Thanks to their moves in the first wave of free agency, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have some much-needed flexibility in the 2026 NFL Draft. But with 12 current selections, Omar Khan and Mike McCarthy could have their eyes set on a particular position in Round 1.

Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr.

Even after trading for Michael Pittman Jr., the Steelers need an infusion of depth and youth at receiver. With no quarterback worth selecting, Pittsburgh could get tunnel vision for a go-to option in McCarthy’s offense.

Unfortunately, a run on receivers early has Pittsburgh making a bold move in the first round of this three-round Steelers mock draft.

Pittsburgh Steelers 3-round mock draft includes an agressive move for WR target

Trade: Pittsburgh Steelers trade with the Minnesota Vikings for pick No. 18

Pittsburgh Steelers Receive No. 18 Pick

Minnesota Vikings Receive No. 21 Pick No. 99 Pick (comp.)

In this mock draft, wide receivers flew off the shelf in the first half of Round 1. Carnell Tate was snatched up by the Washington Commanders at pick No. 8. Over the next ten picks, two more receivers—Makai Lemon and Jordyn Tyson—were poached by WR-needy teams.

With the Carolina Panthers potentially taking Khan’s top remaining receiver target at pick 19, I have the Steelers packaging pick No. 21 and their compensatory third-rounder (No. 99) to move up three spots to pick No. 18.

Beggars can’t be choosers. It’s a lot to move up just a few spots, but with 11 total picks after the trade, the Steelers can still rake in a quality draft haul after ensuring they get their guy in Round 1.

Round 1 | Pick 18 (via MIN): Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

Since before the NFL Combine, I’ve been saying that Omar Cooper Jr. is a name Steelers fans need to watch closely. Despite underwhelming production at Indiana, Cooper has an excellent blend of size, athleticism, yards-after-the-catch ability, and overall nuance in his game.

Cooper would slot in as the team’s slot receiver, as McCarthy will deploy his ’11’ personnel look early and often. Cooper’s skill set makes him an ideal match in the new McCarthy-led Steelers offense. He could carve out a significant role as a rookie before becoming the team’s primary target in 2027.

Round 2 | Pick 53: Gennings Dunker, OL, Iowa

The Steelers need help at both guard and tackle, so why not go after a prospect who can play both? Gennings Dunker looks the part, with thick quads and a sturdy base. The Iowa product had an excellent Senior Bowl and continued to turn heads at the NFL Combine.

Dunker could start at left guard for the Steelers. If Broderick Jones struggles to get on the field or to make major strides in 2026, Pittsburgh could always kick Dunker back out to right tackle (his college position) and move Troy Fautanu back to left tackle, where he played in college.

Dunker would be a strong value pick that fills a big positional need after the departure of Isaac Seumalo in free agency.

Round 3 | Pick 76: Carson Beck, QB, Miami

Like it or not, Carson Beck is firmly on the Steelers’ draft radar. Not only did they meet with Beck at the Combine, but the team used a valuable pre-draft visit on the polarizing quarterback. I’ve heard for a while now that McCarthy likes Beck, so it would make sense that Pittsburgh could take him with the first of their third-round picks.

Beck is 6’5” and has the frame to be a true pocket-passer in the NFL. Though he has a history of production with Georgia and Miami, he doesn’t possess elite tools. Beck has below-average mobility and modest arm strength.

Still, as of now, Will Howard is the only quarterback who feels guaranteed to be on the team’s roster for the 2026 season. Beck profiles as a long-term backup in the NFL, not too dissimilar to Mason Rudolph (who is entering a contract year).

Round 3 | Pick 85: Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia

Even after retaining cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. on a one-year deal and dishing out a big contract to Jamel Dean, the Steelers could still use youth and depth at cornerback. If the team doesn’t go this route in the first two rounds, they could use one of their third-round picks to shore up the position.

Daylen Everette is a height-weight-speed CB from an excellent football program at Georgia. At 6’1 1/4” and 196 pounds with 4.38 speed, Everette could begin his career on special teams while aiming to carve out a role in dime packages. He would serve as a depth option as a rookie before competing for a larger role in 2027.