Steelers Mock Draft 2026: Pittsburgh Takes OT Early, Snags QB in 7-Round Edition

Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor

Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (OL41) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

At 6-7 and 366 pounds, Proctor is a massive human being who anchored the left side of the Alabama line. While some scouts have questions about his foot speed against elite rushers, his performance in 2025 was nearly flawless. He finished as a top-10 tackle with an overall PFF grade of 85.4.

Looking at the Steelers' left side, Proctor can plug in at either tackle or guard. Broderick Jones has yet to flash his first-round ceiling, and he is recovering from a season-ending neck injury. Proctor provides some much-needed stability.

Round 2, Pick 53: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia

Branch is the ultimate space player that the Pittsburgh offense has lacked. While D.K. Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. provide the size and boundary presence, Branch is a natural fit for the slot, where he can use his elite change-of-direction to turn five-yard slants into 50-yard scores.

His arrival gives the offense a versatile weapon that can be used on jet sweeps, bubble screens and vertical seams, forcing defenses to account for every inch of the field. Pairing his 4.35 speed with the veteran savvy of the current wideout room makes this passing attack exponentially more dangerous.

Round 3, Pick 76: A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU

Haulcy finished his college career with four forced fumbles, 10 interceptions and nearly 350 total tackles. He gives the Steelers a versatile defender capable of turning the momentum of a game in a single play.

He'll need a year or two to become more polished, but he can learn from veterans like Jalen Ramsey and Jaquan Brisker.

Round 3, Pick 85: Treydan Stukes, CB, Arizona

Imagn Images

Stukes, who recorded four interceptions and a staggering 90.1 PFF grade in 2025, possesses terrific length and speed. He can track the deep ball and play through the receiver's hands.

The most exciting aspect of this pick would be the tandem it creates in the secondary. Pairing Stukes' 4.33 speed and frame with Joey Porter Jr. would give the Steelers one of the most physically imposing young cornerback duos in the NFL.

Round 3, Pick 99: DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson

While he doesn't possess the explosive twitch or pure speed of a premier interior lineman like Cameron Heyward, Capehart's prowess as a run defender aligns perfectly with defensive coordinator Patrick Graham's vision.

Standing at 6-5 and 315 pounds, Capehart is a physically imposing presence capable of clogging running lanes. Despite a limited sample size as a full-time starter at Clemson, he has flashed the surprising range necessary to track down ball carriers in the open field.

Round 4, Pick 121: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

The biggest thing when it comes to the Penn State quarterback is upside. Throughout his career, Allar showed flashes that made him the No. 1 quarterback recruit coming out of high school. He failed to consistently produce with the Nittany Lions, though, and his 2025 season ended in October when he suffered a broken ankle.

Regardless of whether Rodgers returns or retires, Allar would serve as a high-upside addition to the quarterback room.

Round 4, Pick 135: Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana

Aiden Fisher

Fisher was the heartbeat of a Hoosiers defensive unit that captured national attention in both 2024 and 2025. A transfer from James Madison, Fisher earned All-American honors after totaling 95 tackles, 4 1/2 sacks and two interceptions last season.

While Fisher lacks elite speed, he compensates with a relentless motor and high IQ that allows him to diagnose plays before they develop. He excels as a downhill run defender, and he has shown the versatility to be an effective blitzer.

Round 5, Pick 161: Jaishawn Barham, EDGE, Michigan

Barham is an ascending prospect whose physical traits and explosive burst off the line make him an immediate developmental project for the Pittsburgh coaching staff. While he possesses the raw athleticism to be a disruptive force in the backfield, he has room to grow in terms of play recognition.

If he can improve in that area, he could become a steal in the fifth round.

Round 6, Pick 216: Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech

Wisniewski shined in college with his burst and ability to make plays down the field. He had 78 tackles and six passes defended in 2025.

There are some questions about his injury history, but if he is able to stay healthy, he could be a solid piece for Pittsburgh.

Round 7, Pick 224: Pat Coogan, OG, Indiana

Coogan started 42 out of 46 games in college, spanning from guard at Notre Dame to the center of Indiana's 2025 national championship team.

Coogan's versatility is what stands out, making him an intriguing seventh-round selection. With experience at both center and guard, he would serve as a backup with the potential to blossom into a starter.

Round 7, Pick 230: Harrison Wallace, WR, Ole Miss

Harrison Wallace III

After he was unable to burst onto the scene at Penn State, Wallace took his talents down to Oxford and thrived in Lane Kiffin's offense. He led the team with 61 receptions and 934 receiving yards to go along with four touchdowns.

Fans shouldn't expect much from him as a rookie, but he could turn into a reliable zone-beater.

Round 7, Pick 237: Aaron Hall, DT, Duke

Hall brings a blend of elite initial explosiveness and leadership to the defensive line. Standing at 6-4 and 290 pounds, he racked up 11 tackles for a loss as a team captain in 2025.

While he is a relentless pursuer of the ball, Hall is still considered a raw talent. He needs to develop a more diverse set of hand techniques in order to shed blocks effectively.

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