4-Round Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 Mock Draft: Mystery QB gets a shiny new playmaker and a former Heisman candidate joins the roster’s young core
A to Z Sports has launched its brand new mock draft simulator, and we’re celebrating with a new Steelers mock draft collaboration exercise here. How did Mike McCarthy improve the roster in this scenario?
The 2026 NFL Draft is just around the corner for every team around the league. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ work during free agency created a clearer draft plan for their organization.
Plenty of questions remain about the future at quarterback for Mike McCarthy’s team, but Aaron Rodgers could be the answer for 2026. Only time will tell. Regardless, this year’s draft class must come in and produce early and often if the Steelers want to accomplish their goals next season.
Check out the latest 4-round mock draft scenario below, using the brand new A to Z Sports mock draft simulator.
21. Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
I understand Michael Pittman Jr. was acquired this offseason, but the trio of Cooper, Pittman, and DK Metcalf would be extremely enticing. The Hoosiers product is a top route runner in the class, possesses strong hands, and blocks incredibly well in the run game.
53. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Rodriguez was a Heisman Trophy candidate in 2025 and led the Red Raiders to the College Football Playoff. He’s an energetic, defensive leader who plays a lot quicker than many linebacker prospects on day two. He can step into a role immediately for the Steelers defense.
76. Keylan Rutledge, IOL, Georgia Tech
The interior has a question at left guard when it comes to a clear cut starter, and the depth is not there at guard for their offense. They must keep whoever is at QB off the ground, and Rutledge allowed just six pressures last season.
85. Kage Casey, OT, Boise State
Broderick Jones’ future is murky in Pittsburgh, and while Casey is not the highest-ceiling option on the board probably, he had a 80.1 pass block grade and 80.0 run block grade in 2025. Very experienced player who understands balance along the OL really well.
99. Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke
The Steelers currently have Brandin Echols as a potential starter in the slot, but I would love Rivers stepping into that role with some veteran talent around him at both boundary CB and multiple safety spots in the secondary.
121. Mikail Kamara, EDGE, Indiana
Kamara was a highly productive player in college and will provide a nice baseline floor as a depth pass rusher in the NFL. Injuries have plagued the Steelers off the edge at times in recent seasons, so this addition makes sense to aid in that potential reality.
135. Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri
McClellan has garnered more buzz recently, and the Steelers jump on that here. He’s versatile for his size, and Pittsburgh hasn’t shied away from that in the past. Some nice pass rush ability at over 300 pounds.
Steelers expert critiques mock draft picks
I discussed these selections from this mock draft with Rob Gregson, who covers the NFL Draft and knows the Steelers as well as anyone. He provided some important insight into these prospects and their potential fit in Pittsburgh.
“Omar Cooper Jr. has quickly become one of the biggest risers in this class due to his versatility and explosion. He can play as the X, Z, or F and has a true NFL size and speed. Mike McCarthy said at the league meetings that he wants playmakers who can align all over the formation and bring a physical presence. That’s Cooper jr. to a tee.
It might feel a tad rich to take an inside backer with the 53rd pick in the draft, but the Steelers really only have one viable backer with Patrick Queen, and even he has been up and down in Pittsburgh. Rodriguez is a three down player who the Steelers can be feel good about.
Addressing the interior of the offensive line is a necessity for the Steelers in the draft. Evan after the Hoffman signing and with what Spencer Anderson has shown, the Steelers don’t have a long term answer at left guard. Rutledge has visited with the Steelers and can fill that void.
Keeping with the OL trend, Kage Casey would be a perfect developmental tackle for the Steelers. He’s still young in his process but he has tremendous upside and that was on full display at the Senior Bowl in Mobile.
Chandler River is a feisty slot corner that can fill that Mike Hilton role in Pittsburgh. He plays with his hair on fire and will find the ball in the air or on the ground. I like him as the next Beanie Bishop for the Steelers.” — Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports
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