2026 Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft: 7-Round Projection
Draft Capital: 6 picks | Overall Grade: B+ Last Updated: October 12, 2026Overview
Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2026 NFL Draft with 6 selections. Biggest needs: Quarterback, Cornerback, IDL.
Complete Draft Class:- Round 1 (#3): Dante Moore, Quarterback, Oregon — Grade A
- Round 5 (#145): Xavier Atkins, Outside Linebacker, Auburn — Grade C
- Round 5 (#175): Boo Carter, Nickel Cornerback, Colorado — Grade C-
- Round 5 (#176): Xavier Chaplin, Offensive Tackle, Florida State — Grade C-
- Round 6 (#196): Theo Melin Ohrstrom, Tight End, SMU — Grade C-
- Round 6 (#206): Marcus Neal Jr, Safety, Penn State — Grade C-
Complete Pick-by-Pick Analysis
Pick #3 - Pittsburgh Steelers: Dante Moore, Quarterback, Oregon
Rank: #8 overall | Grade: A Why This Pick:Quarterback sits atop Pittsburgh's needs list by a mile, and with Arch Manning already off the board to Miami, the Steelers jump at Moore five spots ahead of his ranking rather than risk another team leapfrogging them for the next best arm. It's a reach by the numbers, but defensible given the position and the scarcity of true franchise quarterback prospects in any given class. Pittsburgh is betting on traits and trajectory over a thin 19-start resume.
The Fit:Moore brings exactly what Pittsburgh has lacked: a natural thrower with touch, accuracy, and a quick 2.73-second release who can layer throws and create in structure. His pocket poise and ability to climb and extend plays fit a team that needs a long-term starter, not a game manager, though his slighter frame and tendency to unravel under sustained pressure, as seen against Indiana, mean he'll need protection and patience early. He projects as the eventual starter once he cleans up his play against top competition.
- Strengths: Natural thrower with touch, accuracy, and pro-level ball placement
- Weaknesses: Arm strength is plus but not elite
- NFL Comp: Jayden Daniels (pocket poise, second-reaction creation)
Pick #145: Xavier Atkins (Outside Linebacker, Auburn) - Grade C. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #175: Boo Carter (Nickel Cornerback, Colorado) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #176: Xavier Chaplin (Offensive Tackle, Florida State) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #196: Theo Melin Ohrstrom (Tight End, SMU) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #206: Marcus Neal Jr (Safety, Penn State) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential.