Sports
Steelers mock draft: Nicastro final 7-round mock
April 21, 2026
Source: Yahoo Sports · Read on source site
The intrigue surrounding the Steelers in this year’s NFL Draft feels different – and not just because the event is coming to their doorstep. For the first time, the franchise enters draft weekend under the direction of Mike McCarthy, ushering a new voice, and potentially a new identity.
With 12 total selections, including multiple picks in the top 100, the Steelers have the flexibility to be aggressive. And if there’s one thing GM Omar Khan has shown historically it’s a willingness to take some risks. That’s reflected here.
Here’s how I see their draft unfolding.
Round 1, Pick 21: G Vega Ioane, Penn State
While much of the pre-draft buzz has centered around wide receiver, the more realistic expectation is that whoever Pittsburgh selects at the position would enter as the third option behind DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. That alone makes it difficult to justify using premium draft capital there—especially given the team’s more immediate needs in the trenches.
On the offensive line, the situation is far more urgent. Any lineman selected early would be expected to contribute immediately, particularly on the left side. Unlike receiver, this is a true “plug-and-play” scenario—an overused phrase, but one that legitimately applies here.
One prospect drawing that level of confidence is Vega, who reminds me of the David DeCastro selection. The expectation is simple: step in, stabilize the unit, and provide above-average guard play from day one. In that sense, he would serve as an immediate replacement for Isaac Seumalo, with minimal transition time needed.
I think the debate will come down to Vega versus Washington wideout Denzel Boston. A trade up here is also possible, especially if one of the top three wideouts begin to slide.
Trade
- Seahawks receive: No. 53, No. 121, and No. 145 picks
- Steelers receive: No. 32 pick
Round 1, Pick 32: LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
If Pittsburgh is going to put a bow on draft night in front of its home crowd, it may not come in the way most expect.
There is a growing sense the Seahawks could look to move out of the first round, and who better than the Steelers to close out the night with an aggressive move. But rather than addressing wide receiver, this pick might be a surprise.
Rodriguez has quietly built one of the more complete linebacker profiles in this class. A highly productive defender, he emerged as the leader of Texas Tech’s defense, showcasing strong instincts, sideline-to-sideline range, and a physical edge against the run. He’s particularly effective diagnosing plays early, slipping blocks, and finishing tackles in space—traits that translate well to early-down responsibilities at the next level.
In coverage, Rodriguez has shown enough fluidity to stay on the field in multiple packages, though his calling card is his reliability against the run and overall defensive awareness. His motor and leadership have also drawn praise, making him a potential tone-setter in the middle of an NFL defense.
From Pittsburgh’s perspective, the fit becomes more logical when looking beyond 2026. Patrick Queen is set to hit free agency, and his name has already surfaced in trade speculation. Whether or not a move materializes, there is little indication the organization is fully committed to him as a long-term piece.
At the same time, last season offered insight into how the former coaching staff views Payton Wilson. While Wilson flashed in limited opportunities, he was rarely trusted in early-down, run-heavy situations—suggesting the team may not view him as a true every-down solution, at least not yet. That could change under a new regime.
With 12 picks and plenty of ammunition, Pittsburgh will trade up at some point. It’s a matter of when, not if.
Round 3, Pick 85: WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana
Sarratt fits the mold of a bigger receiver who can move the chains and provide a reliable target in high-leverage situations, which is what McCarthy loves. He thrives in contested catch scenarios, uses his frame well to shield defenders, and has shown a knack for finding space in the red zone. While he may not possess elite top-end speed, his physicality and body control make him a quarterback-friendly option.
It wouldn’t be the splashiest selection, but it would be a good one. Adding a dependable, big-bodied target like Sarratt would allow them to target a speedster later in the draft.
Round 3, Pick 99: S Bud Clark, TCU
Clark’s biggest strength is his versatility. At TCU, he lined up at safety, nickel, and even rotated into more hybrid roles depending on the defensive look. That kind of positional flexibility is something the Steelers have consistently valued, particularly in a league that demands matchup-specific adjustments week to week.
He’s an instinctive defender with good ball skills, highlighted by his ability to read quarterbacks and make plays on the football. Clark shows solid range in coverage and isn’t afraid to step up against the run, giving him a well-rounded profile as a defensive back who can contribute in multiple phases.
While he may not project as a true single-high, every-down safety right away, his value comes in how he can be deployed across the formation. Early in his career, he could carve out a role in sub-packages and on special teams, with the upside to grow into a larger defensive role.
Round 4, Pick 135: QB Drew Allar, Penn State
At some point in this draft, Khan may simply decide to take a shot at the most important position in sports.
Selecting Drew Allar wouldn’t necessarily signal a lack of confidence in Will Howard—nor would it guarantee that the organization views Allar as a future franchise cornerstone. Instead, it would reflect a broader philosophy: when you have the draft capital, you give yourself as many chances as possible to get it right.
Allar brings an intriguing profile. At 6-foot-5 with a strong arm, he has the prototypical build and physical tools teams covet at the position. His ability to push the ball downfield and operate from the pocket gives him developmental upside, even if his game still needs refinement in terms of consistency and decision-making.
For the Steelers, this would be less about immediate answers and more about competition. Bringing Allar into the mix would create a quarterback room where multiple options can battle it out through camp and preseason, with the coaching staff evaluating who can separate themselves.
It’s a low-risk, high-variance approach. Not every swing will connect—but at quarterback, sometimes the smartest move is to keep swinging until one does.
Round 5, Pick 161: WR Deion Burks, Oklahoma
If the black and gold are is looking for a true complementary slot receiver to replace Calvin Austin III, Oklahoma’s Deion Burks fits the profile almost perfectly.
Burks brings a different element to the offense—quickness, separation, and run-after-catch ability. Operating primarily out of the slot, he thrives on short and intermediate routes where he can create space quickly and turn routine plays into chunk gains. His acceleration off the line and change of direction make him a difficult cover for nickel corners and linebackers alike.
What stands out most is his ability to generate easy offense. Burks is the type of receiver who can be featured on screens, quick hitters, and motion concepts, giving the quarterback a reliable outlet when plays break down. That’s something Pittsburgh’s offense has lacked at times—a true underneath weapon who can consistently win early in the route.
Round 6, Pick 216: TE Will Kacmarek, Ohio State
Kacmarek isn’t going to wow anyone with elite speed, but he blocks well, runs clean routes, and can be a reliable safety valve. The profile lines up well with what Mike McCarthy has generally looked for – tight ends who can stay on the field for all three downs.
Round 7, Pick 224: DT James Thompson Jr, Illinois
Thompson is a physical interior lineman who is strong against the run and has flashed some pass rush upside. The Steelers are always committed to building the trenches, and Thompson Jr. is someone they had in for a top 30 visit.
Round 7, Pick 230: RB Desmond Reid, Pittsburgh
Pretty heavy Penn State draft so I had to even it out with a Pitt man. Reid is a classic change-of-pace weapon who is dangerous in space. He can be Kenneth Gainwell-lite for this team by contributing on quick screens and mismatches against linebackers.
Round 7, Pick 237: OT Isaiah World, Oregon
Probably a bit too long of a wait here for a tackle, but the Steelers can work with Dylan Cook/Broderick Jones in some capacity this year and then evaluate the position in full this offseason.
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