Breaking down the Steelers picks in new mock draft from The Athletic

NFL draft analyst Dan Brugler of The Athletic just put on a massive seven-round mock draft update just a week before the 2026 NFL Draft. Brugler didn't project any trades for the Steelers and instead made all 12 picks. This gives us a load of information to go over and break down so here we go.

First round - WR Omar Cooper Jr. - Indiana

Cooper is an ideal choice here because he's so strong inside after the catch but can also line up outside to allow DK Metcalf to slide in and create mismatches.

Second round - G Keylan Rutledge - Georgia Tech

Rock solid, day one starter who got better every week last season and carried that momentum into offseason workouts. Easy replacement for Isaac Seumalo.

Third round - LB Kyle Louis - Pitt

Louis is a tweener whose athleticism will get him drafted early but with the team's additions at safety, we aren't sure where he would play.

Third round - QB Garrett Nussmeier - LSU

We expect the Steelers to select a quarterback at some point and Nussmeier's ties to Mike McCarthy makes this choice make sense.

Third round - CB Chandler Rivers - Duke

Undersized but physical and probably best suited to compete with Brandin Echols in the slot.

Fourth round - TE Marlin Klein - Michigan

Solid sleeper tight end for that No. 3 spot on the depth chart. Great blocker and sneaky good as a receiver with his huge frame.

Fourth round - LB Jack Kelly - BYU

Not sure how to feel about coming back to Kelly here after taking Louis in the third. If Louis can't make the switch to safety you now have far too many linebackers.

Fifth round - DT DeMonte Capehart - Clemson

Capehart has a ton of potential as an inside/outside 3-4 defensive lineman but his length in particular meshes well on the outside.

Sixth round - EDGE Trey Moore - Texas

Big sleeper pick here and one our favorites in the draft. Great burst, highly productive and well coached.

Seventh round - OT Enrique Cruz - Kansas

Nice developmental tackle prospect this late in the draft.

Seventh round - WR Emmanuel Henderson - Kansas

Solid pickup this late with his skills as a returner.

Seventh round - P Ryan Eckley - Michigan State

Great college punter whose numbers were hurt by terrible special teams coverage at Michigan State.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Breaking down the Steelers picks in new mock draft from The Athletic