One more day Steelers fans! No, no- not for Aaron Rodgers to make a decision. That might be sometime in June, maybe July. When Jupiter aligns with Uranus and the ayahuasca guru gives him the thumbs up or thumbs down from the rainforest. What I mean is for the 2026 NFL Draft live from Pittsburgh! With that, I bring you my final mock draft. Let’s go!
Round 1, Pick 21: Vega Ioane, G, Penn State
Last year we thought this was the year of the QB prospect. The Draft is in Pittsburgh and the stage is set to take a QB right? Well, not so much. All of the highly touted QB prospects returned to school. Isaac Seumalo is gone, and now there is a hole at guard. In this scenario, the Steelers are able to draft not only at a position of need, but also get the best player available at his position. Easy call- IF he makes it this far.
Round 2, Pick 53: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
This has become a more popular pick as of late, but yours truly has been banging the table for this guy for months. Not literally- they don’t let me within 1000 feet of the draft room anymore…. Anyway! Germie Bernard is my draft crush this year. Versatile, great hands, great attitude. Please make this happen Omar.
Round 3, Pick 76: Malik Muhammad, CB Texas
Muhammad has gained some traction recently. He has the size and physical tools you look for in a corner. I thought he had an excellent 2025 season and so did the Steelers as they brought him in for a visit. Muhammad is still a little raw but with proper refinement of his technique he should develop into a quality starter.
Round 3, Pick 85: Domonique Orange, DT Iowa State
For this mock draft the Steelers miss out on Little Citrus, Makai Lemon in the first round. I don’t know about you but I’m so bummed. Instead they go and get Big Citrus! I love this guy and think he has the best nickname in this year’s class. At 6’2 322 lbs., slot him in at NT, move Benton outside, and your 3-4 interior is still set when Captain Cam eventually hangs up his cleats.
Round 3, Pick 99: Bud Clark, S, LSU
If Bud Clark was a younger prospect I think he would go much higher than this. He has good ball skills, playmaking ability, and a high football IQ. The Steelers could use some new blood at the safety position, Clark was a team captain and already carries himself like a vet. Late in the third round? We’ll take it.
Round 4, Pick 121: Tristan Leigh, OT Clemson
As of the time of this writing, we have no idea who our left tackle will be. I don’t know if Broderick Jones was in the Steelers’ long term plans and that was before the neck injury complications. I thought Dylan Cook did a great job but depth and competition is needed regardless. Leigh is 6’6, 310 lbs. with a high motor and great physical tools. He’s another player who’s technique will need work but honestly what rookie doesn’t? Tristan Leigh could eventually develop into a good starter for us.
Round 4, Pick 135: Harold Perkins, Jr. LB LSU
At first glance Harold Perkins, Jr. doesn’t seem like your typical Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker. He’s a bit undersized, but the days of the 6’3 255 lb. thumper are all but gone in the NFL. Perkins has good range and coverage ability. He has also shown the ability to get after the quarterback. The Steelers see something in him as they brought him in for a pre-draft visit. Perkins, Jr. might be a rotational, passing downs player and/or a special teams demon but he could also develop into something more.
Round 5, Pick 161: Carson Beck, QB, Miami
I told myself I wasn’t going to do it. As a prospect, Carson Beck has been all over the board for a couple of seasons now. Initially he was thought to be a high first round pick. Now he could be drafted anywhere from round two to round seven. Who knows. The Steelers brought him in for a visit so the interest is there. I’m still on Team Will “Howdy Doody” Howard and prefer to not take a QB this year, but my gut instinct is that this will happen. At least it’s in round five I guess.
Round 6, Pick 216: Will Kacmarek, TE Ohio State
In order to not get blocked from the live chat during the podcast, I HAVE to take an Ohio State player for Producer Aaron. In all seriousness though, since the loss of “Meatball” Heyward, there is a spot in the TE room. Kacmarek is a solid blocker with good size and good hands. He may be relegated to special teams or used mainly in red zone packages.
Round 7, Pick 224: Tim Keenan III, DT Alabama
You’re really still with me? Awwww. Here’s some DT/NT depth. Keenan III is short, stout, and strong with the ability to take on double teams and clog up the middle. Possible practice squad player if he can’t make the cut.
Round 7, Pick 230: Devan Boykin, S, Indiana
Boykin could actually surprise some people. He has experience playing both nickel and safety. However my focus here is special teams. There is a great big hole that Miles Killebrew left. Boykin could find a home on teams to start, and offer depth on the defense as time passes.
Round 7, Pick 237: Caden Curry, Edge, Ohio State
This is another Aaron peace-offering. Caden Curry produced at Ohio State this past season and also has special teams experience. Curry has the size for a 3-4 outside linebacker which is probably the deepest position the Steelers currently have. There are rumors about a possible trade (Highsmith) so a depth piece may be needed and the seventh round is for special teams anyway.
All of us at SCB are looking forward to tomorrow and this weekend. Don’t forget to join Steeldad, Scarps, Ian, and Ben for live draft coverage. Join in on the chat with all the resident hooligans as well; it’s a good time. Go Steelers!
