Welcome to this Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft Monday, version 6.0! The last one before the NFL Scouting Combine, where prospects’ values are sure to change. Reminder: this is not what I expect the team to do at the time of the draft, but it serves as one of many potential outcomes. Let’s have fun!
Round 1 (21st Overall): Kayden McDonald/IDL/Ohio State
Expected Role: Year 1 starter
Analysis:Â Cam Heyward is nearing the end of his career, and even his future for this upcoming season is uncertain. The Steelers need to ensure their future in the trenches. They began that process last offseason by selecting Derrick Harmon and doubling up would create a powerful duo that can lead the defensive front for the foreseeable future. As one Buckeye nears the end, enter another. McDonald is a bowling ball up front and wrecked opposing offenses, earning consensus All-American honors this past season.
At 6-3, 326 pounds, McDonald possesses grown-man strength and is capable of taking on double-teams and anchoring without giving up any ground. And he impresses by being more than just power. There is finesse to his game with a surprisingly quick first step that can disrupt blocking schemes before they develop.
His calling card will be as an elite run-stuffer on Day 1. There is an argument that no one is better in this draft class in that area. He’s a force multiplier on defense, freeing up his teammates by absorbing double teams. It’s virtually impossible to move him with a single blocker. His disruption starts at the snap with violent hands that shock blockers on impact and allow him to shed without issue.
Pass rushing is still a work in progress. McDonald won’t put up gaudy numbers initially, but he will impact the game. He needs to improve his finishing, but he consistently creates pressure by collapsing the pocket with his bull rush. McDonald will need to diversify his pass rush if he wants to grow into a top player at his position, but the talent is there to develop.
Replacing a talent like Heyward is no easy feat. Back-to-back first-round picks shows a good investment in trying.
Others Considered:Â Caleb Banks/IDL/Florida, KC Concepcion/WR/Texas A&M, Aveion Terrell/CB/Clemson, Kenyon Sadiq/TE/Oregon
Kayden McDonald Scouting Report
Round 2: Chris Brazzell II/WR/Tennessee
Expected Role:Â Year 1 Starter
Analysis: This selection may give Steelers fans pause, given Tennessee’s recent results with its receivers. Brazzell is different. While 6-5, he moves like a smaller receiver and has the route-running polish his predecessors lacked. He’s a burner who can take the top off the defense. He also shows the twitch to create separation in the intermediate game. The Steelers have their physical specimen in DK Metcalf. They need a technician to pair with him.
For a taller receiver, Brazzell can snap his hips on a dime to create separation at the top of his routes. His agility stems from an aggressive, plant-and-drive style uncommon for receivers his size. He’s also a master at using his leverage as a weapon. Brazzell demonstrates an understanding of how to lean into a defender’s blind spot before breaking on his route, which causes defenders to commit early.
The most glaring issue in Brazzell’s game is his lean frame. His 200-pound listing brings concern over how he’ll handle physical cornerbacks at the line of scrimmage. Most of his struggles come from cornerbacks knocking him off his route. With an NFL training regimen, I expect his strength to improve and become less of a long-term concern.
Given revisionist history, I understand some may turn a cheek away from Brazzell. What separates him is his polish coming out of school, despite being in an offense that sets him up for success. Paired with Metcalf, he should see softer coverage initially and feast on it.
Others Considered:Â Malachi Fields/WR/Notre Dame, Zachariah Branch/WR/Georgia, Chris Johnson/CB/San Diego State, Keionte Scott/CB/Miami (FL)
Chris Brazzell II Scouting Report
Round 3: Malik Muhammed/CB/Texas
Expected Role:Â Rotational Depth/Potential Year 1 Starter
Analysis: With question marks in the cornerback room, the position becomes one of the Steelers’ biggest needs. Malik Muhammed would be a steal of a selection at the top of the third round. He projects as a long-time running mate with Joey Porter Jr. Coming in at 6-0 and 190 pounds with a leaner frame, some scouts have concerns about Muhammed’s size and physicality at the next level. But he’s a baller, which is what the team needs in the secondary.
His coverage skills are scheme-proof. Muhammed can play at the line, off-man, and deep zone. Texas asked him to do everything, and he showed he can handle it all. Although he isn’t the strongest at the point of attack, he compensates in press coverage with a soft-press. Instead of being aggressive at the jump, he uses a slide-step to maintain leverage and ensure he doesn’t get beaten over the top. His man-coverage abilities have improved due to his fluid hips. He can transition and collapse on breaking routes while still having juice to cover vertical routes.
His awareness in zone coverage is just as acute. He remains patient and disciplined in his responsibility, not getting overly aggressive or baited. He uses pattern matching to split his attention between two threats, then attacks at the right moment.
Although his experience and talent make him a Day 1 starting option, his NFL team will be better off easing his transition. Combining Muhammed with Porter would give defensive coordinator Patrick Graham a dynamic duo to work with in the secondary.
Others Considered:Â Garrett Nussmeier/QB/LSU, Connor Lew/IOL/Auburn, Kyle Louis/LB/Pittsburgh, Antonio Williams/WR/Clemson
Malik Muhammad Scouting Report
Round 3: Zakee Wheatley/S/Penn State
Expected Role: Rotational Depth/Potential Year 1 Starter
Analysis: The future of the safety position, given Jalen Ramsey and DeShon Elliott’s age, is another situation the team must figure out. Luckily, having both of them will make the transition easier for this selection. Wheatley is a ballhawk, fitting the turnover culture that the defense likes to embody. He’s got good size (6-2, 205 pounds) and speed to range the back end. His fluidity isn’t the best in the class, but it is more than enough to turn and run.
Most of his success stems from being in zone coverage. Wheatley excels playing as a robber defender who can lure quarterbacks into throwing a hospital ball. Instead of using a traditional back pedal, he will shuffle at the start of the play, which keeps him from getting too deep. This keeps his shoulders square to the line and adds to his burst as he breaks.
Unlike a lot of defensive backs, Wheatley is also a willing tackler. He isn’t the most consistent in this area, as he tends to leave his feet too early. His contact doesn’t shock ball carriers either. When he does make contact, his go-to is a “gator-roll,” where he wraps around the ankles and twists. It’s effective, but with his size, he would be better off driving through contact.
He won’t have to play immediately, but adding Wheatley would give the Steelers their future deep safety.
Others Considered:Â Brian Parker II/OT/Duke, Skyler Bell/WR/UConn, Michael Trigg/TE/Baylor, Deonte Lawson/LB/Alabama
Zakee Wheatley Scouting Report
Round 3: Deonte Lawson/ILB/Alabama
Expected Role:Â Rotational Depth/Developmental Starter
Analysis:Â Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson have failed to live up to expectations on the inside. In response, the team must address a glaring need at inside linebacker. Taking the captain and green-dot communicator of the Alabama defense would be a solid addition. Lawson stands at 6-2 and 230 pounds but has great functional speed and can cover sideline to sideline. He moves like a big safety with the fluidity to transition in coverage without wasted movement.
Lawson excels against the run and pass but is more efficient in coverage. He is well-versed in his zone assignments and has a good understanding of route concepts that develop behind him. There’s comfort in playing in space, Lawson effectively identifying crossing routes and turning his back to the quarterback to cut off the receiver. However, he needs to develop further his ability to match up with running backs who can exploit him at the top of their routes.
Given his 230-pound weight, he’s not a traditional thumper. Although effective against the run, he prefers to slip by blockers rather than take them head-on. Doing so creates opportunities to make plays in the backfield, but if he guesses wrong on his assignment, it leaves a hole.
Lawson is a player I expect to carry the green-dot responsibilities early in his career. With the current room underperforming, he would be the needed talent boost and able to contribute immediately.
Others Considered:Â Jake Slaughter/IOL/Florida, Logan Jones/IOL/Iowa, Deion Burks/WR/Oklahoma, Mike Washington Jr./RB/Arkansas
Round 4: Nick Singleton/RB/Penn State
Expected Role:Â Sub-package Player/3rd-down back
Analysis: I believe Kenneth Gainwell is a surefire re-sign this offseason. However, until that happens, there’s the possibility the new coaching staff wants to bring in a younger back of its own. Singleton offers a different game than 2025 third-round pick Kaleb Johnson. At 6-0, 227 pounds, Singleton offers a similar frame but is far more explosive.
As a runner, defenders bounce off him. He offers consistent leg drive with a low shoulder, allowing him to stay upright after he takes a blow. Though explosive, he’s a one-cut back who likes to stick his foot in the ground and get downhill immediately. His lateral movement isn’t the best, and he can struggle to make defenders miss in tight quarters. He must also show more patience with the ball in his hands. He gets antsy when the primary read isn’t available, so he moves his runs outside into traffic.
His value lies in his talents as a receiver and a blocker. He naturally catches the ball with his hands and can align in the slot. A true mismatch for linebackers, Singleton has a great feel in the pass game, adding a dynamic Johnson can’t replicate. As a pass blocker, he’s among the best in the class, and shows great instincts identifying blitzers and free rushers. When engaging, he can sink his hips and deliver a shocking blow.
Ideally, Gainwell is signed to maintain a familiar dynamic. However, Singleton offers a home-run threat with great receiving abilities. He and Jaylen Warren would be a nasty duo.
Others Considered:Â Carson Beck/QB/Miami(FL), Keyron Crawford/EDGE/Auburn, Jack Endries/TE/Texas, J.C. Davis/OT/Illinois
Nick Singleton Scouting Report
Round 4: Josh Cameron/WR/Baylor
Expected Role: Special Teams Contributor/Possible Year 1 Starter
Analysis: Continuing to rebuild a depleted wide receiver room, the Steelers grab a bowling-ball playmaker in Josh Cameron. An underdog who rose from walk-on to first-team all-conference, Cameron checks in at 6-1, 224 pounds, runs like a back, and wins with physicality. He lacks Brazzell’s top-end speed but moves well for his size.
His early value will come in the intermediate area and after the catch. Cameron finds soft spots in coverage, throttles down to present a clean target, and owns reliable hands that adjust to off-target throws. With the ball in his hands, he’s difficult to bring down thanks to a powerful lower body and good contact balance.
He also brings proven return ability. Despite his size, Baylor trusted him on punts, and he generated a whopping 21 yards per return in 2024. That’s a notable boost for a Steelers team searching for an impactful return option.
Cameron still has room to grow, but his playmaking with the ball is too enticing in Round 4. With coaching, he projects as a dynamic slot who can control the middle of the field.
Others Considered:Â Kevin Coleman Jr./WR/Missouri, Jalen Farmer/IOL/Kentucky, Jaishawn Barham/LB/Michigan, Chris McClellan/IDL/Missouri
Round 5: Trey Zuhn III/IOL/Texas A&M
Expected Role: Developmental Prospect
Analysis: With Isaac Seumalo a pending free agent, the Steelers need to invest in their interior offensive line. The right side looks solid long term, but the left remains unsettled. Zuhn, a college tackle at Texas A&M, could develop into a starter inside where his shorter wingspan should translate better despite a 6-6 frame.
Pass protection is his strength. He’s one of the better pass blockers in the country, showing strong recognition of stunts and delayed blitzes and rarely losing in true pass sets. His hand usage is disciplined, with independent jabs and the ability to reset his grip. He also anchors well by sinking his weight to stonewall power rushers.
The run game is where he’ll need work. For his size, he lacks overwhelming pop and leans more on technique than brute force. Given his height, he naturally plays high, and without elite power, his leverage issues can blunt his effectiveness on the ground.
Finding true starters on Day 3 is difficult, but Zuhn’s polished pass blocking gives him a clear path to early snaps. If he cleans up his run blocking, he’s a worthy investment at this stage of the draft.
Others Considered:Â Lander Barton/LB/Utah, Nadame Tucker/EDGE/Western Michigan, Dallen Bentley/TE/Utah, Hezekiah Masses/CB/Cal
Round 6: Kaleb Proctor/IDL/Southeastern Louisiana
Expected Role:Â Rotational Depth
Analysis: Although Kayden McDonald is expected to make an immediate impact, the Steelers continue to reinforce their defensive front with Proctor, a small-school sleeper. One of the FCS’s most dominant interior defenders, he posted nine sacks and 40 pressures. At 280 pounds, he’ll need to add mass, but his 6-3 frame can support it.
Pass rushing is his calling card. Proctor has a lightning-quick first step, impressive bend on stunts and twists, and advanced hand usage for a small-school prospect. He doesn’t just win with raw athleticism; he strings together moves with intent.
Run defense will be his biggest adjustment. His current size leaves him vulnerable to double-teams, and he’s not a space-eater who can hold the point. For an interior player, he’s fast, but his play strength is just average.
As a situational interior rusher, Proctor is a late-round gem. If he adds weight without losing his twitch, the ceiling is high.
Others Considered:Â Landon Robinson/IDL/Navy, Charles Demmings/CB/Stephen F. Austin, Marlin Klein/TE/Michigan, Xavier Nwankpa/S/Iowa
Round 6: Riley Nowakowski/TE/Indiana
Expected Role: Sub-package Contributor/H-back/Special Teams Contributor
Analysis: Traditionally, the Steelers have valued plus blockers at tight end, and Nowakowski would continue that trend. Though undersized at 6-1, he fits the fullback/H-back mold and similar to Connor Heyward, he can contribute in-line. His blocking alone could sustain a long NFL career, and he shows more burst than the typical blocking tight end.
Nowakowski’s main value will come as a blocker. He’s highly competitive, loves contact, and can serve as a lead blocker on edge defenders or track down backside pursuers. He blocks effectively on the move, taking smart angles and delivering powerful initial contact.
His receiving ability is underrated. He’s a tough runner who can turn dump-offs into chunk gains and rarely goes down on first contact. His hands are reliable, with just two career drops. While he won’t be a dynamic weapon, he can function as a steady safety valve.
Nowakowski can fill a role similar to Heyward’s but with greater upside as a blocker while he continues to grow as a receiver.
Others Considered:Â Josh Cuevas/TE/Alabama, Eric Gentry/LB/USC, Roman Hemby/RB/Indiana, Anez Cooper/IOL/Miami (FL)
Round 7: Trey Moore/EDGE/Texas
Expected Role:Â Rotational Depth
Analysis: In the final round, the Steelers add to their biggest defensive strength with Trey Moore. He isn’t an elite athlete, but his game is technically refined. After posting 14 sacks at UTSA in 2023, he shifted into a rotational role for Texas. While not a top-end mover, he has a quick first step that immediately stresses offensive tackles.
His pass-rush ability is his ticket to a roster spot. Moore doesn’t rely on one move. He strings together clubs, rips, and overhead chops, with a deadly inside spin as his signature. He relies on speed to set up his rushes because he has minimal power. His speed-to-power conversion is average, and most linemen can withstand his bull rush.
Run defense will drive most of his early struggles. At 249 pounds with modest play strength, he can have trouble setting the edge, and his results against the run are inconsistent.
Used correctly, Moore projects as a valuable situational pass rusher. His quickness and varied arsenal would complement Jack Sawyer well as a depth option.
Others considered:Â Jack Kelly/LB/BYU, Eli Heidenreich/RB/Navy, Quintayvious Hutchins/EDGE/Boston College, Luke Altmyer/QB/Illinois
Round 7: Ricardo Hallman/CB/Wisconsin
Expected Role:Â Rotational Depth/Special Teams Contributor
Analysis: Although Muhammad projects as an early contributor, the Steelers still need to fortify their corner depth. Hallman burst onto the scene with seven interceptions in 2023, then saw his numbers dip after quarterbacks simply stopped targeting him. At 5-10, 190 pounds, he profiles best inside with excellent short-area quickness. His long speed is adequate—he can stick to a receiver’s hip but may struggle to recover if beaten.
Coverage is his calling card. Hallman shows strong eye discipline in zone, keeping his vision on the quarterback and feeling route combinations develop. His spatial awareness lets him split two routes and drive on the throw as the quarterback begins his motion. While better in zone, his man skills are solid. After his 2023 breakout, he was targeted only 33 times across 300-plus coverage snaps in 2024. He’s not an elite man defender, but fully capable of holding up at a high level.
Size and strength are the concerns. Without adding mass, his ceiling is limited. He struggles to shed receiver blocks and is an inconsistent tackler—more of a presence than a force. That lack of power also shows up in press, where physical wideouts can displace him.
In an off-man or soft-press role, Hallman can be effective. As a prospect, he mirrors Amik Robertson—an undersized, scrappy ball hawk out of Louisiana Tech. If he builds on his early collegiate success, he can carve out a solid NFL career.
Others Considered:Â Aaron Anderson/WR/LSU, Tyren Montgomery/WR/John Carroll, Devan Boykin/S/Indiana, Jalen McMurray/CB/Tennessee
Previous Steelers Mock Draft Mondays
January 19th
January 26th
February 2nd
February 9th
February 16th