2026 NFL Draft•Steelers Analysis
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
With the All-Star circuit in the books and the NFL Combine on the horizon, it’s time to give the people what they want! Mock draft season for the 2026 NFL Draft is upon us. We are still very early in the team-building process, seeing as free agency hasn’t taken place, but we do have a general feel for the strengths and weaknesses of the roster as we sit here today. Luckily for them, this class is rich in a couple of areas of need.
Housekeeping notes: the first iteration in this three-part mock draft series is more of a reflection on how I would approach the draft, with the intent of giving some interesting prospects worthy of keeping an eye on. As time rolls on, these will be more predictive based on how the team approaches free agency and the intel we are able to gather through the process. Most notably, I am operating under the assumption that a veteran starting quarterback will be brought in prior to April and this exercise uncharacteristically includes a couple of trades because I don’t envision them actually selecting 12 players. Without further ado, here we go!
Round 1, Pick 15: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State (TRADE)
Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State Athletics
*PIT sends picks #21, #85 & #159 to Tampa Bay for pick #15
Given the state of this underwhelming quarterback class, using some excess draft capital to land a potential WR1 makes the most sense here. Tyson, who was coached by former Steelers great Hines Ward, is an alignment-versatile bucket getter that has been extremely productive over the past two seasons with 1,809 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns in 23 games played. He showcases an advanced understanding of how to manipulate defenders through the route stem and create separation at the break point with sudden footwork and crafty salesmanship. His spatial awareness versus zone coverage is excellent, and he’s shown the ability to make difficult catches for his quarterback, whether high-pointing the football or adjusting to off-target throws.
The Dallas Cowboys selected CeeDee Lamb with their first-round pick shortly after Mike McCarthy’s arrival to the Lone Star State, and there are some stylistic similarities between the two. Tyson’s injury history is worth mentioning here, and although the injuries aren’t a singular recurring issue, it raises valid durability concerns given his average frame. But that hasn’t scared the Steelers brass off in recent years, and this is a gamble worth taking because of his potential, plus the glaring need at the position. As an inside/outside chain mover, he would make a strong complement to DK Metcalf in year one and give whoever the next franchise quarterback is a friendly target to throw to moving forward.
Round 2, Pick Pick 53: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State
San Diego State Aztecs cornerback Chris Johnson (1) warms up against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors before the game at Snapdragon Stadium on Oct 5, 2024 in San Diego, California, USA. — Abe Arredondo / Imagn Images
Since 2020, the Steelers have taken just one cornerback in the first six rounds of the NFL Draft, and it’s far past time for that to change. At 6 feet and 190 pounds with an intriguing combination of technical prowess and athleticism, Johnson’s tape from this past season was tremendous (16.1 passer rating allowed per PFF). In coverage, he’ll bait quarterbacks into ill-advised throws, has shown the ability to click-and-close into passing lanes, and be very disruptive at the catch point with great timing to avoid penalties. He has the straight-line speed to cap vertical routes and the hip fluidity to change directions with shifty receivers working underneath.
What stands out the most about Johnson’s game is just how much you can do with him on the back end because he’s a player without any glaring red flags in his profile. Johnson is an asset in both man/zone coverage, can press or play off-ball, and is an active participant that doesn’t miss tackles as a run defender. Last year, the Steelers defense simply looked slow on the back end more often than not, and that’s a result of them opting for older veterans rather than youth. Even though we don’t yet know what style of defense Patrick Graham will deploy, Johnson’s presence will improve this group right away.
Round 3, Pick 76: LB Deontae Lawson, Alabama
Legitimately good linebacker classes only come along every so often, and the Steelers would be wise to take advantage of this opportunity. Even when he’s not kept clean, Deontae Lawson is slippery enough to work around blocks but can also stack and shed at a solid level. In 2025, he was a bigger part of Alabama’s pressure plan up front, while also taking strides as a more cognizant zone coverage defender when asked to drop out. This is a renowned leader, two-time captain with over 2,500 defensive snaps throughout his career, and someone that they relied upon heavily as a communicator as the designated green dot on defense.
With Patrick Queen entering the final year of his contract and Payton Wilson unable to seize an every-down role thus far, Lawson offers a pivot point as a succession plan. The tackling technique definitely needs to improve, but he’s wired the right way and has more translatable reps than even some of the more physically gifted players in this class. Graham turned Robert Spillane into a good starter in Vegas, which offers optimism for a similar outcome in this scenario.
Round 3, Pick 99: CB Treydan Stukes, Arizona
Not only have the Steelers lacked a difference maker in the slot that other top defenses have in their arsenal, but this spot has been a major liability for years now. Treydan Stukes has one of the coolest journeys of this cycle, overcoming adversity throughout his time in Tucson by going from walk-on to All-American in 2025. He’s an explosive athlete that can match up with different body types in man coverage, can flip his hips effortlessly, and regularly gets his eyes back to locate the football in flight. While a nickel role playing fast downhill suits him best, a couple of his best reps came as a deep half-field player, and he’s played extensively on the boundary as well.
Graham’s defenses are usually heavy on pre-snap disguises, and adding a versatile chess piece like this could make for some interesting coverage rotations. His eye discipline needs to be more consistent in all phases, but that is something that can be developed over time. Don’t be surprised if Stukes tests extremely well at the NFL Combine and starts gaining more recognition as we get closer to draft weekend.
Round 4, Pick 121: NT Tim Keenan III, Alabama
Tim Keenan’s projection to the pros is a fairly simple one: a strong, space-eating nose tackle with natural leverage built in and a wide base that allows him to anchor down effectively versus double teams. Most of his pass rushing wins are via effort or late pocket disruption, and figuring out a way to compensate for a lack of length will be a challenge versus better competition. The Steelers don’t currently have this archetype along their defensive line right now, which makes this pairing appealing on day three.
Round 4, Pick 135: IOL Keagen Trost, Missouri
Keagen Trost is a prospect that will likely kick inside at the next level due to arm length and lack of redirection skills in space, but it’s a transition that should bring out his best qualities. He’s a refined pass protector with good strike timing/accuracy and the stopping power to shut down power rushers attempting to run through his chest. Ideally, he morphs into more than this, but finding multi-positional depth pieces in the trenches is good value in the fourth round.
Round 6, Pick 186: QB Taylen Green, Arkansas (TRADE)
Taylen Green, Arkansas Razorbacks
*PIT sends picks #213 & #214 to SEA for pick #186
2025 didn’t tell us anything we didn’t already know about Taylen Green as a prospect. He’s got great size and is capable of making spectacular plays out of structure, both as a runner and passer. Unfortunately, inconsistent ball placement and decision-making are things that more often than not have outweighed the positives to his game. He’s strictly a dart throw developmental prospect, but you can’t teach this combo of size and athleticism.
Round 7, Pick 224: WR Kendrick Law, Kentucky
Most of Kendrick Law’s production this past season came on screens and pop passes behind the line of scrimmage. He comes equipped with instant acceleration, a thick lower half that allows him to churn out yards after contact, and four-core special teams experience. There’s more to prove as a route runner, but until that part of his game rounds into form, he can create some explosive plays in a gadget role.
Round 7, Pick 237: TE/H-Back Riley Nowakowski, Indiana
Riley Nowakowski was the unsung hero that did a lot of the dirty work for an Indiana Hoosiers offense that took home the National Championship. Not the most threatening pass catcher, but he hauled in 32 passes without a single drop. His value comes primarily in the run game, where he has the necessary play strength and technique to hold up against defensive ends when playing in-line, while also giving his offense H-back flexibility.
Mentioned In This Article: Chris Johnson Deontae Lawson Jordyn Tyson Keagen Trost Kendrick Law NFL Draft 2026 Riley Nowakowkski Steelers Taylen Green Tim Keenan top Tredyan Stukes