4 big takeaways from Steelers picks in new ESPN mock draft

The 2026 NFL Draft is set to kick off on Thursday in Pittsburgh, PA. ESPN NFL draft writer Jordan Reid took on the unenviable task of putting together a full seven-round mock draft that includes all 257 picks. 12 of those picks belong to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Reid makes all 12 picks and we have thoughts on what went right and what went wrong.

The picks

First round - WR KC Concepcion - Texas A&M

Second round - S A.J. Haulcy - LSU

Third round - DT Dominique Orange - Iowa State

Third round - G Jalen Farmer - Kentucky

Third round - QB Carson Beck - Miami

Fourth round - LB Harold Perkins - LSU

Fifth round - DL LT Overton - Alabama

Sixth round - WR Kaden Wetjen - Iowa

Seventh round - CB Thaddius Dixon - North Carolina

Seventh round - TE Lance Mason - Wisconsin

Seventh round - TE Tanner Koziol - Houston

Best pick - G Jalen Farmer

Waiting until the fourth pick to address guard is a risky move but Farmer is a great option. He's a punishing run blocker who fits in perfectly with the Steelers interior offensive line. He needs some work in pass pro but with two years as a starter can plug in and handle the run game.