in the draft. With just one miss, Neal is a sure tackler who drives through the ball carrier. A former safety, he is adept at getting downhill quickly and adjusting his pursuit angles.

Neal would bring a rejuvenated physicality to the Steelers’ cornerback room and offer the team an exciting developmental option on the outside.

Others Considered: Michael Trigg/TE/Baylor, Devin Moore/CB/Florida, Treydan Stukes/CB/Arizona, Gracen Halton/IDL/Oklahoma

Round 4: Oscar Delp/TE/Georgia

Expected Role: Sub-package Player/Developmental Option

Analysis: Jonnu Smith is a cut candidate after a disappointing season. Enter Oscar Delp, who does everything that Smith is known for but on a cheaper contract and also offers exciting potential. Delp is a versatile chess piece who can move around the offense and plays like a big receiver rather than a traditional tight end.

His route running is highly impressive for someone who is nearly 250 pounds. Most of his success in this department comes from his fluidity. He has loose hips that transition through his breaks seamlessly without breaking speed. Speaking of speed, Delp has plenty of it. He is a legitimate vertical threat for a tight end who can stretch the seams and outrun linebackers.

Although it’s not his calling card, he’s shown to be a willing blocker. Delp fights through the whistle and is more effective when he can block on the move. He’s not afraid to get his nose in the fight, but his functional strength as an inline blocker is minimal, which will limit him initially.

Delp would provide an additional weapon the offense can deploy, with the potential to grow into more than a one-dimensional player.

Others Considered: Tim Keenan III/IDL/Alabama, Taurean York/LB/Texas A&M, Carson Beck/QB/Miami, Chris McClellan/IDL/Missouri

Round 4: Caden Curry/EDGE/Ohio State

Expected Role: Rotational Depth

Analysis: After selecting an Ohio State edge rusher in last year’s draft, the Steelers decide to do it again. Nick Herbig’s breakout creates a difficult situation the team must address. Nevertheless, it never hurts to build on a strength. Curry shares many similarities with Jack Sawyer, his former Ohio State teammate, including his high-effort attitude.

His entire game is built around his motor. He consistently wins on secondary efforts and chases the ball sideline to sideline. Curry isn’t someone who hopes the play stays alive long enough for him to win, though. He’s got serious power in his arsenal that jolts linemen on impact. The bread and butter of his pass sets is a bull rush that generates enough strength to collapse the pocket. When that doesn’t initially work, he is aware enough to transition into a rip or spin counter that makes him well-rounded.

Another similarity to Sawyer is that Curry’s stout against the run. He has enough strength to lock out linemen on the outside effectively and set the edge. His primary upside as a run stuffer is his selflessness. He’s okay with maintaining his gap responsibility and letting his teammates make the play rather than chasing stats.

There are physical limitations to his game that will give some teams pause, but Sawyer surpassed expectations as a rookie. Curry has the potential to do the same.

Others Considered: Keyron Crawford/EDGE/Auburn, Zane Durant/IDL/Penn State, Michael Taaffe/S/Texas, Lander Barton/LB/Utah

Round 5: Aiden Fisher/LB/Indiana

Expected Role: Rotational Depth/Special Teams Contributor

Analysis: Outside of Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson, the Steelers lack depth at inside linebacker. Fisher doesn’t profile as a primary contributor on defense due to limited athleticism. However, he was the heart of Indiana’s defense and a first-team All-American. He’s unlikely to test well at the NFL Combine, but luckily for him, the game isn’t played in shorts. He is among the more technically sound linebackers in this draft.

Despite his size at 6-1, 230 pounds, Fisher is a downhill thumper at the second level. He employs a quick trigger and intends to shoot the gap rather than take on a lineman. He trusts his eyes to diagnose a play and beat a lineman to the point of attack. Since he is not the fastest, he relies on leverage to get “skinny” by running through lanes and slipping past blockers. He’s also a sure tackler who prefers to “square-up” the ball carrier rather than ankle dive.

Even though he isn’t the quickest linebacker in the draft, he has a good sense of awareness in zone coverage. He stays disciplined in the depth of his drops, not getting baited by eye candy in the backfield. His athleticism limits his effectiveness to stack up with individuals in man or zone, but he is capable of playing as a robber. Fisher is at his best in coverage when he can keep his eyes on the quarterback and jump passing lanes rather than focus on a matchup.

Fisher is not the athletic playmaker who will bring the Steel Curtain back. He is a high-floor player who can contribute right away on defense and special teams with potential to grow.

Others Considered: DeMonte Capehart/IDL/Clemson, Sawyer Robertson/QB/Baylor, Pat Coogan/IOL/Indiana, Ephesians Prysock/CB/Washington

Round 6: Kaden Wetjen/WR/Iowa

Expected Role: Special Teams Contributor/Sub-package Player

Analysis: Some may not agree with taking three wide receivers in any draft, but this selection will be more beneficial for special teams. Since the implementation of the new kickoff rules, the Steelers have been among the worst kick-return units. Wetjen would be a step in the right direction, correcting those woes. He’s a plus athlete with exceptional lateral quickness and stop-start ability that makes magic happen in the return game.

This past season, Wetjen was arguably the best returner in the nation. He is the first player in Big Ten history to record three punt return touchdowns and one kick return touchdown in a season. Wetjen doesn’t rely on pure athleticism to be an effective returner. His ability to manipulate leverage with his drift before or after he makes the catch is masterful. Doing so baits the gunners into specific lanes. After the gunner commits to an angle, Wetjen takes advantage by cutting across their face and using his blocker’s leverage. Another standout trait is the lack of hesitation in his game. While many returners will hesitate when they see traffic, Wetjen is decisive and explosive.

As a receiver, he wasn’t utilized much at Iowa, and his learning curve will be steep. His route running needs refinement, although his performance at the Shrine Bowl is a promising start. He relies on his athleticism to beat his matchup rather than nuance. His size will also cause issues. Standing only 5-9, his future at receiver will depend on his ability to win on the inside. Given his experience as a returner, he has good vision in his game and offers the opportunity to use him as a gadget player.

Boston and Hurst are the heavy hitters in this draft class at receiver, and Wetjen is a valued addition to a unit that has struggled mightily. If he can carry over his college magic, the Steelers will have a respectable return game.

Others Considered: Riley Nowakowski/TE/Indiana, Barion Brown/WR/LSU, Jadon Canady/CB/Oregon, Xavian Sorey Jr./LB/Arkansas

Round 6: Keyshaun Elliott/LB/Arizona State

Expected Role: Special Teams Contributor/Rotational Depth

Analysis: Although I picked Fisher earlier, Elliott offers more athletic upside as a linebacker. While not elite in lateral range and mainly a box defender, Elliott has enough athleticism to succeed. At 6-2 and 235 pounds, his sturdy frame can handle bigger linemen.

Run defense is his key strength. He’s a tackling machine with a nose for the ball. He reads runs well, filling lanes effectively and uses his strength and low pad level to shed blocks and engage linemen. His active hands improve effectiveness in tight spaces. In coverage, his man defense is limited but zone coverage is better due to good vision and pattern recognition. He reads quarterbacks and routes, offering more upside than Fisher due to high athletic potential.

As a blitzer, he’s among the best in the class, with seven sacks last season. His gap shooting and disciplined rushes—delaying until the right moment—make him more effective than many.

Elliott is a deep developmental player who can excel on special teams and be near the ball on most plays.

Others Considered: Jakobe Thomas/S/Miami, Taylen Green/QB/Arkansas, Jalen Famer/IOL/Kentucky, Kaleb Elarms-Orr/LB/TCU, Eli Heidenreich/WR/Navy

Round 7: Miller Moss/QB/Louisville

Expected Role: Backup

Analysis: The much-anticipated quarterback selection. With the increasing odds of Aaron Rodgers’ return, the organization may be looking to the 2027 draft to find its franchise signal-caller. Adding Moss wouldn’t be with the anticipation that he’s the answer to their problems. But it does add a high-level processor who would excel in Mike McCarthy’s offense, which relies on eye manipulation and rhythm passing.

Moss doesn’t have the strongest arm in the draft, but it’s sufficient. He lacks the velocity to throw far hash routes, and defenders have the opportunity to close if he’s a fraction late. What he lacks in arm strength, he makes up for in confidence. There isn’t a throw he isn’t willing to make. It can get him into trouble due to his physical limitations, but decision making generally improves with experience. His calling card will be his processing ability and cerebral talent. He can quickly identify blitzes and moves through his progressions.

His best play comes when he is on time and in a rhythm. Moss plays with a “back foot hit, ball out” mentality that relies on anticipation and neutralizing the pass rush. He struggles to play outside of structure due to his limited athleticism, which leads to sacks or throwaways. He recognizes this limitation. Instead of trying to create out of structure, he’s more adept at navigating pockets and climbing or sliding through traffic.

Moss isn’t a potential QB1, but he offers a high-floor backup with the processing ability to make spot starts in an offense that fits his skill set.

Others Considered: Luke Altmyer/QB/Illinois, Keyshawn James-Newby/EDGE/New Mexico, Justin Jefferson/LB/Alabama, Eric Rivers/WR/Georgia Tech

Round 7: Nolan Rucci/OT/Penn State

Expected Role: Depth/Swing Tackle

Analysis: Rucci has upside with traits and pedigree. A 6-8 former 5-star recruit, he struggled initially in college, starting at Wisconsin before a productive 2025 season at Penn State in which he only gave up one sack in 12 starts. He’s a good athlete with fluid movement.

His pass protection relies on finesse, mirroring defenders and using length, but Rucci struggles against power due to size and balance issues. In run blocking, he mainly walls off defenders and excels at reach blocks, which is suitable for zone schemes.

Drafting Rucci is a bet on his traits. He’s from a football family and shows potential but needs development.

Others Considered: Jam Miller/RB/Alabama, Tristan Leigh/OT/Clemson, Tyren Montgomery/WR/John Carroll, Caden Barnett/OT/Wyoming, Cole Brevard/IDL/Texas