Steelers 2026 NFL Draft Mock: Balancing immediate impact with quarterback value

For the first time since 2007, the Steelers have a new head coach in Mike McCarthy. At 62, McCarthy’s hiring sends a clear message: Pittsburgh believes it is still in win-now mode. With 12 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Steelers will focus on landing impact players who can contribute immediately while also targeting a strong value pick on Day 2 to address the future at quarterback.

Round 1, Pick 21: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

The Steelers need a true complement to DK Metcalf, and Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion fits that role cleanly. Metcalf is a big, physical outside receiver; Concepcion brings the opposite skill set as a smaller, shifty playmaker who consistently creates yards after the catch. That contrast stresses defenses horizontally and vertically. Pairing Metcalf with Concepcion would give Pittsburgh a legitimate one-two punch at wide receiver, regardless of who ends up at quarterback next season.

Round 2, Pick 53: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

The Steelers would love to land a franchise quarterback in Round 1, but at Pick 21 the value simply is not there. Outside of Fernando Mendoza, who will be long gone by the time Pittsburgh is on the clock, no quarterback warrants that selection. That makes waiting the correct move. LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier is coming off a disappointing 2025 season due largely to injuries, but his 2024 tape tells the real story. He shows impressive accuracy, a high football IQ, and the ability to distribute the ball efficiently to a variety of targets. At Pick 53, Nussmeier represents strong value and a legitimate developmental option at quarterback.

Round 3, Pick 76: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State

The Steelers have two quality corners in Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr., but Ramsey is best utilized in the nickel, which leaves a need for another outside corner. Ohio State’s Davison Igbinosun fits that role. He is a big, physical defensive back coming off the best season of his college career and brings the size and toughness Pittsburgh values on the perimeter.

Round 3 Pick 85: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State

Pittsburgh needs to add depth at the defensive tackle position, and Iowa State’s Domonique Orange makes sense in the third round. Orange is a massive presence in the middle at 6-foot-4, 325 pounds, with the ability to clog running lanes and hold up against double teams. If the Steelers can keep him motivated and focused, they could be landing strong value late in the third round.

Round 3 Pick 99: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State

The Steelers will likely address offensive tackle in the middle rounds to add depth. With this pick, they select a local talent in Penn State’s Drew Shelton. Shelton is an impressive athlete who is just beginning to tap into his potential, giving Pittsburgh a developmental option on the offensive line.

Day Three Picks 

• Round 4 Pick 121: Harold Perkins Jr, LB, LSU

• Round 4 Pick 135: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State

• Round 5 Pick 159: Sam Roush, TE, Stanford

• Round 6 Pick 213: VJ Payne, S, Kansas State

• Round 6 Pick 214: Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest

• Round 7 Pick 224: Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo

• Round 7 Pick 237: Barion Brown, WR, LSU