Just like that, the pre-draft process has come and gone. The 2026 NFL Draft is just six days away.<\/p>\n
All of the work on the prospects, from tape to background and medical checks, are complete. Now it\u2019s about finalizing the board for teams and gearing up for a busy three days in the Steel City.<\/p>\n
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, the pre-draft process was a busy one. The Steelers signed a number of players in free agency and lost some key pieces in the process, too. They also made a big trade to land Michael Pittman Jr., shoring up the WR2 position behind DK Metcalf.<\/p>\n
Yet despite all the moves, the Steelers are still waiting for a decision from 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers \u2013 a decision many insiders expected prior to free agency. Here we are, though.<\/p>\n
So, as the draft draws near, the needs for the Steelers are pretty clear. With that in mind, below is my final version of a seven-round mock for the Black and Gold.<\/p>\n
Pencils down!<\/p>\n
I hope you enjoy.<\/p>\n
ROUND 1 (21ST OVERALL) \u2013 OLAIVAVEGA IOANE, iOL, PENN STATE<\/p>\n
Analysis:\u00a0Throughout the pre-draft process and three previous mock drafts, I\u2019ve landed on wide receiver over and over again. Not this time, though.<\/p>\n
After a pre-draft visit for Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane checked a huge box for the Steelers, I feel very comfortable slotting him here at No. 21 overall. The usual pushback will be \u201che won\u2019t be on the board\u201d and the Baltimore Ravens are a clear threat at No. 14 overall. The league just doesn\u2019t value guard as highly as tackle, though, and I think Ioane slides right to the Steelers, much like David DeCastro did a number of years ago.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s a plug-and-play starter at left guard immediately for the Steelers and projects as a Pro Bowl talent right away. With his tape at Penn State and what he does well, he could even reach All-Pro status at some point in his career. This would be a home-run selection for the Steelers. It fits the mold of building through the trenches again.<\/p>\n
Others considered: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington; Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama; Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo<\/p>\n
Previous selection: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington (version 1.0), KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M (version 2.0), Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (version 3.0)<\/p>\n
Olaivavega Ioane Scouting Report<\/a><\/p>\n ROUND 2 (53RD OVERALL) \u2014 GERMIE BERNARD, WR, ALABAMA<\/p>\n Analysis:\u00a0Passing on a receiver in the first round is tough for me, but Alabama\u2019s Germie Bernard would be a great consolation prize in the second round, plugging a major need offensively. He\u2019s not the biggest or the fastest at the position, but he fits the mold of a Mike McCarthy receiver.<\/p>\n All Bernard did last season with the Crimson Tide was make plays. He\u2019s tough as nails, can align all over the formation, and has consistent hands. He\u2019d pair perfectly with the likes of DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. offensively, allowing McCarthy to move all three around the formation snap-to-snap.<\/p>\n Others considered: Jacob Rodriguez, ILB, Texas Tech; Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia; A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU<\/p>\n Previous selection: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State (version 1.0), Gennings Dunker, iOL, Iowa (version 2.0), A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU (version 3.0)<\/p>\n Germie Bernard Scouting Report<\/a><\/p>\n ROUND 3 (76TH OVERALL, FROM COWBOYS) \u2014 KYLE LOUIS, LB, PITTSBURGH<\/p>\n Analysis:\u00a0Quietly throughout the pre-draft process, the Steelers have shown interest in off-ball linebackers. Patrick Queen enters the final year of his contract, and he\u2019s been a bit of a disappointment his first two years in Pittsburgh. Payton Wilson had an up-and-down 2025 season, and Malik Harrison was rough in his first season with the Steelers.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a clear need for the Steelers, and they need another athletic specimen at the position. They won\u2019t have to look far for Pittsburgh\u2019s Kyle Louis, who shares the facility with Pittsburgh. Louis was dominant the last two years with the Panthers. He has tremendous range and is outstanding in coverage, leading to some wondering if he could slide to safety in the NFL.<\/p>\n He\u2019ll stay at linebacker here and projects as a three-down force at the position.<\/p>\n Others considered: Darnell Jackson Jr., DL, Florida State; Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia; Max Klare, TE, Ohio State<\/p>\n Previous selection: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU (version 1.0), Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia (version 2.0), Keylan Rutledge, iOL, Georgia Tech (version 3.0)<\/p>\n Kyle Louis Scouting Report<\/a><\/p>\n ROUND 3 (85TH OVERALL) \u2014 MALIK MUHAMMAD, CB, TEXAS<\/p>\n Analysis:\u00a0Time and time again since the signing of Jamel Dean, I\u2019ve still pounded the table for cornerback being a significant need for the Steelers. Their actions based on pre-draft visits spoke loudly, too, as the Steelers signaled they\u2019re clearly in the market for a cornerback in the 2026 NFL Draft.<\/p>\n With one of the three third-round picks, it makes sense to address the position here and do so with another pre-draft visitor in Texas cornerback Malik Muhammad. The Texas product has good size and length, fitting the mold that the Steelers have looked for at the position in recent years.<\/p>\n The ball skills aren\u2019t quite there yet with just three career interceptions, but he\u2019s sound in coverage and projects as a nice developmental piece behind Joey Porter Jr., Dean and Asante Samuel Jr. in 2026.<\/p>\n Others considered: Domonique Orange, DL, Iowa State; Chris McClellan, DL, Missouri; Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State<\/p>\n Previous selection: Darrell Jackson Jr., DL, Florida State (version 1.0), Drew Allar, QB, Penn State (version 2.0), Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia (version 3.0)<\/p>\n Malik Muhammad Scouting Report<\/a><\/p>\n ROUND 3 (99TH OVERALL \u2014 COMPENSATORY) \u2014 TRAVIS BURKE, OT, MEMPHIS<\/p>\n Analysis:\u00a0Another pre-draft visitor here in Memphis offensive tackle Travis Burke. The Steelers have some questions along the offensive line, particularly at left tackle moving forward. Burke played primarily right tackle in college at Memphis, Florida International and Gardner-Webb, so he might not be able to help out at left tackle right away in 2026. But he\u2019s a great athlete with tremendous size at 6086, 325 pounds with 34 1\/4-inch arms.<\/p>\n He has a lot of experience at right tackle in three stops in college, so he could be a nice backup for Troy Fautanu in 2026 while learning how to play left tackle behind the scenes, should the Steelers choose to do that. With new offensive line coaches James Campen and Jahri Evans in place, it\u2019s all about development.<\/p>\n Burke has a very high ceiling.<\/p>\n Others considered: Markel Bell, OT, Miami (FL); Drew Allar, QB, Penn State; Carson Beck, QB, Miami (FL)<\/p>\n Previous selection: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson (version 1.0), Markel Bell, OT, Miami (FL) (version 2.0), Austin Barber, OT, Florida (version 3.0)<\/p>\n Travis Burke Scouting Report<\/a><\/p>\n ROUND 4 (121ST OVERALL) \u2014 COLE PAYTON, QB, NORTH DAKOTA STATE<\/p>\n Analysis:\u00a0Quarterback is a real need for the Steelers, regardless of what Aaron Rodgers decides to do. With a new coaching staff in place and McCarthy overseeing the quarterback position, the Steelers have reportedly expressed frustration with the lack of athleticism at the position in this draft class, so why not pair them with arguably the most athletic, dynamic quarterback in the class?<\/p>\n The Steelers have done a ton of work on North Dakota State\u2019s Cole Payton. QBs coach Tom Arth was at his Pro Day, and the Steelers hosted him for a pre-draft visit. He\u2019s still very raw as a passer and needs some development, but he\u2019s a dynamic weapon with his legs and could provide some designed-run packages as a rookie, particularly in the red zone as he develops under McCarthy.<\/p>\n Keep taking swings at the most important position in sports until you find a franchise guy.<\/p>\n Others considered: Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State; Sam Roush, TE, Stanford; Tacario Davis, CB, Washington\u00a0<\/p>\n Previous selection: Bud Clark, S, TCU (version 1.0), Kaden Wetjen, WR\/PR, Iowa (version 2.0), Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State (version 3.0)<\/p>\n Cole Payton Scouting Report<\/a><\/p>\n ROUND 4 (135TH OVERALL, COMPENSATORY) \u2014 MARLIN KLEIN, TE, MICHIGAN<\/p>\n Analysis:\u00a0After cutting Jonnu Smith ahead of free agency and surprisingly losing Connor Heyward to the Las Vegas Raiders on the open market, the Steelers have a need at tight end behind Darnell Washington and Pat Freiermuth. Michigan\u2019s Marlin Klein was one of just two tight ends who visited the Steelers on an official pre-draft trip, so chances are high he\u2019ll hear his name called by the Steelers.<\/p>\n Klein has great size but had limited production as a pass catcher. Still, he projects as a nice piece at the position, someone who can handle an in-line blocking role, but has the athleticism and traits to be a potential weapon downfield as a No. 3 TE early in his career.<\/p>\n Others considered: Nate Boerkircher, TE, Texas A&M; De\u2019Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss; Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State<\/p>\n Previous selection: Nick Singleton, RB, Penn State (version 1.0), DeMonte Capehart, DL, Clemson (version 2.0), Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU (version 3.0)<\/p>\n Marlin Klein Scouting Report<\/a><\/p>\n ROUND 5 (161ST OVERALL) \u2014 JAKOBE THOMAS, S, MIAMI (FL)<\/p>\n Analysis:\u00a0Much like cornerback, safety is a major need for the Steelers, even with the addition of Jaquan Brisker this offseason and the expected signing of Darnell Savage at some point. DeShon Elliott is set to return from his season-ending injury, and Jalen Ramsey has the versatility to play in the slot, on the boundary or at safety like he did last season. But Pittsburgh needs to add some youth to the position.<\/p>\n That\u2019s where Miami (FL)\u2019s Jakobe Thomas comes in. Another pre-draft visitor, Thomas broke out in his lone season with the Hurricanes, recording 76 total tackles, five interceptions, six passes defensed and 3.5 sacks after transferring from Tennessee. He can play all over the defense but appears most comfortable in two-high and single-safety looks where everything is in front of him and he can drive downhill.<\/p>\n That fits in new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham\u2019s defense and could give the Steelers a real weapon on special teams early in his career, too.<\/p>\n Others considered: Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati; Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington; Tim Keenan III, DL, Alabama<\/p>\n Previous selection: Ar\u2019maj Reed-Adams, iOL, Texas A&M (version 1.0), Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington (version 2.0), Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington (version 3.0)<\/p>\n Jakobe Thomas Scouting Report<\/a><\/p>\n ROUND 6 (216TH OVERALL, COMPENSATORY) \u2014 KENDRICK LAW, WR, KENTUCKY<\/p>\n Analysis:\u00a0The Steelers have a major need on special teams in the return games, and they need more depth at receiver, too. Kentucky\u2019s Kendrick Law checks both of those boxes here in the sixth round.<\/p>\n The Steelers hosted Law for a pre-draft visit and got a good look at the diminutive receiver. He started out his career at Alabama before transferring to Kentucky for his final season, and while the production wasn\u2019t all that good (53 receptions, 540 yards, 3 TDs), he can line up all over the offense and brings that return ability to the table, which will help him stick on the roster.<\/p>\n Others considered: Desmond Reid, RB\/KR, Pittsburgh; Kaden Wetjen, WR\/KR, Iowa; Barion Brown, WR, LSU<\/p>\n Previous selection: James Thompson, DL, Illinois (version 1.0), Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo (version 2.0), Kaden Wetjen, WR\/KR, Iowa (version 3.0)<\/p>\n Kendrick Law Scouting Report<\/a><\/p>\n ROUND 7 (224TH OVERALL, FROM PATRIOTS) \u2014 LORENZO STYLES, DB, OHIO STATE<\/p>\n Analysis:\u00a0The Steelers lost a ton on special teams this offseason via free agency and haven\u2019t really adequately replaced some of the losses, so that\u2019s what this first of three picks in the seventh round aims to address with Ohio State defensive back Lorenzo Styles.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a Pittsburgh connection here with Styles, as his father was a former WPIAL star, and he has the NFL bloodlines as the brother of Sonny Styles, a likely top 10 pick in the draft. Lorenzo Styles can play corner or safety, is blazing fast, and even has some kick return work in his career, too.<\/p>\n Others considered: Louis Moore, S, Indiana; Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech; Mason Reiger, OLB, Wisconsin<\/p>\n Previous selection: Xavian Sorey Jr., LB, Arkansas (version 1.0), Max Bredeson, FB\/TE, Michigan (version 2.0), James Thompson Jr., DL, Illinois<\/p>\n Lorenzo Styles Scouting Report<\/a><\/p>\n ROUND 7 (230TH OVERALL, FROM COLTS) \u2014 JAMES THOMPSON JR., DL, ILLINOIS<\/p>\n Analysis:\u00a0This just feels like a classic Steelers pick, and it\u2019s felt that way with Illinois defensive lineman James Thompson Jr. throughout the pre-draft process. He has the size and length the Steelers covet along the defensive line, and he can play all over the 3-4 front.<\/p>\n He\u2019s not much of a pass rusher at this point, but he\u2019s a good run defender who can provide some early-game snaps to help keep the likes of Cameron Heyward, Derrick Harmon and Keeanu Benton fresh later into games. I compared him to former Steelers defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk in my scouting report, so it makes sense to land him here in the mock.<\/p>\n Others considered: Cameron Ball, DL, Arkansas; Tristan Leigh, OT, Clemson; Trey Moore, OLB, Texas<\/p>\n Previous selection: Riley Nowakowski, FB\/TE, Indiana (version 1.0), Lorenzo Styles, S, Ohio State (version 2.0), Max Bredeson, FB, Michigan (version 3.0)<\/p>\n