The buzz from the NFL Combine is still echoing, with fresh insights into team strategies and prospect evaluations. At the forefront for the Pittsburgh Steelers is the extensive list of prospects they interviewed. The Black and Gold connected with numerous talents eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft. While these Combine meetings don’t always seal deals, they’ve historically influenced Pittsburgh’s draft decisions, offering clues about their priorities.

KC Concepcion WR Texas A&M

Of course, skipping a meeting doesn’t mean zero interest—scheduling hiccups happen. But formal sit-downs often signal genuine curiosity, shaping the direction under GM Omar Khan. This mock draft spotlights several players the Steelers engaged with at the Combine, blended with other potential fits on their radar.

Free agency could shake things up, but for now, this seven-round projection unleashes an aggressive blueprint, headlined by a jaw-dropping trade-up for a second first-round pick. Buckle up—it’s an unbelievable twist that could redefine the Steelers’ roster!

Round 1: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

Kicking off with a stunner, the Steelers opt for an offensive tackle in the first round, defying expectations. Monroe Freeling’s stock skyrocketed after a dominant Combine showing, blending elite athleticism with technical prowess. On paper, Pittsburgh’s line looks solid, but Broderick Jones’ injury history looms large. Freeling could lock down left tackle, providing stability and depth to protect the quarterback for years to come.

The Bold Trade-Up: Steelers Wheel and Deal with Seahawks

Here’s where the unbelievable twist unfolds! In a move that’s rare for the typically conservative Steelers, they aggressively trade back into the first round. Spotting a sliding wide receiver they covet, Pittsburgh dials up the Seattle Seahawks. The cost? Their second-round pick (No. 53), third-rounder (No. 85), and a fourth-round selection (No. 121). In return, they snag Seattle’s first-round pick at No. 32. This gutsy gamble underscores their desperation to upgrade the receiving corps—talk about going all-in!

Round 1 (via Seahawks): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

With top receivers flying off the board, the Steelers pounce on KC Concepcion as he tumbles into range. Their formal Combine meeting with him hints at budding interest, and his playmaking ability seals the deal. Despite occasional drops, Concepcion’s explosiveness and route-running savvy make him a dynamic weapon. Paired with existing talent, he could ignite Pittsburgh’s offense and justify the bold trade.

Round 3 (via Cowboys): Hezekiah Masses, CB, California

Shifting to defense, the Steelers address a glaring need in the secondary. Hezekiah Masses embodies their ideal cornerback archetype: towering size, impressive length, and sticky press-man coverage skills. His Combine workout turned heads, keeping him high on Pittsburgh’s board. In a division loaded with elite passers, Masses could emerge as a shutdown artist.

Round 3 (comp. pick): Genesis Smith, S, Arizona

Another Combine interviewee, Genesis Smith, lands in Pittsburgh’s lap as a versatile safety. The position group shone brightly in Indy, but Smith’s ball-hawking instincts stand out. With free agency threatening to deplete the Steelers’ safety depth, this pick adds a instinctive playmaker who thrives in coverage and run support.

Round 4 (Comp Pick): Carson Beck, QB, Miami

Quarterback chatter intensified at the Combine, where the Steelers scouted several developmental arms. Carson Beck might not boast the highest upside, but his poise and accuracy fit as a bridge or backup option. In a draft class thin on elite QBs, this mid-round flier allows Pittsburgh to groom a potential successor without overcommitting early.

Round 5: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State

Doubling down on receivers, the Steelers grab Ted Hurst—another Combine meeting standout. From humble beginnings at Division II Valdosta State to starring at Georgia State, Hurst’s blazing speed and big frame create matchup nightmares. His ability to separate and haul in contested catches adds another layer to an offense craving explosiveness.

Round 6: Deven Eastern, DT, Minnesota

The defensive line gets a boost with Deven Eastern, a Big Ten brute who aligns perfectly with Pittsburgh’s preferences. Though no formal Combine meeting is noted yet, his long arms, robust build, and starting experience scream “Steelers fit.” Expect interest to ramp up—Eastern could rotate in and disrupt interiors right away.

Round 6 (comp. pick): Lake McRee, TE, USC

As Jonnu Smith’s free agency exit looms, the Steelers snag Lake McRee to replenish tight end depth. His Combine wasn’t flashy, but McRee’s receiving flashes and upside as a blocker intrigue. With time to bulk up, he could evolve into a reliable No. 2 option in two-tight-end sets.

Round 7: Micah Morris, OG, Georgia

Bookending the draft with Georgia Bulldogs, the Steelers select Micah Morris to shore up the interior line. Isaac Seumalo’s potential departure creates a void at left guard, and Morris steps in with proven starting reps. This late-round gem offers immediate competition and long-term value, capping a draft full of calculated risks.

This post-Combine mock draft paints an exhilarating picture for Steelers fans, blending savvy selections with that unforgettable trade-up twist. If Omar Khan pulls off something similar, Pittsburgh could vault back into contention. Stay tuned as free agency and pro days add more layers!