The Pittsburgh Steelers replaced head coach Mike Tomlin with Mike McCarthy after yet another premature postseason exit. Another consistent season ultimately ended in familiar disappointment. The process of establishing the McCarthy era starts with NFL free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft. 

The Steelers own 12 total selections. Improving the overall roster should take center stage as they await Aaron Rodgers’ decision at quarterback. We’ve conducted a Steelers seven-round mock draft using our Mock Draft Machine.

Round 1 (No. 21 overall): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

The Steelers badly need a complement to D.K. Metcalf at wide receiver. KC Concepcion profiles nicely at that position with a dynamic run-after-catch skill set in the short to intermediate areas. Concepcion’s elusiveness would add a layer of playmaking ability that the Steelers offense lacked in 2025.

Round 2 (No. 53 overall): Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

Whether or not Rodgers returns at quarterback, the Steelers need a long-term answer at the position. Is that Will Howard? Probably not. Equipped with a trio of third-round picks to address various needs, Omar Khan can afford to gamble on a signal caller here. Garrett Nussmeier should be the quarterback the Steelers target in this range.

Round 3 (No. 76 overall): Treydan Stukes, CB, Arizona

Asante Samuel Jr. was a late-season desperation signing. A long-term partner for Joey Porter Jr. is needed at cornerback. Treydan Stukes is an impressive prospect. Stukes is explosive when triggering downhill with impressive ball skills that led to seven career interceptions and 26 pass breakups.

Round 3 (No. 85 overall): Austin Barber, OT, Florida

Broderick Jones has not met expectations at left tackle. The Steelers will probably decline his fifth-year option. In case a replacement is eventually needed, Florida’s Austin Barber would be a worthwhile target. Barber has left/right tackle versatility with terrific size and athleticism.

Round 3 (No. 99 overall): Genesis Smith, SAF, Arizona

Both Kyle Dugger and Chuck Clark are pending free agents. An injection of youth and energy is required in the safety room. This scenario reunites Genesis Smith with his teammate Stukes. Smith is rangy at safety.

Round 4 (No. 121 overall): Zane Durant, DT, Penn State

Cameron Heyward isn’t getting younger and 2025 first-round pick Derrick Harmon is coming off a brutal season-ending injury. Adding depth at defensive tackle makes sense. Zane Durant is among the most athletic interior defenders in the class, and his sack production increased every year at Penn State.

Round 4 (No. 135 overall): Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor

Doubling down at wide receiver makes sense given the current state of the position, paired with the Steelers having 12 selections. Baylor’s Josh Cameron was a routine standout at this year’s Panini Senior Bowl. Cameron makes explosive plays and catches the football well in traffic.

Round 5 (No. 159 overall): Eric Gentry, LB, USC

The Steelers could add a depth linebacker later in the draft. USC’s Eric Gentry turned scouting heads at the East-West Shrine Bowl. Gentry notched a career-high 76 tackles this past season with five forced fumbles.

Round 6 (No. 213 overall): James Brockermeyer, IOL, Miami

The Steelers have a few interior linemen slated for free agency, including Isaac Seumalo. They’ll probably re-sign Seumalo or target a veteran replacement, so this pick is about interior depth. James Brockermeyer primarily played center at Miami, but he’ll cross-train at guard throughout the pre-draft process.

Round 6 (No. 214 overall): Andre Fuller, CB, Toledo

Toledo cornerback Andre Fuller was the fastest cornerback during the East-West Shrine Bowl game, reaching 20.52 mph on the GPS. Fuller should impress at the NFL Scouting Combine. He’d compete for a roster spot in Pittsburgh.

Round 7 (No. 224 overall): Seth McGowan, RB, Kentucky

The Steelers could add to their running back room with Kenneth Gainwell on an expiring contract. Seth McGowan is a different type of runner, but he’d add physicality and violence to McCarthy’s backfield. McGowan rushed for 12 touchdowns in 2025.

Round 7 (No. 237 overall): Ryan Eckley, P, Michigan State

Ryan Eckley is one of the few punters invited to this year’s NFL Scouting Combine. Steelers starting punter Corliss Waitman is a restricted free agent after finishing 25th in gross average punt yards. Eckley averaged a career-best 48.5 gross yards per punt at Michigan State this past season.