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<\/p>\nThe 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\u2019t always seal deals, they\u2019ve historically influenced Pittsburgh\u2019s draft decisions, offering clues about their priorities.<\/p>\n
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KC Concepcion WR Texas A&M<\/p>\n
Of course, skipping a meeting doesn\u2019t mean zero interest\u2014scheduling 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2014it\u2019s an unbelievable twist that could redefine the Steelers\u2019 roster!<\/p>\n
Round 1: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia<\/p>\n
Kicking off with a stunner, the Steelers opt for an offensive tackle in the first round, defying expectations. Monroe Freeling\u2019s stock skyrocketed after a dominant Combine showing, blending elite athleticism with technical prowess. On paper, Pittsburgh\u2019s line looks solid, but Broderick Jones\u2019 injury history looms large. Freeling could lock down left tackle, providing stability and depth to protect the quarterback for years to come.<\/p>\n
The Bold Trade-Up: Steelers Wheel and Deal with Seahawks<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s where the unbelievable twist unfolds! In a move that\u2019s 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\u2019s first-round pick at No. 32. This gutsy gamble underscores their desperation to upgrade the receiving corps\u2014talk about going all-in!<\/p>\n
Round 1 (via Seahawks): KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M<\/p>\n
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\u2019s explosiveness and route-running savvy make him a dynamic weapon. Paired with existing talent, he could ignite Pittsburgh\u2019s offense and justify the bold trade.<\/p>\n
Round 3 (via Cowboys): Hezekiah Masses, CB, California<\/p>\n
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\u2019s board. In a division loaded with elite passers, Masses could emerge as a shutdown artist.<\/p>\n
Round 3 (comp. pick): Genesis Smith, S, Arizona<\/p>\n
Another Combine interviewee, Genesis Smith, lands in Pittsburgh\u2019s lap as a versatile safety. The position group shone brightly in Indy, but Smith\u2019s ball-hawking instincts stand out. With free agency threatening to deplete the Steelers\u2019 safety depth, this pick adds a instinctive playmaker who thrives in coverage and run support.<\/p>\n
Round 4 (Comp Pick): Carson Beck, QB, Miami<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Round 5: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State<\/p>\n
Doubling down on receivers, the Steelers grab Ted Hurst\u2014another Combine meeting standout. From humble beginnings at Division II Valdosta State to starring at Georgia State, Hurst\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Round 6: Deven Eastern, DT, Minnesota<\/p>\n
The defensive line gets a boost with Deven Eastern, a Big Ten brute who aligns perfectly with Pittsburgh\u2019s preferences. Though no formal Combine meeting is noted yet, his long arms, robust build, and starting experience scream \u201cSteelers fit.\u201d Expect interest to ramp up\u2014Eastern could rotate in and disrupt interiors right away.<\/p>\n
Round 6 (comp. pick): Lake McRee, TE, USC<\/p>\n
As Jonnu Smith\u2019s free agency exit looms, the Steelers snag Lake McRee to replenish tight end depth. His Combine wasn\u2019t flashy, but McRee\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Round 7: Micah Morris, OG, Georgia<\/p>\n
Bookending the draft with Georgia Bulldogs, the Steelers select Micah Morris to shore up the interior line. Isaac Seumalo\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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!<\/p>\n
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