Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, we will update our Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Pittsburgh Steelers from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

The following are picks from recent NFL mock drafts for the Pittsburgh Steelers:

NFL.com — Lance Zierlein

21. Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

The Steelers could pull the trigger on quarterback Ty Simpson here, but if not, adding another big-bodied ball-winner could be high on their list of priorities.

ESPN — Matt Miller

21. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

The Steelers have one emerging star cornerback in Joey Porter Jr. but need to upgrade from free agents James Pierre and Asante Samuel Jr. at the opposite spot. The younger brother of Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr., Avieon Terrell is a savvy cover man with fantastic short-area quickness and fast eyes. He's an ultra-athletic, fluid mover with the hips, quickness and press-man prowess to be a solid starter immediately, especially in a defense that can pressure the quarterback and create flip-the-field opportunities for defensive backs.

Yes, quarterback will absolutely be a discussion point here, but Pittsburgh has to learn from the Kenny Pickett selection in 2022 and not force a pick based on need.

53. Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia

The Steelers haven't gotten much out of Roman Wilson (third-round pick in 2024), and Calvin Austin III is set to be a free agent, so they need a No. 2 wideout. Branch is electric with the ball in his hands and has difference-making speed in his route tree.

CBS Sports — Ryan Wilson

21. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Tyson is an explosive receiver with the size, speed and catch radius to win at all three levels. A smooth hands-catcher, he consistently makes contested and high-point grabs look effortless while creating surprising separation at the top of his routes for his size. Tyson can hit top-end speed in just a few steps and shows the type of short-area quickness reserved for smaller, shiftier WRs. He's also an asset in the screen game, making him a dynamic threat both outside and from the slot.

MORE: Continue reading our 2026 Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft Roundup

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2025 NFL Draft Grades: Pittsburgh Steelers

The 2025 NFL Draft is now in the rearview mirror, and we have compiled a consensus ranking using NFL draft grades from a variety of sites.

What draft grades have the media given to the Pittsburgh Steelers? What are they saying about the Steelers' 2025 draft haul?

CBS Sports - Grade: C+

Best Pick: It was their first one. They passed on a quarterback to take defensive tackle Derrick Harmon. He's going to be a typical Steelers down player for years to come, which means menacing.

Worst Pick: I like running back Kaleb Johnson, who went in the second, but I thought there were better options at the position when he was picked. I think they see him as a Le'veon Bell type of back, but that's asking a lot.

The Skinny: They didn't take a quarterback until taking Will Howard in the sixth, which says a lot about how they felt about this class. Instead, they did what the Steelers usually do, which is take big people to help their defense. Getting Harmon was a smart move, rather than forcing a quarterback in the first.

ESPN - Grade: B-

Top needs entering the draft: Defensive tackle, quarterback, wide receiver and running back

The Steelers must feel really good about their chances of signing Aaron Rodgers. That's the only explanation for their approach to the 2025 draft. And if they don't land Rodgers (or pull some other magic at QB), coach Mike Tomlin's 18-year streak of going at least .500 could end. Mason Rudolph is the current starter. Yet, Pittsburgh added only Will Howard at the position -- in Round 6. He's a backup in the NFL. Instead of getting a quarterback they can win games with right now in Round 1, the Steelers went defensive tackle.

Don't get me wrong, Derrick Harmon is perfect for this defense. His 34 pressures when lined up as an interior lineman led the FBS. He combines power and quickness to create chaos. And with Cameron Heyward turning 36 years old, the defensive line had to get some youthful reinforcements. The pick itself is really good, but it just seems like Pittsburgh is rolling the dice at its most important position. And think about this, too: The Steelers didn't have a second-round pick because they traded it for DK Metcalf. But who is throwing Metcalf the ball???

Elsewhere, Kaleb Johnson will pair nicely with Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell at running back. The Steelers averaged 4.1 yards per carry (tied for 20th). Edge rusher Jack Sawyer and defensive tackle Yahya Black provide some more youth to the defensive line -- and at good value. Sawyer ranked 90th for me but went 123rd. Black ranked 66th but wasn't drafted until 164th overall. And Sawyer's 15.9% pressure rate (eighth in the nation) will help T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.

Again, these are good picks that hit major needs. But this draft class grade will likely come down to Rodgers' decision. That's why I'm giving Pittsburgh a B-.

MORE: Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 NFL Draft Grades Roundup


Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 NFL Schedule

Below you will find the weekly regular-season schedule for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

WeekDateOpponentResults
Week 1Sun., Sept. 7at New York JetsW 34-32
Week 2Sun., Sept. 14vs. Seattle SeahawksL 31-17
Week 3Sun., Sept. 21at New England PatriotsW 21-14
Week 4Sun., Sept. 28vs. Minnesota VikingsW 24-21
Week 5BYE
Week 6Sun., Oct. 12vs. Cleveland BrownsW 23-9
Week 7Thu., Oct. 16at Cincinnati BengalsL 33-31
Week 8Sun., Oct. 26vs. Green Bay PackersL 35-25
Week 9Sun., Nov. 2vs. Indianapolis ColtsW 27-20
Week 10Sun., Nov. 9at Los Angeles ChargersL 25-10
Week 11Sun., Nov. 16vs. Cincinnati BengalsW 34-12
Week 12Sun., Nov. 23at Chicago BearsL 31-28
Week 13Sun., Nov. 30vs. Buffalo BillsL 26-7
Week 14Sun., Dec. 7at Baltimore RavensW 27-22
Week 15Mon., Dec. 15vs. Miami DolphinsW 28-15
Week 16Sun., Dec. 21at Detroit LionsW 29-24
Week 17Sun., Dec. 28at Cleveland BrownsL 13-6
Week 18Sun., Jan. 4vs. Baltimore RavensW 26-24

Also, check out the following resources:


Pittsburgh Steelers - 2025 Draft Results

The table below are all of the 2025 NFL Draft picks selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

RoundOverallPlayerPositionSchool
121Derrick HarmonDTOregon
383Kaleb JohnsonRBIowa
4123Jack SawyerEDGEOhio State
5164Yahya BlackDTIowa
5185Will HowardQBOhio State
7226Carson BruenerLBWashington
7229Donte KentCBCentral Michigan

More: 2025 NFL Draft Results - Pittsburgh Steelers Draft History


Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Updated: Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Projected fantasy points are based on half-PPR scoring.

MORE: Fantasy football projections for more NFL teams

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QUARTERBACKS

PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Aaron Rodgers506.8321.83572.923.0610.1440.3151.11.61239.65
Mason Rudolph35.222.5237.61.441.024.714.10.0915.17
QB Totals542344.33810.524.511.1645165.21.7254.82

Aaron Rodgers: Rodgers was QB19 on a per-game basis in 2024 with Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams (for 11 games). Yes, the Steelers traded for Jonnu Smith, but the receiving corps is a downgrade from what he had last year and it will be interesting to see how he and DK Metcalf mesh. While the four-time NFL Most Valuable Player will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, there's zero reason to draft Rodgers in standard (single-QB) leagues.

MORE: Continue reading our Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 Fantasy Football Projections