Steelers Day Two 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Pittsburgh swings a couple of big-time trades to make up for WR debacle from Round 1
Here is a day two 2026 NFL Mock Draft, headlined by a pair of big-time trades that trim the total number of picks, but give the Pittsburgh Steelers two second-rounders before a valuable addition in the third.
As you probably know all too well by this point, the Pittsburgh Steelers planned on taking a wide receiver in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft. In fact, they were on the phone with one, Makai Lemon of USC, when the Eagles and Howie Roseman caught Omar Khan napping, jumped ahead of him, and took Lemon.
That’s the bad news. The good news is, the Steelers have 11 picks left to try and make up for what happened in Round 1. Well, I did my best to fix that with a couple of trades on day two, which netted three solid players in my opinion.
Round 2, pick 37: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
Trade details: Steelers send Picks 53, 135, and 216 to NYG for pick 37
The truth is, the Steelers don’t need only a WR; they need to make a splash at WR. Trading up for one of the more dynamic pass catchers in this class moves the needle a ton, even if he’s coming off an injury. An injury, which, by the way, Bell has shown to be progressing at a rapid pace.
On top of being 6-2 and over 220 pounds with breakaway speed in the open field and true yards after the catch utility, Bell has tremendous competitive stamina, and he would perfectly fit into the Steelers’ scheme.
Round 2, pick 59: AJ Haulcy, S, LSU
Trade details: Steelers send picks 85, 99, to Houston for pick 59
Haulcy is an old-school safety who plays like a Steeler. He’s tough, physical, and explosive on contact. The way he rallies to the football in the run game, yet finds the ball in the air, leads you to believe he can be an instinctual ballhawk at the next level.
The Steelers need a long-term answer at the position, with both of their projected starters, Jaquan Brisker and DeShon Elliot, slated to hit free agency in 2027.
Round 3, Pick 76: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
I’m not sure Hill will make it this far in the draft, but if he’s even close, it’s up to the Steelers to seal the deal and bring him to Pittsburgh. We know the situation with Patrick Queen is not for long, and the options around and behind him aren’t great either.
Hill can be a three down backer as someone who shows the ability to shed blocks yet turn and run. He fills a lot of voids in the middle of that Steelers’ defense.
