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Pittsburgh Steelers beat writer Ray Fittipaldo is about as connected to the Steelers as anyone not on the payroll so we had to take a look at his newest seven-round mock draft for the team. The 2026 NFL draft is shaping up to be an opportunity for the Steelers to fill in the blanks on the roster without any huge, glaring needs. This is going to give the team plenty of freedom when it comes to improving the roster.
One caveat to this is that Fittipaldo did this mock draft as a standalone, so we have no idea in his hypothetical who else might have been available in any particular pick. Let's break the picks down.
If this scenario happens, the Steelers should absolutely select Thieneman. It would free up Jalen Ramsey to move between safety and cornerback and give them the best safety in Pittsburgh since Troy Polamalu.
We've gone on record that we love the versatility of Bernard. He is a lot like prime Deebo Samuel and we love that skill set as the Steelers No. 3 wide receiver.
The Steelers need a slot cornerback prospect for the long term and Abney has that type of potential. He's a high ceiling guy who could be ready to start in 2027.
Dunker, like Bernard, is a guy we've been all over in this offseason. Getting him with their second pick of third round would be a huge steal and I'm not sure how realistic. But if it happens, I'm all for it as the team's new left guard.
I'm not sure if Tiernan is a starting tackle in the NFL despite starting at both spots in college but I do think he could be a solid four-position swing tackle.
Rock solid option to be the Steelers No. 3 tight end. He's got great size and while he's not elite in any area, he's a solid receiver and slightly better blocker.
Wetjen was one of the best return men in college football the last two years so adding him to replace Calvin Austin III makes sense even if he doesn't offer much as a No. 3 wide receiver.
Another prospect we love for the Steelers. He's got an idea frame to be a 3-4 hybrid defensive end and is a sneaky good athlete.
If you are going to take a flyer on a quarterback, Cade Klubnik makes sense. 2025 was forgettable for the entire Clemson team, but Klubnik's 2024 film, when he threw for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns, tells us the potential is still there.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Breaking down the Steelers picks in new 7-round mock draft
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One caveat to this is that Fittipaldo did this mock draft as a standalone, so we have no idea in his hypothetical who else might have been available in any particular pick. Let's break the picks down.
First round - S Dillon Thieneman - Oregon
If this scenario happens, the Steelers should absolutely select Thieneman. It would free up Jalen Ramsey to move between safety and cornerback and give them the best safety in Pittsburgh since Troy Polamalu.
Second round - WR Germie Bernard - Alabama
We've gone on record that we love the versatility of Bernard. He is a lot like prime Deebo Samuel and we love that skill set as the Steelers No. 3 wide receiver.
Third round - CB Keith Abney II - Arizona State
The Steelers need a slot cornerback prospect for the long term and Abney has that type of potential. He's a high ceiling guy who could be ready to start in 2027.
Third round - OL Gennings Dunker - Iowa
Dunker, like Bernard, is a guy we've been all over in this offseason. Getting him with their second pick of third round would be a huge steal and I'm not sure how realistic. But if it happens, I'm all for it as the team's new left guard.
Third round - OL Caleb Tiernan - Northwestern
I'm not sure if Tiernan is a starting tackle in the NFL despite starting at both spots in college but I do think he could be a solid four-position swing tackle.
Fourth round - TE Nate Boerkircher - Texas A&M
Rock solid option to be the Steelers No. 3 tight end. He's got great size and while he's not elite in any area, he's a solid receiver and slightly better blocker.
Fourth round - WR Kaden Wetjen - Iowa
Wetjen was one of the best return men in college football the last two years so adding him to replace Calvin Austin III makes sense even if he doesn't offer much as a No. 3 wide receiver.
Fifth round - DT Chris McClellan - Missouri
Another prospect we love for the Steelers. He's got an idea frame to be a 3-4 hybrid defensive end and is a sneaky good athlete.
Sixth round - QB Cade Klubnik - Clemson
If you are going to take a flyer on a quarterback, Cade Klubnik makes sense. 2025 was forgettable for the entire Clemson team, but Klubnik's 2024 film, when he threw for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns, tells us the potential is still there.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Breaking down the Steelers picks in new 7-round mock draft
Continue reading...
