With free agency dust largely settled, I’m back with my latest and updated Pittsburgh Steelers mock draft. The pieces of the team’s needs and interest are becoming clearer to create a more-informed mock. With a dozen picks, Pittsburgh has ample chances to plug roster holes and add an infusion of talent.
One note. I’m not predicting trades in this mock. I understand Pittsburgh is unlikely to make all 12 of its current selections, but my mocks typically don’t reflect trades. For now, I intend on keeping it that way.
As always, let me know your thoughts in the comments below. I’ll likely release my third mock in early-to-mid April before my final edition is published right before the draft.
Round One (21st Overall) – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren/S Toledo: 6034, 201 pounds
Analysis: I went cornerback in my first mock draft, and now safety in this one. Debated between Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman and McNeil-Warren. Thieneman is probably the better true free safety but there’s a greater chance he’s gone by No. 21 than McNeil-Warren.
In his own right, McNeil-Warren is a solid prospect without a glaring weakness. He has size, range, hit power (nine career forced fumbles) with good workout numbers. He can play free safety, strong safety, and over slot.
Pittsburgh’s bolstered safety by signing Jaquan Brisker and retaining Jalen Ramsey. It’s not an immediate need. But DeShon Elliott, Darnell Savage, Brisker, and Ramsey are all free agents after the 2026 season, and the Steelers are missing a young and long-term option. That’s McNeil-Warren.
So far, the team’s interest in him has seemed light, but we’ll see if he comes in for a pre-draft visit.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren Scouting Report
Others Considered: WR Omar Cooper Jr., OG Olaivavega Ioane, WR Denzel Boston
Round Two (53rd Overall)– Germie Bernard/WR Alabama: 6012, 206 pounds
Analysis: Pittsburgh waits until Round 2 to address wide receiver, benefitting from a deep class. Bernard brings a blend of size, good-enough athleticism, savvy route running, and inside/outside versatility. Pittsburgh needs someone who can separate and get open. Bernard can be that guy. He’s been productive and checks the boxes Pittsburgh looks for. Most of Mike McCarthy’s drafted receivers have been at least six feet, and Bernard easily clears that bar.
Bernard reportedly has an upcoming visit with the Steelers. A clear sign of interest.
He can come in as the No. 3 from Day 1 to revamp Pittsburgh’s wide receivers room. Being a little older and experienced will help the learning curve with QB Aaron Rodgers, should be return.
Germie Bernard Scouting Report
Others Considered: WR Zachariah Branch, DL Christen Miller, OG Chase Bisontis, ILB Jacob Rodriguez
Round Three (76th Overall) – Billy Schrauth/OG Notre Dame: 6050, 310 pounds
Analysis: I didn’t write our scouting report on Schrauth but liked what it said and the clips I’ve watched. A plug ‘n play guard with good size, he’s a people mover in the running game.
He’s played both guard spots with over 1,000 snaps on the left side and spent all last season playing there. He won’t be guaranteed to start and replace Isaac Seumalo, but is likely the favorite over Spencer Anderson and Brock Hoffman. Day 2 is where Pittsburgh is most likely to address the interior offensive line.
Billy Schrauth Scouting Report
Others Considered: WR Ted Hurst, ILB Kyle Louis, WR Antonio Williams
Round Three (85th Overall) – Daylen Everette/CB Georgia: 6012, 196 pounds
Analysis: Surprised myself by going cornerback before the end of Day 2, but Pittsburgh having a trio of selections here helps. Everette is just good value to round out the room. He has size, speed, and comes highly experienced with 41 starts and more than 2,100 career snaps. He needs to clean up tackling and penalties, but the Steelers love their Georgia-to-Pittsburgh pipeline.
Asante Samuel Jr. and Brandin Echols are on expiring contracts, meaning Everette could push for a bigger role come 2027.
Daylen Everette Scouting Report
Others Considered: OG Keylan Rutledge, S Zakee Wheatley, NT Domonique Orange
Round Three (99th Overall) – Cole Payton/QB North Dakota State: 6025, 232 pounds
Analysis: I really debated this one. Not just if I should put a quarterback like Cole Payton in this mock, but where he should slot. Pittsburgh’s interest in Payton is clear. Quarterbacks coach Tom Arth attended his Pro Day and Payton immediately flew into Pittsburgh for a visit.
His tools and upside are undeniable. Josh Allen-like as a runner with a live arm, the Steelers probably see him as an “AFC North” type of quarterback who is big, strong, and tough. He’s a big project, but the developmental prospect a team like Pittsburgh should be going after.
Where will he be drafted? It’s a hard question to answer. Most still think he’ll be a Day 3 candidate, but I wouldn’t be shocked if buzz keeps picking up on him in a QB weak class. The third round seems to be where teams are willing to stick their necks out for a developmental type of quarterback. Jalen Milroe in 2025, Hendon Hooker in 2023, and Malik Willis in 2022 are recent examples. That’s where teams like Pittsburgh may come in on Payton, ones that don’t want the long Day 2-to-3 wait where teams may try to trade up.
If Rodgers returns who becomes odd man out? I’m not sure how it’ll look. But teams like Pittsburgh need and want options when there isn’t a long-term passer on the roster.
Others Considered: CB Tacario Davis, ILB Josiah Trotter, DB Jalon Kilgore
Round Four (121st Overall) – Chris McClellan/DL Missouri: 6040, 313 pounds
Analysis: McClellan might be the perfect fit. He checks the size boxes of height, weight, and arm length with 34-inch vines. He blends run defense with a serviceable pass rush that produced six sacks in 2025. He profiles as a defensive end and long-term piece. As a rookie, he’ll help round out the room as a No. 6 defensive lineman.
Our McClellan scouting report noted his hot motor, a requirement for Steelers d-linemen over the years.
Chris McClellan Scouting Report
Others Considered: QB Carson Beck, OT Markel Bell, QB Taylen Green
Round Four (135th Overall) – Drew Shelton/OT Penn State: 6050, 313 pounds
Analysis: Offensive tackle is a little murky given Broderick Jones’ neck injury, but Dylan Cook’s strong showing down the stretch last season makes the situation less dire. Still, depth is needed. Shelton must get stronger but is athletic and a good pass protector capable of playing either tackle spot. Penn State even used him in creative tight end and split-out alignments to highlight his mobility.
Though unrelated to why Pittsburgh should draft him, but Shelton and QB Will Howard were high school teammates. In this scenario, they reunite with Shelton maybe one day blocking for Howard again.
Others Considered: LB/EDGE Jaishawn Barham, OL Brian Parker II, DL Rayshaun Benny
Round Five (161st Overall) – Marlin Klein/TE Michigan: 6060, 248 pounds
Analysis: Tight end isn’t a screaming need but Pittsburgh only has two assured of making its 53-man roster: Darnell Washington and Pat Freiermuth. Klein will have the inside track on the No. 3 spot. Well-built, his college production was light, but it’s hard to find tight ends who put up big numbers. At the Combine, he impressed with a 4.63 40 and good jumps. A deep tight end class could still push him down.
A worthwhile add on Day 3.
Others Considered: DL James Thompson Jr., LB Harold Perkins Jr., CB Hezekiah Masses
Round Six (216th Overall) – Kendrick Law/WR Kentucky: 5113, 203 pounds
Analysis: Law came in for a visit earlier this month and though he’s listed as a wide receiver, his value and path come on special teams. Law’s speed and background make him an option on kick returns. He’s also interesting because of his coverage value with an extensive background as a gunner, especially during his career at Alabama.
Pittsburgh has Ben Skowronek, but Law is a different type of receiver. A gadget-type prospect Mike McCarthy might use better than past Steelers coordinators. High character and coming off a breakout 2025 with the Wildcats, he’s a worthy candidate late in the draft.
Others Considered: CB Ephesians Prysock, OG Evan Beerntsen, OT Riley Mahlman
Round Seven (224th Overall) – Adam Randall/RB Clemson: 6033, 232 pounds
Analysis: Randall is someone I’ve liked while watching from afar. I didn’t write his Depot scouting report, but he impressed in the Clemson tape I’ve watched of teammates, and he had solid Combine and Pro Day workouts.
A former wide receiver converted to running back, Randall’s pass-game ability is intriguing. He might not have always shown it last season and his game as a runner is developing. Still, he’s worth adding to the running back mix even after the team reportedly agreed to terms with Travis Homer. With a dozen picks, Pittsburgh can make selections seen as luxuries and add competition to each room.
Others Considered: RB/FB Eli Heidenreich, DL David Gusta, EDGE Caden Curry
Round Seven (230th Overall) – Logan Fano/EDGE Utah: 6050, 257 pounds
Analysis: Pittsburgh is well-stocked at EDGE rusher with T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, and Jack Sawyer. But the Steelers having additional depth and options here is always a smart play, especially given the checkered injury history of Watt, Highsmith, and Herbig. The brother of Utes OL Spencer Fano, a likely first-round pick, Logan Fano has good size though his short arms are underwhelming.
Still, Fano was consistently productive and recorded 7.5 TFL and 4.5 sacks for the Utes last season. He’s likely to begin the year on the practice squad, but one injury could open up a spot. Also, Herbig is entering a contract year. Assistant GM Andy Weidl has a history of drafting pass rushers late in drafts.
Others Considered: TE Khalil Dinkins, EDGE Mason Reiger, P Jack Stonehouse
Round Seven (237th Overall) – Donaven McCulley/WR Michigan: 6044, 203 pounds
Analysis: Finishing things with another receiver. Three in one draft is a lot, no question, but so is having 12 total picks. If Pittsburgh wants to truly makeover its receiver room, this is the time to do it.
McCulley is a big X-receiver, making for a different skill set compared to Bernard and Law. A former quarterback, McCulley is a combat catcher who plays above the rim with good YAC ability. His rawness and lack of route tempo are the biggest concerns.
It’s worth mentioning Steelers WRs coach Adam Henry coached McCulley at Indiana in 2022 in his first year flipping from quarterback to receiver.
Donaven McCulley Scouting Report
Others Considered: OL Fintan Brose, WR Max Tomczak, RB Le’Veon Moss
Final Thoughts/Recap
A recap of the 12 picks:
Round 1 – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren/S Toledo
Round 2 – Germie Bernard/WR Alabama
Round 3 – Billy Schrauth/OG Notre Dame
Round 3 – Daylen Everette/CB Georgia
Round 3 – Cole Payton/QB North Dakota State
Round 4 – Chris McClellan/DL Missouri
Round 4 – Drew Shelton/OT Penn State
Round 5 – Marlin Klein/TE Michigan
Round 6 – Kendrick Law/WR Kentucky
Round 7 – Adam Randall/RB Clemson
Round 7 – Logan Fano/EDGE Utah
Round 7 – Donaven McCulley/WR Michigan
An offensive-heavy draft, no question. But it’s balanced at the top. Through the first four rounds, there are four offensive and three defensive players. The later-round selections create the imbalance and someone like Law is primarily being drafted for special teams.
No inside linebacker on the list. Pittsburgh certainly could draft the position, but I just didn’t see a place to fit him. Maybe swapping out Everette for one would’ve been the best place. But Pittsburgh has five inside linebackers who can make the roster right now and once you get late into Day 3, adding another really isn’t doing a ton for the group.