Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
In ESPN’s latest 2026 NFL Draft mock-up, analysts Mel Kiper Jr., Matt Miller, Jordan Reid and Field Yates took turns making selections. The quartet plugged some glaring holes for the Pittsburgh Steelers and also added a potential signal-caller of the future — or present.
Kiper, who made the Steelers’ pick at No. 21 overall, chose Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane, saying, “Let’s assume Aaron Rodgers is coming back to town and wait on the QBs. Instead, here is the Steelers’ Isaac Seumalo replacement. Ioane is a powerful people mover who hasn’t allowed a sack since 2023.”
Penn State quarterback Drew Allar was there for the taking for Kiper at No. 85.
Penn State quarterback Drew Allar at the 2024 Peach Bowl in Atlanta. — Jordan Lenenberg / Nittany Sports Now
“OK, the QB board is finally lining up for the Steelers,” Kiper said. “Allar is coming off that ankle injury, but he has upside. And he has the size we’ve seen under center in Pittsburgh; at 6-foot-5 and 228 pounds, his frame reminds of Ben Roethlisberger. If Aaron Rodgers is back, Allar can learn from a legend. If not, he could potentially compete with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard.”
Kiper also helped the Steelers out in the receiving department, nabbing Tennessee wideout Chris Brazzell II in the second round (No. 53 overall). Brazzell, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 198 pounds, is a “long-limbed ‘Z’ receiver with the ability to create downfield for an offense thirsty to make more explosive plays outside,” NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote in a scouting report. “He builds to speed with long strides and dominates above the rim. He’s adept at using length and body control to capture air space against cornerbacks.”
Yates turned in the initial theoretical draft slip for Mike McCarthy’s team in the third round, plucking LSU safety A.J. Haulcy at No. 76 overall. Reid gave the Steelers Florida State defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. at No. 99.
Mentioned In This Article: 2026 NFL Draft Drew Allar Olaivavega Ioane Penn State Pittsburgh Steelers Steelers