The Pittsburgh Steelers have a new head coach following Saturday’s verbal agreement with Mike McCarthy. Although it’s not the splashy hire many had hoped for, it provides more clarity on the direction the organization may take with talent acquisition. That leads us to version 2.0 of Steelers Mock Draft Monday!

As a reminder, this is not what I expect the organization to do when the draft rolls around, but it serves as one of many potential outcomes. Let’s have some fun.

Round 1 (#21 Overall) – Ty Simpson/QB/Alabama

Expected Role: Year 1 Starter

Analysis: Mock drafts will inevitably link a quarterback to the Steelers’ first-round pick. With McCarthy now the head man, there will be speculation that a 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers is interested in running it back for one more season. Whether that interest becomes real or not, it underscores the elephant in the room: the Steelers are still searching for their future at the position.

As it stands, the only quarterbacks under contract for next season are Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. Insert Alabama’s Ty Simpson, who many forget was in Heisman consideration for much of this past season. Simpson is an efficient thrower in the intermediate range who excels at advancing through his progressions. He possesses a good-not-great arm but can drive the ball down the field when his mechanics are in sync. He shows a good ability to navigate the pocket, but he tends to speed up his internal clock after taking hits.

Many will remember his faltering end to the season, but it is fair to wonder how much of that decline in play was due to lingering injuries. Speculation mounted that Simpson was dealing with a lower-back injury he sustained in a game against Missouri.

Throughout the season, he dealt with a string of injuries, including gastritis and elbow bursitis on top of a cracked rib he suffered in the Rose Bowl against Indiana. His season was a tale of two halves, but selecting him at this stage shows my confidence and belief that many of his struggles were injury-related and that his evaluation aligns more closely with his first-half performance.

Others Considered: Olaivavega Ioane/IOL/Penn State, Kayden McDonald/IDL/Ohio State, Avieon Terrell/CB/Clemson, Denzel Boston/WR/Washington

Round 2 – Lee Hunter/IDL/Texas Tech

Expected Role – 2-Down Run Stuffer/3-Down Upside

Analysis – Looking to the future, the organization must continue to prepare for the eventual void when Cam Heyward hangs up the cleats while also improving its run defense. Hunter projects as a massive nose tackle who will primarily serve as a space-eater to free up his teammates. Despite standing 6-4 and weighing 330 pounds, he is surprisingly nimble with the ability to shoot gaps and evade blockers. He lacks an explosive first step, but his immense power more than makes up for it, and he shows a strong initial punch and the ability to “peek-and-shed.”

On Day 1, Hunter will rely heavily on his strength and size to bully linemen as he continues to develop his pass-rush skills. He will not be the flashy pick that puts up gaudy numbers, but his presence would make an immediate impact as one of the better interior run stuffers in this draft class.

Others Considered: Elijah Sarratt/WR/Indiana, Dillon Thieneman/S/Oregon, Germie Bernard/WR/Alabama, Ja’Kobi Lane/WR/USC

Round 3 – Skyler Bell/WR/UConn

Expected Role – Year 1 Starter

Analysis – The pick everyone’s been waiting for – a receiver. The Steelers, in desperate need of talent there, could only avoid drafting one for so long. After shattering the program record for receptions (101) and touchdowns (13) this past season, Bell has been turning heads in Shrine Bowl practices. Bell is a nuanced route runner who displays very patient and controlled feet while also being very “sudden” in his movements. While his footwork allows him to create separation in man coverage, he is just as successful against zone. Bell is adept at finding soft spots in zone coverage and adjusting his route depth to remain visible to his quarterback.

He’s more than just a crisp route runner. There is a natural display of hand-catching ability, with confidence in his ability to catch passes over the middle and track the ball down the field. Standing 5-11, he won’t be the most physical player on the field, but he is reliable and wins through positioning.

Despite his stature, Bell is not simply one to fall on first contact. He moves with a running back mentality, looking to fight for every yard. The smaller frame remains a concern as he is susceptible to being redirected or knocked off his route.

With DK Metcalf on the field, Bell doesn’t have to be physically dominating, but his route running will allow him to feast in the short-to-intermediate field and provide another option for the passing game.

Others Considered: Keionte Scott/CB/Miami, Malik Muhammed/CB/Texas, Brian Parker II/OT/Duke, Josiah Trotter/LB/Missouri

Round 3 – CB Davison Igbinosun/CB/Ohio State

Expected Role: Rotational Depth/Potential Year 1 Starter

Analysis: The Steelers have much to figure out in the secondary, especially who will play opposite CB Joey Porter Jr. next season. With corners Asante Samuel Jr. and James Pierre both pending unrestricted free agents, Igbinosun would provide a much-needed boost to a secondary with many uncertainties. Ideally, the organization will look to re-sign one or both corners and ease Igbinosun’s NFL transition. Physically, he shares many similarities with Pittsburgh’s shutdown corner.

Standing 6-2 with great length, Igbinosun is best suited to play in a press-coverage scheme that allows him to get his hands on a receiver early in their route. Given his size, he has some stiffness and weight in his hips, which makes his transitions difficult. He is also grabby when he first gets beaten and is forced to recover, much like Porter, who is growing out of that habit and showing that it is possible. Igbinosun himself is already showing growth in this facet of his game, decreasing his committed penalties from 16 in 2024 to five this past season. He is also a willing tackler who enjoys initiating contact, a trait Pittsburgh has always valued in its cornerback play.

It will take him time to figure it out at the professional level, but his physical gifts and talent are too promising to pass on in the third round.

Others Considered: Will Lee III/CB/Texas A&M, Antonio Williams/WR/Clemson, Harold Perkins/LB/LSU, Malachi Fields/WR/Notre Dame

Round 3 – Jalon Kilgore/S/South Carolina

Expected Role: Rotational Depth/Potential Year 1 Starter

Analysis: With Jalen Ramsey’s increasing age and salary coupled with Deshon Elliot’s injury, the Steelers must start planning for the future of their backline. The future begins now with the selection of Kilgore. A three-year SEC starter and zone-coverage specialist, he doesn’t simply cover ground and hope to make a play on the ball. He effectively matches routes in his zone and has strong anticipation of where the quarterback will throw.

With a receiver background, he possesses excellent ball skills and often plays through the ball rather than the receiver. While impressive in coverage, he is even more effective when playing closer to the line of scrimmage, where he can play free and aggressively. At South Carolina, he played a lot in the Gamecocks’ “Star” position – someone who can play close to the line of scrimmage but also drop deep in coverage if needed.

The role he claims at the NFL level is very likely to be similar. Bottom line, Kilgore is a playmaker, and the Steelers need more of that.

Others Considered: Austin Barber/OT/Florida, Justin Joly/TE/NC State, Kage Casey/OT/Boise State

Round 4 – Keylan Rutledge/IOL/Georgia Tech

Expected Role: Developmental Prospect/Potential Starter

Analysis: With Isaac Seumalo and Andrus Peat pending free agents, it would be wise for the organization to identify the future at that position. Two years ago, the Steelers struck gold in the fourth round when drafting Mason McCormick out of South Dakota State. Looking to repeat that fortune, Rutledge would provide a high floor right away for a unit looking to solidify its left side.

Rutledge is coming off a season in which he earned first-team All-America honors after not allowing a single sack. He possesses a strong anchor and a tight grip that can withstand the power of an interior rush as well as quick feet that can mirror defenders.

His calling card at the next level is his mauler mentality in the run game, Rutledge using his 330-pound frame to consistently decleat his opponent. To reach his potential at the professional level, he will need to make minor technical refinements to his game. He raises his pad level too high as a blocker, leaving him vulnerable to losing the leverage battle. He will also need to improve his balance, as he overextends and lunges at a defender in desperation when he is losing the battle.

If he improves those deficiencies, it would not surprise me if the Steelers landed another fourth-round gem.

Others Considered: Treydan Stukes/CB/Arizona, Taurean York/LB/Texas A&M, Daylen Everette/CB/Georgia, Deion Burks/WR/Oklahoma

Round 4 – Mikail Kamara/EDGE/Indiana

Expected Role – Rotational Depth/Developmental Option 

Analysis – Another edge rusher? Let me explain. Nick Herbig broke out for the Steelers as one of their most impactful defenders, and his contract extension is likely coming soon. Even with a rookie quarterback on the books, it would be extremely tough to pay three pass rushers. That means someone will likely be the odd man out, and Jack Sawyer would be the only depth option. Kamara is a technician as a pass rusher, adept at hand fighting and countering his moves, often winning the chest of the offensive lineman, allowing him to disengage quickly.

Indiana also played him in its “Stud” position, a hybrid between a down edge rusher in a 4-3 and a stand-up linebacker. Kamara shined in both roles. He’s not the most physically dominant edge rusher, but he will be a reliable player who can collapse the pocket from the edge, much like the Steelers’ fourth-round pick from a year ago. It should never be frowned upon to build on one of your greatest strengths as a defense.

Others Considered: Ted Hurst/WR/Georgia State, Oscar Delp/TE/Georgia, Eli Raridon/TE/Notre Dame, Hezekiah Masses/CB/California

Round 5 – Bryce Lance/WR/NDSU

Expected Role: Potential Year 1 Starter/Special Teams Contributor

Analysis: One of my favorite prospects in this year’s draft, I expect Lance to skyrocket up draft boards during the pre-draft process.

The younger brother of former No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance, Bryce is an exceptional athlete with a polished route tree and a knack for hiding his “tells.” He uses subtle head fakes to manipulate defenders and create separation. He also has a strong feel for positioning, attacking defenders’ leverage and forcing them into a compromised position.

While he excels at route running, he is equally reliable and effective as a pass-catcher. Lance consistently attacks the ball in the air, and he also has a strong understanding of “late hands,” a complex trait to find in many college prospects.

The icing on the cake is his run blocking. Despite a lean frame, he has shown himself to be an enforcer on the perimeter with a physical mindset. A Lance-Bell double dip at wide receiver would make DK Metcalf’s life easier and create a dynamic duo.

Others Considered: Aiden Fisher/LB/Indiana, Kyle Louis/LB/Pittsburgh, Bud Clark/S/TCU, Mike Washington Jr./RB/Arkansas

Round 6 – Red Murdock – LB – Buffalo

Expected Role: Rotational Depth/Special Teams Contributor

Analysis: Behind Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen, the Steelers don’t have the most inspiring depth at inside linebacker. Adding a talent like Red Murdock would ease those concerns.

Murdock is a stout run defender who plays with a quick trigger and can get downhill in a hurry. He doesn’t just go downhill; he can play sideline to sideline as well. Although his speed isn’t elite, it is more than adequate to avoid being a liability. There is also balance to his game as he shows competency in coverage. He is better in zone than man, as he can have issues flipping his hips when running with a tight end or running back.

Most notably, Murdock set the NCAA record for most career fumbles forced (17), passing former Buffalo star Khalil Mack. Pittsburgh needs a tone-setter in the middle of the field, even if he is not an every-down option.

Others Considered: John Michael Gyllenborg/TE/Wyoming, Fa’alili Fa’amoe/OT/Wake Forest, Ricardo Hallman/CB/Wisconsin, Keyshaun Elliot/LB/Arizona State

Round 6 – Fa’alili Fa’amoe/OT/Wake Forest

Expected Role: Swing Tackle/Depth

Analysis: Dipping back into the offensive line pool, adding a talent like Fa’amoe would be a nice development piece for the presumed new offensive line coach to work with. With three linemen set to hit free agency, it is plausible the team would like to reset the clock on its depth options along the front five. Fa’amoe is still relatively new to blocking for quarterbacks, as he began his career pressuring them as a defensive end. Despite still learning the intricacies of the position, he helped guide a Wake Forest rushing attack that churned out 156 yards per game.

Fa’amoe is a violent run blocker who also moves with nimble feet, granting him second-level mobility. The pass-protection aspect of his game is still developing, but he shows proficiency in some advanced moves like the “snatch trap,” which offers promise for his upside.

His future focus will be to eliminate waist bending that causes him to overextend and to improve timing on his initial punches. His aggressive nature will provide a boost as a depth option for a team looking to set the tone on the ground.

Others Considered: Ricardo Hallman/CB/Wisconsin, Fernando Carmona/IOL/Arkansas, Barion Brown/WR/LSU, Jeffrey M’ba/IDL/SMU

Round 7 – Devon Marshall/CB/NC State

Expected Role: Rotational Depth/Special Teams Contributor

Analysis: Adding another cornerback to fill out the secondary, Marshall caught my eye after a standout performance against Florida State in which he recorded six pass breakups and two interceptions. With a background in track and field, the 5-11, 200-pounder has the physical ability to withstand the talent bump at the NFL level. Marshall is not the type of corner who fears getting beat deep and instinctively plays a soft cushion or bails early in the route. Instead, he prefers to get physical with the receiver, which can deliver mixed results.

Generally good at keeping everything in front of him, he is excellent at limiting YAC when he does allow receptions. However, he is prone to giving up the occasional deep ball because of limited recovery fluidity.

For upside, a good measuring stick for comparison would be Steelers CB Asante Samuel Jr., who came out of Florida State. Undersized, he is feisty and makes the receiver fight for every yard. 

Others Considered: Dan Villari/TE/Syracuse, Josh Moten/CB/Southern Miss, Jakobe Thomas/S/Miami, Eric Gentry/LB/USC

Round 7 – Eric Gentry/LB/USC

Expected Role: Rotational Depth/Special Teams Contributor

Analysis: A true unicorn and anomaly in this draft, Eric Gentry is a physical presence rarely seen among inside linebackers.

To be clear, I would not make this selection with the expectation that he will be an every-down linebacker. Given his slight 221-pound frame, Gentry lacks the functional strength to be a reliable run-stopper at the next level. His greatest value will be his effectiveness in pass coverage. At 6-6, with a wingspan and arm length that rank in the 99th percentile for a linebacker, Gentry has “eraser” written all over him.

If deployed correctly, he can match up with tight ends or bigger slot receivers and take them out of an opponent’s game plan. His long strides allow him to cover a lot of ground quickly and be successful in chases. He uses a more upright tackling style, which has led ball carriers to slip out of his grasp, and he doesn’t have much pop in his contact. In the seventh round, this would be a “low-risk, high-reward” situation that could end with the Steelers adding a hybrid matchup nightmare for offenses. 

Others Considered: Josh Cameron/WR/Baylor, Jalen Farmer/IOL/Kentucky, Riley Nowakowski/TE/Indiana, Landon Robinson/IDL/Navy