This particular mock draft will not feature any trades for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Personally I do not believe this will actually come to fruition. I do not see the Steelers using all 12 of their selections for new players. Instead, I see them using this extra collateral to move up, down or into better position for 2027. My next version will feature trades as the Draft comes more into view.
Round 1 #21 – Vega Ioane, OG, Penn State
Ioane has some limitations but he’s also the best guard in the draft and an absolute beast. A month ago I would have never believed he would get to 21 but there are more and more scenarios where I can see this happening. He should be a plug and play starter from day one.
Round 2 #53 – Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
I love guys like Bernard. He isn’t the most dynamic receiver according to all of the testing but he’s a gamer. He’s exactly the type of receiver the Steelers need who can play anywhere across the formation and he blocks his ass off.
Round 3 #76 (via DAL) – Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
Halten is undersized but he’s a disruptor. He makes life difficult for guards and has shown well against both the run and the pass. This is likely a little high for him but I think he becomes an instant rotational piece along the defensive line.
Round 3 #85 – Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
He has the potential to replace Malik Harrison as a downhill, SAM LB. He has limitations in coverage and can be a little slow to diagnose things in passing situations but he’s proven to be a powerful and effective blitzer. His ability to stack and shed is excellent.
Round 3 #99 (Compensatory Pick) – Jalon Kilgore, S, South Carolina
Kilgore is big and long and played all over the defense for the Gamecocks. His best fit is being paired with another safety who has a bit more range. He’s an excellent run supporter and has experience covering the slot. Tight ends I wouldn’t worry much about but shifty, NFL slot guys could give him some problems.
Round 4 #121 – Hezekiah Masses, CB, California
Masses is a classic ball hawk type corner who reads receivers and QBs quite well. His tape looks better than his testing numbers in my opinion and there are concerns about penalties. That said, he could be a really nice reserve who can learn from several of the Steelers’ veterans.
Round 4 #135 (Compensatory Pick) – Carson Beck, QB, Miami
The Steelers have already shown significant interest in the former Georgia and Miami QB so selecting him isn’t a surprise. The experience is off the charts with two strong years at UGA and then a run to the CFB Final with the Canes. I think his arm strength fell off after his UCL surgery and that definitely affected his deeper throws. at 6’5″ and 230lbs he displayed some surprising escapability in 2025.
Round 5 #161 – Tanner Koziol, TE, Houston
The Steelers surprise everyone with a pass catching tight end in round five. At nearly 6’7″ with long arms and soft hands, Koziol wins a lot of contested catches. He’s not the smoothest athlete and needs to clean up his route running but he becomes a very nice option should one of the top two not be available. Koziol’s blocking is a serious work in progress.
Round 6 #216 (Compensatory Pick) – Vinny Anthony II, WR, Wisconsin
Anthony would be a project as a receiver. He needs serious work in route running and creating separation and would likely be a ‘Z’ receiver only. He does have kick return experience however and the ability to play on several Special Teams units while learning more in the receiver room.
Round 7 #224 (via NE) – Carver Willis, OT, Washington
Willis’ future is currently on track to be a backup. He lacks the strength and anchors needed in today’s NFL. He is however a very good run blocker who gets off at the snap quickly and aggressively. He would be a classic Practice Squad candidate while getting stronger and more technically sound.
Round 7 #230 (via IND) – Kejon Owens, RB, Florida International
Owens is your classic workhorse running back. He lacks breakaway speed and won’t dazzle anyone with his shiftiness but he gets positive yardage on every touch. He’s also an above average pass blocker which most college running backs seem to struggle with.
Round 7 #237 – Wesley Williams, EDGE, Duke
He’s a large man at 6’5″ and 265lbs but he isn’t long and that affects his ability to get around the edge. The motor this kid has is unrelenting. He consistently wins with effort and creating secondary chances. The Steelers almost always draft EDGE guys and this is one that could use time to develop because there is no doubting the attitude.
