Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan moved decisively in free agency to patch nearly every major roster hole, giving the team rare flexibility heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. Khan aggressively signed cornerback Jamel Dean and traded for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., while adding running back Rico Dowdle, defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day, safety Jaquan Brisker, and guard Brock Hoffman. These moves provide competent starters across the board and leave the Steelers well-positioned to swing big on draft day.

With immediate needs addressed at a stop-gap level, Pittsburgh appears poised for a bold, high-stakes gamble at quarterback — and in this five-round mock draft, that’s exactly the direction the front office takes.

Round 1 | Pick 21: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

This isn’t considered a premium quarterback class by most analysts, but NFL insider Adam Schefter has stated confidently that Ty Simpson is a lock to hear his name called in the first round this April. The Steelers sit in the back half of Round 1 as one of the few teams that can realistically afford to take this kind of calculated risk, where need and falling value could align.

Simpson won’t be the highest-graded player available when Pittsburgh is on the clock at No. 21, but finding franchise quarterback talent often requires teams to roll the dice. The Alabama product brings legitimate concerns: just one full season as a starter and a noticeable dip in performance toward the end of the 2025 campaign.

Still, this predictive mock sees Simpson as a potential scheme fit in Mike McCarthy’s offense. At 6’1 1/8″ and 211 pounds, his frame is undersized by traditional standards, yet he shows poise in the pocket and the ability to extend plays when things break down. The plan could involve redshirting him as a rookie behind the current veteran group, with an eye toward him competing for — and winning — the starting job in 2027.

Round 2 | Pick 53: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia

If Pittsburgh doesn’t land a wide receiver earlier, the position remains a priority. With three third-round selections in hand, a trade-up for one of the top six or seven receivers remains possible. In this scenario, however, the Steelers stand pat at No. 53 and select Zachariah Branch.

The Georgia standout is undersized at 5’8 5/8″ and 177 pounds, but he is arguably the most explosive playmaker in the class once the ball is in his hands. Pittsburgh reportedly met with Branch at Georgia’s Pro Day, and his dynamic skill set would complement DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. perfectly in the slot.

Round 3 | Pick 76 (via DAL): Keylan Rutledge, OG, Georgia Tech

The signing of Brock Hoffman — a reliable stop-gap who performed well for the Dallas Cowboys under McCarthy — eases the urgency at guard. Still, the Steelers will want a long-term piece to develop alongside Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick on the interior line.

Keylan Rutledge brings prototype size and athletic traits that could translate to an NFL starting role. He could immediately compete with Hoffman for snaps; if he doesn’t win the job outright as a rookie, he projects as a versatile swing interior lineman with a realistic path to starting at left guard by Year 2.

Round 3 | Pick 85: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati

The Steelers seem prepared to roll with Patrick Queen for the final year of his contract despite the hefty $17.19 million cap hit. Regardless, they need a long-term linebacker to pair with Payton Wilson — ideally a stout run-stuffer.

Jake Golday (6’4 1/2″, 240 pounds) uses his frame to diagnose and attack near the line of scrimmage. As a rookie, he could contribute on special teams and in early-down packages before stepping into a larger every-down role in his second season.

Round 3 | Pick 99 (comp.): Tacario Davis, CB, Washington

While a true nickel corner remains on the wishlist, Pittsburgh has shown interest in Washington’s tall, long cornerbacks — Tacario Davis and Ephesians Prysock — both measuring over 6’3″ and 190-plus pounds with 33-inch arms.

In this mock, the Steelers land Davis with their compensatory third-rounder. Reports indicate a pre-draft visit is scheduled, and Davis’s size and athletic profile mirror a rawer version of Joey Porter Jr. He needs technical refinement but offers intriguing upside.

Round 4 | Pick 121: Markel Bell, OT, Miami

Steelers fans took notice when Pittsburgh brought in Miami offensive tackle Markel Bell for a pre-draft visit. At a massive 6’9 1/4″ and 346 pounds with 36- to 38-inch arms, Bell would immediately rank among the largest players in the league.

Given the reported interest, selecting him in Round 4 makes sense for depth and future talent at tackle. Bell could make the initial 53-man roster and compete as a backup swing tackle right away.

Round 5 | Pick 135: James Thompson Jr., DL, Illinois

This might feel like a reach for James Thompson Jr., a six-year college player who will enter the NFL as a 24-year-old rookie with modest production across stops at Wisconsin and Illinois.

Nevertheless, the Steelers have a well-documented affinity for tall defensive linemen, and they used a valuable 30-visit on Thompson. He fits the profile of a developmental depth piece the team has targeted in the past, rounding out the defensive line group.

This mock draft captures a clear philosophy from Omar Khan and Mike McCarthy: shore up the roster in free agency, then use the draft to take a calculated high-risk, high-reward shot at the game’s most important position. Whether Ty Simpson becomes the long-term answer or the pick draws continued debate, one thing is certain — the Steelers are swinging for the fences in a way that could reshape the franchise for years to come.