Breaking down the Steelers picks in new mock draft from The Athletic
Dane Brugler of The Athletic has a new mock draft out and we break down all the picks for the Steelers over all seven rounds.
NFL draft analyst Dan Brugler of The Athletic just put on a massive seven-round mock draft update just a week before the 2026 NFL Draft. Brugler didn't project any trades for the Steelers and instead made all 12 picks. This gives us a load of information to go over and break down so here we go.
First round - WR Omar Cooper Jr. - Indiana Cooper is an ideal choice here because he's so strong inside after the catch but can also line up outside to allow DK Metcalf to slide in and create mismatches. Second round - G Keylan Rutledge - Georgia Tech Rock solid, day one starter who got better every week last season and carried that momentum into offseason workouts.
Easy replacement for Isaac Seumalo. Third round - LB Kyle Louis - Pitt Louis is a tweener whose athleticism will get him drafted early but with the team's additions at safety, we aren't sure where he would play. Third round - QB Garrett Nussmeier - LSU We expect the Steelers to select a quarterback at some point and Nussmeier's ties to Mike McCarthy makes this choice make sense.
Third round - CB Chandler Rivers - Duke Undersized but physical and probably best suited to compete with Brandin Echols in the slot. Fourth round - TE Marlin Klein - Michigan Solid sleeper tight end for that No. 3 spot on the depth chart.