Mid-Round Help at QB
by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published March 7, 2026, 2:59 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 NFL Mock Draft
The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2026 NFL Draft with flexibility and a roster still undergoing reshaping under general manager Omar Khan. With multiple picks across the early and middle rounds, Pittsburgh has the opportunity to address both immediate needs and long-term depth. Offensive line stability, defensive backfield help, and continued investment along the defensive front remain logical priorities as the franchise continues building toward sustained contention.
First Round
Pick 1 (21 overall)
Kadyn Proctor, Alabama, OT – Broderick Jones wasn’t the long-term answer before he left the game in Chicago with a neck injury that remains somewhat concerning. Receiver is a popular option, but let’s be honest: the position is one of the most tradeable assets in the league every season. Omar Khan chased Brandon Aiyuk in 2024 and traded for DK Metcalf in 2025 while also drafting the position in the first round.
Second Round
Pick 2 (53 overall)
Keionte Scott, Miami (Fla.), S – The secondary was held together by veterans throughout the season. Jalen Ramsey was moved from defensive back to more of a hybrid safety/nickel role. Kyle Dugger and Julias Peppers helped set the tone, allowing a younger prospect the chance to develop and grow into the position.
Third Round
Pick 3 (76 overall)
Chris McClellon, Missouri, DL – A massive interior presence at 6’4” and 323 pounds, McClellon provides another developmental body along the defensive line. It’s been a position of interest since Omar Khan took over as GM in 2022. Derrick Harmon (1st RD 2025), Yayha Black (5th Rd 2025), Keeanu Benton (2nd RD 2023), and DeMarvin Leal (3rd RD 2022) represent significant draft capital invested in an area that still requires ongoing maintenance.
Third Round
Pick 4 (85 overall) via Dallas Cowboys
Zackariah Branch, Georgia, WR – This selection is a bit of a stretch. Branch could easily be off the board around this point in the draft. Armed with a surplus of picks, Khan would not hesitate to move assets in order to acquire a legitimate downfield threat with NFL DNA. He is the great-nephew of Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver Cliff Branch, who passed away at age 71 in 2019. Speed clearly runs in the family, evidenced by Branch’s 4.35 at this year’s NFL Combine.
Third Round
Pick 5 (99 overall) via Compensatory Pick
Daylen Everette, Georgia, DB – Another Bulldogs defender and another 4.3-speed prospect from the combine. Everette ran a 4.38 to be exact. Providing Joey Porter Jr. with additional help on the opposite side of the field is something Pittsburgh will likely address either in free agency or early in the draft process.
Fourth Round
Pick 6 (121 overall)
Kage Casey, Boise State, OT – The value of Casey makes him difficult to ignore at pick 121. In truth, he may not still be on the board at this point, but mock drafts are exercises in projecting possibilities.
Fourth Round
Pick 7 (135 overall) via Compensatory Pick
Carson Beck, Miami (Fla.), QB – It’s fair to think that somewhere between the third and fourth rounds, especially with an abundance of picks, the Steelers could take a flier on a young quarterback for Mike McCarthey to develop while (assuming) Aaron Rodgers returns for another season in Pittsburgh.
Fifth Round
Pick 8 (159 overall)
Max Llewellyn, Iowa, Edge – Since Khan took over as GM, the Hawkeyes have produced more Steelers draft selections than any other school. Llewellyn would become the fourth added to that pipeline.
Sixth Round
Pick 9 (213 overall) via Compensatory Pick
DJ Campbell, Texas, OG – Day three prospects are often developmental players. The hope is that Campbell flashes during rookie camp, builds momentum into minicamp, and continues progressing in Latrobe while learning behind established veterans.
Sixth Round
Pick 10 (214 overall) Compensatory Pick
Bishop Fitzgerald, USC, S – Another addition to the secondary who may or may not ultimately pan out. His 4.55 forty time won’t excite many NFL personnel departments for a safety prospect, but what he may lack in elite speed he makes up for with toughness and a number of positive traits in his overall game.
Seventh Round
Pick 11 (224 overall) via New England Patriots
Colbie Young, Georgia, WR – Who doesn’t love a 6’5”, 218-pound wideout who runs a 4.49 at the NFL Combine? There’s a reason he may still be available this late, but the raw traits are intriguing. If Steelers receivers coach Adam Henry can get him up to speed, Young could begin carving out his own developmental trajectory.
Seventh Round
Pick 12 (237 overall)
Red Murdock, Buffalo, LB – First, I’d like to apologize to Red and his family, because I truly believe he’ll be selected earlier than this slot. That said, I couldn’t leave him off the mock. A productive player, and MAC schools have always had a place in Pittsburgh’s scouting and development pipeline.
Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com
