The Pittsburgh Steelers just wrapped up a season that didn’t end the way anyone in that building wanted. New head coach. DK Metcalf in the fold. And yet, if you believe the numbers on Pro Football Focus’s mock draft simulator, 2026 doesn’t get much better. At least not in the standings.
The simulator currently slots Pittsburgh at pick No. 13 in the 2027 draft. That’s the spot reserved for teams that miss the playoffs. Which is not something the Steelers front office is likely to be thrilled about. But let’s be real. Mock simulators this far out are more about fun than forecasting. Still, the picks themselves are worth chewing on.
Round 1, Pick 13: Omarion Miller, WR, Arizona State
Miller is the kind of player who makes scouts sit up straight. Six-foot-two, 210 pounds. He’s got that catch-point strength that translates to winning 50-50 balls. According to NFL Draft Buzz, 11 of his 18 contested catches in traffic were hauled in. That’s a number that gets attention.
The downside? He’s not a burner. He’s not going to blow the top off a defense. He wins in the air, not with straight-line speed. And that gets harder to do every Sunday. He dropped six passes last season. His route running underneath is still basic. Kansas State showed the blueprint for shutting him down: physical coverage, forced volume, patience. Take away the deep shot, and the explosive plays disappear.
But for Pittsburgh, if Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. are still on the roster in 2027, adding a big-bodied contested-catch guy makes a nasty trio. Miller’s injury history is a red flag, but the ball skills might be worth the risk.
Round 2, Pick 45: Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State
Mestemaker feels like a Steelers quarterback. Big arm. Fast release. Plays with patience and timing. NFL Draft Buzz says his deep and intermediate accuracy is a real strength. He makes throws into windows most college QBs don’t even try. And he gets the ball out quick enough to keep himself clean.
But there are mechanical concerns. His release starts low, almost from the hip. When he doesn’t finish his follow-through, the ball sails. That showed up on outside throws and led to several interceptions. For a 6-foot-4 guy, he also had too many passes tipped at the line. Give him to Mike McCarthy, and maybe those kinks get worked out.
Round 3, Pick 77: Greg Johnson, G, Minnesota
Johnson has the size and length you want from an NFL guard. Pass protection is his strength. He anchors well against rushers and generates good power off the ball. But picks like this are a coin flip for long-term sustainability. It’s the third round. You’re betting on traits.
Round 4, Pick 111: DJ McKinney, CB, Notre Dame
Pair the word “elite” with “speed” at cornerback, and scouts pay attention. McKinney carries vertical routes. He supports the run on the edge. The size-and-speed combo projects well outside. But he’s 180 pounds, which means bigger receivers can test him. And an injury cost him the final three games of last season. His tackling finish is shaky.
Round 5, Picks 151 and 154: Cam Cook, HB, West Virginia; Peter Clarke, TE, Temple
Cook led the FBS in yards from scrimmage in 2025 with 1,945. He’s a tackle-breaker who creates plays out of nothing. That’s a draft-day steal if it holds. Clarke, meanwhile, is a British-born tight end who posted a 90.5 PFF grade last season. That led all FBS tight ends. He’s still learning the game, but the raw tools are there.
Round 7, Pick 229: Walker Lyons, TE, BYU
Lyons transferred from USC to BYU, and Sports Illustrated says he’s set to play a huge role in the Cougars’ offense this season. If his production matches what Carsen Ryan did last year, he could skip his remaining eligibility and enter the draft. Late-round flier with upside.
Whether any of these guys actually end up in Pittsburgh is anyone’s guess. But it’s a fun way to kill an afternoon in June.
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