In Version One, I stayed true to the process and used all 12 of the Steelers’ Draft picks. In this version, I get a bit more creative based on some recent rumblings.
TRADE! Round 1 #31 – Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toldeo
The Steelers trade the number 21 selection to New England. In return they get the Patriots’ 31st pick, a 2027 second round pick and a 2027 sixth round pick.
The Mike McCarthy Era gets off to a start that breaks with long-standing tradition. McNeil-Warren becomes the first non-Power 4 guy selected in the first round since Ben Roethlisberger. When the Patriots come calling with a chance to stay in the first round and add a second rounder in 2027, Omar Khan can’t pass it up. McNeil-Warren is a big, athletic safety who can play center field as a free safety and come downhill with authority when called up too.
V1 – Vega Ioane, G, Penn State
Round 2 #53 – Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
Bernard just feels destined to play in Pittsburgh. He’s quicker than he is fast but has great hands, runs excellent routes and blocks very much in the mold of Hines Ward.
V1 – Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
TRADE! Round 3 #76 (via DAL) –
The Steelers trade their 76th selection and a 2027 7th rounder to Houston. In exchange, the Steelers receive the Texans’ 106th pick and a 2027 third round selection.
V1 – Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
Round 3 #85 – Gennings Dunker, G, Iowa
The flowing red mullet of Dunker comes to the Steel City where he has an immediate opportunity to be entrenched at left guard. Despite some shorter arms, Dunker is a phone booth guy who relies on strength and power to dominate.
V1 – Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
Round 3 #99 (Compensatory Pick) – Darrell Jackson, Jr, DL, Florida State
At 6’5″ 330lbs, Jackson is already imposing. Throw in his 35″ arms and you’ve got a guy that could be a mainstay in the middle of the Steelers’ defense for a long-time to come. While not a great athlete, Jackson will occupy blockers and make life difficult for ties trying to run the ball.
V1 – Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina
Round 4 #106 (via HOU) – Austin Barber, OT, Florida
Barber has 26 career starts with half coming at left tackle and half at right tackle. While there are technique things to improve on, he has displayed strong ability in pass pro and is continuing to get better as a run blocker. He could be a candidate for ‘swing’ tackle right out of the gate.
Round 4 #121 – Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
Right of the bat, Height will need to learn how set the edge better in order to get on the field more. That said, he got better and better with each passing year of college ball. He’s a high-motor guy who is relentless on the pass rush where he currently relies on speed and bend. Can he add some weight and remain just as fast as a major question.
V1 – Hezekiah Masses, CB, California
Round 4 #135 (Compensatory Pick) – Harold Perkins,Jr, LB, LSU
Perkins is a little like PITT LB Kyle Louis in that he’s a fantastic defensive player but he lacks a true position due to size. He’s demonstrated excellent pass rushing skills and he tackles well too. An ACL injury cost him most of 2024 and he seemed to return to form in 2025. The question is whether he’s a LB, a Big Nickel or a Dime Safety.
V1 – Carson Beck , QB, Miami
Round 5 #161 – Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State
Make no mistake, Payton will be a project. He has just one full year of starting experience but he’s seen the field a lot in a ‘Taysom Hill’ type of role. He’s a tremendous athlete with a RAS score of 9.87. He’s got more than enough arm to be an NFL QB but he will need time while offering some special things as a unique option for the offense.
V1 – Tanner Koziol, TE, Houston
Round 6 #216 (Compensatory Pick) – Al’Zillion Hamilton, CB, Fresno State
Hamilton will no doubt be fighting for a roster spot and will need to distinguish himself on Special Teams while learning how to play corner in the NFL. He’s got some legitimate ball skills with four interceptions in 2025.
V1 – Vinny Anthony II, WR, Wisconsin
Round 7 #224 (via NE) – Lewis Bond, WR, Boston College
Bond is just a ‘football player.’ He lacks prototypical size, speed and quickness but finds ways to make plays. He had 88 catches and almost 1,000 yards for a very poor Boston College team.
V1 – Carver Willis, OT, Washington
Round 7 #230 (via IND) – D.J. Rodgers, TE, TCU
The former Horned Frog presents as a nice two-way tight end. He’s not a flashy receiver or overwhelming as a blocker but he does an acceptable job at both. The Steelers are looking for a third tight end and he could be a guy that fits the role.
V1 – Kejon Owens, RB, Florida International
Round 7 #237 – Noah Whittington, RB, Oregon
He has some injury history to him but he also could be a really nice, well-rounded running back. One of his strengths is pass protection which is an area that most RBs coming out usually lack. He is more than adequate as a pass catcher and is a solid force in the running game.
V1 – Wesley Williams, EDGE, Duke
