Updated Jan. 31, 2026, 1:59 p.m. ET
The folks over at Pro Football Network have out a brand new three-round mock draft and we have to dig in on these picks for the Pittsburgh Steelers. With new head coach Mike McCarthy in place, the 2026 NFL draft is going to be vital for this team to keep pace and improve on what former head coach Mike Tomlin built.
First round – WR Makai Lemon – USC
We have Lemon as the No. 3 wide receiver in the draft so getting him at No. 21 would be huge. Lemon is a perfect complementary receiver for a big deep threat like DK Metcalf and is an immediate starter thanks to elite route running and explosion after the catch.
Second round – G Chase Bisontis – Texas A&M
Similar to Lemon, Bisontis fills a significant need and has Week-One potential if the Steelers don’t re-sign Isaac Seumalo.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Third round – DT Gracen Halton – Oklahoma
This is the only miss for us in this mock draft. While we won’t be shocked if the Steelers look for a defensive lineman in the first three picks, they want a guy who had better height and length, able to line up on the edge in the 3-4.
Third round – CB Tacario Davis – Washington
Davis came to Washington to cement his place as an elite cornerback but came up a little short. Nevertheless, Davis in the third round is a great value pick and a great option here.
Third round – QB Garrett Nussmeier – LSU
The ties between Nussmeier’s family and McCarthy are well documented so if there is a quarterback the Steelers are going to take, the LSU star makes the most sense.