Steelers punt on a quarterback and finally address the elephant in the room on offense in new 2026 NFL mock draft
The Pittsburgh Steelers don’t find their future franchise quarterback, but they go out west to find a stud WR.
The Pittsburgh Steelers face a five-game stretch that could determine the future of this franchise. After falling to the Chicago Bears, the Steelers lost more than the game, with the Ravens soaring to the top of the AFC North.
And while there is still plenty to play for, regardless of playoff position, Thanksgiving week is the time to start assessing what Pittsburgh needs to do come April.
Armed with five picks in the top 100 when accounting for comp picks and the George Pickens trade, here is a look at what the Steelers could do come draft weekend in Pittsburgh.
Steeelers 2026 NFL Mock Draft
R1, No. 16 overall: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Lemon is not the traditional WR that the Steelers covet, or at least not high in the draft. However, if Pittsburgh doesn’t address the role opposite of DK Metcalf within the first two rounds, fans may riot in the streets despite hosting the draft.
Lemon is a shifty route runner who creates very natural separation and works the middle of the field with ease. Does that sound like anyone the Steelers currently employ in the WR room? I don’t believe so. Pittsburgh can unlock another dimension of its offense with Lemon.
R2, No. 47 overall: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
Cisse isn’t a popular name in media mock drafts, but he will be soon. There is a lot of love for him around the league, and many love his size, speed, and fluidity. He’s played on a less-than-stellar South Carolina team, but he can end the question marks opposite of Joey Porter Jr.
R3, No. 77 overall: Xavier Scott, DB, Illinois
Scott has been banged up in 2025, but he led the Big-10 in pass breakups last season, and he has a ton of fans in the league, given his ball skills.
He’s an ideal nickel for the Steelers and would be a steal should he fall this far.
R3, No. 78 overall: Parker Brailsford, IOL, Alabama
Brailsford plays center for the Alabama Crimson Tide, but he can certainly kick out to guard. Isaac Seumalo’s contract is up after this season, and the right guard spot has been a weakness for the Steelers’ offense in 2025.
R3, No. 99 overall: Nick Singleton, RB, Penn State
Singleton was once considered a potential first-round pick, but with the splitting of carries between him and Kaytron Allen and the overall regression of the program, he has fallen.
I know the Steelers took a different third-round RB from the Big 10 last year, but Kaleb Johnson continues to be an afterthought on offense.
Pittsburgh Steelers News
T.J. Watt’s defeated response after losing to the Bears proves he couldn’t care less about making history on Sunday
T.J. Watt is tired of what’s been going on in Pittsburgh.
