2026 Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft: 7-Round Projection

By StickToTheModel Draft Team | Published: December 08, 2025 | Updated: September 07, 2026 | 5 min read

Category: Mock Drafts

2026 Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft: 7-Round Projection

Draft Capital: 8 picks | Overall Grade: B Last Updated: September 07, 2026

Overview

Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2026 NFL Draft with 8 selections. Biggest needs: Quarterback, Edge Rusher, Linebacker.

Complete Draft Class:

Round 1 (#14): Colin Simmons, Edge Rusher, Texas — Grade A+

Round 2 (#46): Trinidad Chambliss, Quarterback,

Ole Miss

— Grade B-

Round 3 (#78): Vicari Swain, Cornerback, South Carolina — Grade C+

Round 3 (#84): Wyatt Young, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State — Grade C+

Round 5 (#148): Hollywood Smothers, Running Back,

Texas

— Grade C

Round 5 (#174): Lance Heard, Offensive Tackle,

Kentucky

— Grade C-

Round 6 (#194): Ian Foster, Safety,

Memphis

— Grade C-

Round 6 (#206): Amare Campbell, Inside Linebacker,

Tennessee

— Grade C-

View Full 3-Round Mock Draft →

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Complete Pick-by-Pick Analysis

Pick #14 - Pittsburgh Steelers: Colin Simmons, Edge Rusher, Texas

Rank: #4 overall | Grade: A+ Why This Pick:

With three quarterbacks already off the board before pick 14, Pittsburgh can't fix its QB need here, so they pivot to their second priority and get a massive gift in the process. Simmons was ranked as the No. 4 overall prospect in this class, and seeing him fall ten spots to the Steelers at 14 is the kind of value teams dream about. This isn't a reach in any sense, it's a slide that fell into their lap, and taking the highest-rated player on the board at a legitimate need is an easy call.

The Fit:

Pittsburgh's 3-4 scheme wants exactly what Simmons offers: elite first-step explosion and the bend to win the arc as a stand-up edge rusher. His 9.0 sacks as a true freshman and 12.0 through 10 games as a sophomore, plus six career forced fumbles, show a disruptor who affects the ball, not just a stat-sheet pass rusher. The concern is his 240-pound frame getting washed by NFL mauling tackles and his still-developing counter moves when his first plan is stopped, which means Pittsburgh will need to manage his reps early while he adds functional mass, but the upside as a double-digit sack producer justifies the wait.”

Strengths: Elite first-step explosion that beats tackles before they're out of their stance

Weaknesses: Frame is on the lighter side at 240 lbs and will need to add functional mass to hold up vs NFL power

NFL Comp: Von Miller (bend, hand usage, sack instincts at a similar frame)

Full scouting report for Colin Simmons → | See Pittsburgh Steelers 7-round draft →

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Pick #46 - Pittsburgh Steelers: Trinidad Chambliss, Quarterback,

Ole Miss

Rank: #65 overall | Grade: B- Why This Pick:

Critical need filled. Pittsburgh Steelers desperately needed Quarterback help (need #1), and Trinidad Chambliss was the best available at this spot. This pick addresses an immediate roster weakness.

The Fit:

Trinidad Chambliss brings immediate impact to Pittsburgh Steelers. Chambliss is one of the great improvisation stories in recent memory, a zero-star Division II benchwarmer who won two national titles at Ferris State and then walked into the SEC and dragged Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff semifinals. He is... His best trait—dynamic dual-threat athlete who extends plays and creates second-reaction throws by escaping the pocket—fits perfectly with what this team needs. Projects as a Russell Wilson (undersized dual-threat with off-platform creativity)-type player at the NFL level.

Strengths: Dynamic dual-threat athlete who extends plays and creates second-reaction throws by escaping the pocket

Weaknesses: Undersized quarterback whose passes get batted at the line and who struggles to see the middle of a muddy pocket

NFL Comp: Russell Wilson (undersized dual-threat with off-platform creativity)

Full scouting report for Trinidad Chambliss → | See Pittsburgh Steelers 7-round draft →

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Pick #78 - Pittsburgh Steelers: Vicari Swain, Cornerback, South Carolina

Rank: #83 overall | Grade: C+ Why This Pick:

Addresses key depth concern. While Cornerback wasn't the top priority, Vicari Swain's talent at #83 overall was too good to pass up. Sometimes value trumps need.

The Fit:

Vicari Swain is a Cornerback who can contribute immediately in Pittsburgh Steelers's system. His college production and athleticism profile suggest he'll succeed at the next level. Evaluators see him as a day-one contributor.

Strengths: Good fundamentals, solid work ethic

Weaknesses: Developmental project

NFL Comp: Jalen Ramsey / Sauce Gardner

Full scouting report for Vicari Swain → | See Pittsburgh Steelers 7-round draft →

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Pick #84 - Pittsburgh Steelers: Wyatt Young, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State

Rank: #82 overall | Grade: C+ Trade: Pittsburgh Steelers acquired this pick from the Dallas Cowboys. Why This Pick:

Best player available. Pittsburgh Steelers needed Quarterback help, but Wyatt Young (ranked #82) represents elite value here. You can't pass on top-tier talent when it falls to you.

The Fit:

Wyatt Young brings immediate impact to Pittsburgh Steelers. Wyatt Young is the rare Group of Five slot receiver whose production is loud enough to force the issue. A do-everything quarterback, running back and receiver at Tompkins in the Houston area, he scored 56 high school touchdowns and won back-to-back D... His best trait—768 yards after the catch in 2025, an elite figure at any level—fits perfectly with what this team needs. Projects as a Tank Dell undersized slot with elite yards-after-catch juice-type player at the NFL level.

Strengths: 768 yards after the catch in 2025, an elite figure at any level

Weaknesses: Faced mid-major coverage and has to prove the game translates to the Big 12

NFL Comp: Tank Dell undersized slot with elite yards-after-catch juice

Full scouting report for Wyatt Young → | See Pittsburgh Steelers 7-round draft →

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Pick #148: Hollywood Smothers (Running Back,

Texas

) - Grade C. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential.

Pick #174: Lance Heard (Offensive Tackle,

Kentucky

) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential.

Pick #194: Ian Foster (Safety,