2026 Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft: 7-Round Projection
Draft Capital: 12 picks | Overall Grade: B Last Updated: December 30, 2025Executive Summary
Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2026 NFL Draft with 12 selections and critical needs at Quarterback, Wide Receiver, Offensive Tackle. This mock has them addressing their biggest weaknesses while maintaining draft value.
Complete Draft Class:---
Complete Pick-by-Pick Analysis
Pick #20 - Pittsburgh Steelers: Caleb Lomu, Offensive Tackle, Utah
Rank: #23 overall | Grade: B+ | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Pittsburgh takes the best player available in Avieon Terrell despite cornerback ranking fifth on their needs list, trusting that elite coverage players are too valuable to pass up. Terrell's exceptional zone-coverage eyes and competitive fire—honed following in his brother A.J.'s footsteps at Clemson—give the Steelers a potential long-term starter in their secondary. This is a classic Pittsburgh move: take the best player, figure out the lineup later.
The Fit:Terrell's ability to read route concepts and break on throws gives Pittsburgh a corner who can thrive in their zone-heavy schemes. His 19 pass breakups and three interceptions across 27 games demonstrate ball production, while his reliable tackling in space adds run-support value. The soft press technique and size limitations against bigger receivers are concerns, but his football IQ and NFL bloodlines suggest the tools for development are present.
Scouting Report:If Caleb Lomu was off the board, Pittsburgh Steelers could target similar Offensive Tackles in the first round range.
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Pick #52 - Pittsburgh Steelers: John Mateer, Quarterback, Oklahoma
Rank: #72 overall | Grade: B- | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Pittsburgh takes Luke Petitbon despite interior line not appearing in their listed needs, trusting that quality offensive linemen are too valuable to pass regardless of positional rankings. Petitbon's Florida State pedigree and ranking at 48th overall suggest Day 2 value in the mid-second round. The Steelers are continuing their tradition of building the trenches first and asking scheme questions later.
The Fit:Petitbon's interior versatility gives Pittsburgh flexibility along an offensive line that has needed reinforcement. His Florida State development under an NFL-style coaching staff suggests he's prepared for professional technique demands, while his upside as a potential starter makes him more than just a depth piece. The lack of available scouting data creates projection uncertainty, but Pittsburgh's evaluation history with offensive linemen provides confidence in the selection.
Scouting Report:If John Mateer was off the board, Pittsburgh Steelers could target similar Quarterbacks in the Day 2-3 range.
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Pick #78 - Pittsburgh Steelers: Julian Neal, Cornerback, Arkansas
Rank: #82 overall | Grade: C+ | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Tampa Bay can't resist the best player available in Harold Perkins Jr, whose dominant 2022 freshman season—13 TFLs and 7.5 sacks leading all Power 5 freshmen—reminded everyone why he was a five-star recruit. Perkins' 2024 ACL tear dropped his stock significantly, but his return in 2025 (44 tackles, 6 TFLs, 5.5 sacks through seven games) has shown the explosiveness remains intact. The Bucs are gambling on upside that was once considered top-15 pick caliber.
The Fit:Perkins' elite speed creates devastating pursuit angles and sideline-to-sideline range rarely seen at linebacker, while his first-step quickness and natural bend around the edge add pass-rush dimension. His versatility to line up anywhere from edge rusher to safety gives Tampa Bay's coordinator multiple deployment options, though the 215-pound frame struggles against bigger blockers and tight ends. The ACL durability concerns are real, but his relentless motor and competitive edge justify the risk at this slot.
Scouting Report:If Julian Neal was off the board, Pittsburgh Steelers could target similar Cornerbacks in the Day 2-3 range.
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Pick #84 - Pittsburgh Steelers: Genesis Smith, Safety, Arizona
Rank: #79 overall | Grade: C+ | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Pittsburgh finally addresses their top need by selecting Carson Beck, a two-time national champion at Georgia whose poise in big moments and proven leadership represent exactly what the Steelers covet at quarterback. Beck's decision to transfer to Miami after UCL surgery and the hot 2025 start suggest his arm has recovered, while his 81.9 PFF passing grade across 39 career games validates the consistent accuracy. The third-round selection reflects the medical concerns while betting on proven winner traits.
The Fit:Beck's fluid throwing motion and high-level accuracy in short-to-intermediate areas fit Pittsburgh's ball-control offensive philosophy that prioritizes efficient completions over hero throws. His ability to progress through receiving options with strong coverage understanding gives the Steelers a quarterback who won't force mistakes, while his poise when the pocket collapses projects to their heavy pressure AFC North matchups. The streaky decision-making under pressure needs monitoring, but his Bo Nix-like ceiling as a high-end game manager suits the team's identity.
Scouting Report:If Genesis Smith was off the board, Pittsburgh Steelers could target similar Safetys in the Day 2-3 range.
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Pick #99 - Pittsburgh Steelers: Ian Strong, Wide Receiver, Rutgers
Rank: #118 overall | Grade: C | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Pittsburgh closes out their draft by addressing their third-ranked need with Cayden Green, a Missouri guard whose NFL-ready size at 6-5, 316 pounds and experience starting in both the Big 12 (Oklahoma) and SEC (Missouri) provide valuable tape against elite competition. Green's ability to generate power and knock defenders off balance while sealing the edge effectively demonstrates the physical traits teams covet at guard. The Steelers are adding a relatively polished product with limited development remaining.
The Fit:Green's excellent ability to finish blocks and remove defenders completely from plays fits Pittsburgh's physical offensive identity that values movement in the run game. His 18 combined starts between Oklahoma and Missouri provide substantial experience against quality competition, while his transfer back to his home state suggests the maturity and comfort that translates to stability. The technique improvements needed despite multiple years of college experience suggest a backup initially, but his physical traits project to eventual starter.
Scouting Report:If Ian Strong was off the board, Pittsburgh Steelers could target similar Wide Receivers in the Day 2-3 range.
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Pick #120: DeMonte Capehart (Defensive Line, Clemson) - Grade C. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #135: CJ Daniels (Wide Receiver, Miami (FL)) - Grade C. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #158: Lee Hunter (Defensive Line, Texas Tech) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #214: Jordan van den Berg (Defensive Line, Georgia Tech) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #215: Roman Hemby (Running Back, Indiana) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #224: Charles Demmings (Cornerback, Stephen F Austin) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #236: Caden Barnett (Offensive Tackle, Wyoming) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential.---
Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Class Summary
Overall Grade: B What Went Right:---
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