The waiting game is almost over. In a week and some change, depending on when you are reading this, the entire NFL world will make its way to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for the 2026 NFL Draft.

There, the hometown Pittsburgh Steelers will be armed with 12 picks and plenty of needs on the roster. So, as we have done every week since the season ended, it’s time for our second-to-last Steelers mock draft at A to Z Sports Pittsburgh. Only this one is a little different, because we made a big-time trade in round one, and followed it up with another on day two. Enjoy.

Round 1, pick 12: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Trade details: Steelers send pick 21, 76, to Cowboys for pick 12.

In this scenario, somehow the best player on my board and, arguably, the best player in the class falls to 12, and the Steelers pounce. I know that Pittsburgh may not need a safety, but Caleb Downs is more than a safety.

He is one of the best prospects to come out of college in years, in my opinion. Few players have garnered praise from Nick Saban the way that Downs has. Sure, the instincts, versatility, and intensity pop on tape, but it’s the intangibles and football intelligence that should have the Steelers seriously considering the pick if he were to fall into range.

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Round 2, pick 53: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State

I’ll be the first to admit that Ted Hurst at 53 is a bit of a gamble, but it’s one I believe the Steelers can pull off. Hurst is 6-4, 205 pounds with a 4.43 40-yard dash and 11’3” broad jump.

He’s long, explosive, and has the potential to be a dominant boundary X wide receiver. He is tremendous in contested catch scenarios, and he also has the vertical speed to win over the top and lift coverage.

Sure, he’s from a smaller school, and his craft still lacks nuance and detail, but Hurst could be what the Steelers hoped George Pickens was, just minus some of the headaches and off-field issues.

Georgia State WR Ted Hurst is my #1 offensive prospect from the G5.

– 6’3/195
– goal line fade machine
– crisp route runner with sudden deceleration
– elusive after the catch (17 mtkl forced this year)
– burst to stack press-man
– good not great top gear
– cuts routes off vs.… pic.twitter.com/LvUgymsCJO

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) November 15, 2025

Round 3, pick 74: Keionte Scott, CB, Miami

Trade details: Steelers send picks 85, 99, for pick 74 from Chiefs

There are few defensive backs in this class that I like more than Keionte Scott. Sure, he blew away his Pro Day with a 4.3 40-yard dash, and yes, the explosiveness is evident, but he’s super instinctual with a nose for the football at all three levels.

He can undercut routes for interceptions, run the alley and insert against the run, and lay big-time hits on ball carriers. He’s the nickel and slot defender that the Steelers have been searching for since Mike Hilton walked out the door for the last time.

Keionte Scott might be a top 50 player for me after today pic.twitter.com/DxlZSKK8VC

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) December 20, 2025