Two weeks out from the draft, the landscape of Pittsburgh’s decision-making is much clearer than it was last month. ESPN’s recent coverage has highlighted a few perspectives for the team. Peter Schrager suggested that Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker could be a first-round pick if Aaron Rodgers returns, while Ben Solak linked LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to Pittsburgh later in the draft, citing his fit in Mike McCarthy’s offense and his family connections to his coaching lineage.
This tension has significantly influenced the mock draft landscape surrounding the Steelers, because a year ago, it was widely assumed that Pittsburgh would need to address the quarterback position early in the draft.
However, recent developments have shifted that expectation, with offensive line prospects still frequently mentioned, edge rushers remaining in consideration, and wide receiver being a viable option despite the addition of Michael Pittman Jr.
While quarterback discussions persist, they are now more focused on later-round developmental picks rather than being the centerpiece of Thursday night’s first round, and this reflects the current state of the pre-draft cycle and what the following five strongest projections aim to capture.
EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
In his first-round mock draft, Peter Schrager provides a clear insight into how national analysts are interpreting Pittsburgh’s stance after the recent Aaron Rodgers speculation.
Although Ty Simpson was still available, Schrager chose not to select the quarterback, as he anticipates Rodgers will return for another season.
Instead, he projected T.J. Parker to the Steelers, emphasizing the young defensive front that has been developing over the past year. Parker’s impressive record of 21.5 sacks over three seasons at Clemson adds real substance to this selection.
This decision reflects a significant shift in the team’s strategy, because if Rodgers returns, or if there’s enough belief within the league that he will, the discussion around Pittsburgh’s first-round pick will change dramatically.
The focus would shift from finding a future quarterback to strengthening the current roster, and Parker exemplifies this shift because he is viewed not merely as a depth addition but as a player who can contribute to the front seven and align with a longer-term strategy under Coach McCarthy.
For a team aiming to stay competitive while not entirely resolving its quarterback situation, this type of player makes perfect sense.
OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Tim Crean took a different approach for the Steelers by selecting Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor with their first-round pick.
He reasoned that the team faces two main issues: Broderick Jones has not completely solidified the left tackle position, and the offensive line still requires improvement. In Crean’s perspective, Proctor’s size and versatility offer a solution for either tackle or guard, allowing the selection to serve as a comprehensive offensive line upgrade rather than a one-dimensional fix.
This mock is quite realistic, reflecting how teams often operate when they are uncertain about the quarterback options available at their draft position.
They usually turn to crucial positions that can stabilize the roster in the coming years, and although Pittsburgh has recently invested heavily in the offensive line, that doesn’t guarantee effectiveness.
Proctor stands out because he wouldn’t need to be the definitive answer at one specific position from the start of training camp, and he would provide additional depth and allow for competition on the line to unfold naturally. For a team that has struggled with stabilizing the offensive line, this kind of player is an obvious attraction.
OT Spencer Fano, Utah
Kirby Lee-Imagn Image
Tom Fornelli’s mock draft also features a tackle, but with a slightly different perspective.
He predicted Spencer Fano would be selected by the Steelers, noting that choosing a third tackle in four years isn’t an ideal narrative, but the team still requires a reliable option, and he posed the question that way: could Fano finally be the answer?
This statement captures a sentiment that many recent mocks have suggested, as the Steelers have used several picks to address the offensive line, yet the position continues to be a topic of first-round conversation.
Fano is an appealing choice because his profile offers Pittsburgh a more reliable tackle option compared to some of the bulkier, longer-term projects in this draft class, and additionally, it reinforces the overall trend seen in the Proctor mock: if the Steelers are opting against selecting a quarterback in the first round, targeting a tackle is one of the most logical uses of premium draft capital.
Protecting their future quarterback, whether that’s Rodgers for another season or a younger player down the line, remains a priority over pursuing more flashy needs.
WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Charles Davis deviated from the common trend of focusing on the offensive line and instead selected Pittsburgh wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. at No. 21.
He reasons that while the receiving corps received a boost from the acquisition of Pittman, there’s no reason to stop enhancing that position.
This sentiment, although simple, reflects a significant ongoing discussion within the Steelers’ draft strategy, and the front office has not yet considered the wide receiver position as finalized. The pre-draft visit with Makai Lemon further emphasizes that they are still actively evaluating options there.
Cooper’s inclusion in this roundup is notable because he presents a strong alternative to the edge rusher and tackle candidates, and even with Pittman on the roster, one veteran addition doesn’t automatically resolve the long-term structure of the receiving room.
Selecting a first-round receiver wouldn’t necessarily be about replacing anyone right away, but it would be about providing the offense with another starter-caliber option as McCarthy and the front office contemplate how to shape the team after Rodgers.
Davis’ mock draft serves as a reminder that the Steelers’ draft board is not as limited as some may think, and while the first round may lean towards linemen, the possibility of selecting a receiver remains very much alive.
QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
© Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images
Solak’s quarterback-fits mock draft presents a different angle from traditional round-based projections. However, it remains one of the most relevant analyses of the Steelers’ draft strategy this month, specifically addressing their quarterback situation.
He matched Garrett Nussmeier with the Steelers, not as a first-round solution but as a developmental option for a later round. His reasoning is based on the offensive style McCarthy employs, as well as Nussmeier’s background, having been coached by Doug Nussmeier in Dallas, who is connected to that system.
Solak noted that Nussmeier could gain valuable experience by sitting behind Rodgers, learning about risk management and the pre-snap process.
This is currently the most realistic quarterback perspective within the Steelers’ mock draft discussions because it aligns with broader reports indicating that Pittsburgh has researched multiple quarterbacks without signaling an intention to use their No. 21 pick on one.
Nussmeier is viewed as a player who could sit back and develop in an environment that doesn’t require him to start immediately.
For a team that has relied too heavily on temporary veteran fixes, discussing a Day 2 or Day 3 quarterback feels far more plausible than the outdated notion of reaching for one in the first round.
At this point in the draft cycle, Pittsburgh’s strategy appears clearer, though it emphasizes timing.
The first round is primarily focused on edge rushers, tackles, and occasionally receivers, and the quarterback remains part of the conversation, but with a developmental focus pushed to a later round.
This presents a more coherent picture compared to the combined one, where almost every possibility seemed on the table, and nothing felt established for long.
With Rodgers continuing to influence the top of the draft board and McCarthy shaping the offense, the Steelers are now preparing to draft in their own city, leading to a more focused mock draft landscape.
This narrowing typically occurs when teams begin to view a franchise in a more settled manner.
The post Steelers’ 2026 NFL Mock Draft roundup with pre-draft cycle ending appeared first on ClutchPoints.
