Mock draft engine and player rankings courtesy of Pro Football Network.

Pick #21: Kevin ‘KC’ Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

Originally perceived as a gadget player when transferring from NC State, Concepcion proved scouts wrong during a breakout campaign at Texas A&M. While his elite acceleration and YAC prowess followed him to College Station, he showed significant improvement in his catching ability and his route running. He’s not the biggest guy in the world, but he’s perfectly comfortable working out of the slot, and he can handle contact if he runs a route over the middle. His home-run tendencies take Pittsburgh from a team without weapons to a quarterback’s dream landing spot.

Pick #53: Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss

Trinidad Chambliss took over college football with his big-game heroics during the playoffs, but he was playing well before the world was paying attention. Chambliss has a great arm, mobility for days and a classic Division II chip on his shoulder. His ability to make the right decisions in RPO sets makes him a great fit for a run-heavy team like Pittsburgh. The biggest knocks on Chambliss are his size and his inconsistency with pre-snap identification, but working with new Steelers OC Brian Angelichio will give him an opportunity to expand his processing ability.

Pick #76: Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M

The best word to describe Will Lee III’s tape is smooth. Lee’s ability to match feet and hips in man coverage is fun to watch, yet horrible to play against. The Aggie product has a penchant for being wherever the ball is, whether he’s batting it out of the air or putting a ballcarrier on the turf. Lee will quickly work his way into the starting lineup in Pittsburgh, especially if Jalen Ramsey decides to stay at safety.

Pick #85: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

The physical traits of Jacob Rodriguez (6’1, 235lbs), a former quarterback recruit, will tell you that he’s undersized and shouldn’t go before the 4th round. The tape will tell you that he was the best linebacker in college football last year. The heartbeat of Texas Tech’s defense was a turnover machineand a gritty run stopper. He spent his Pro Bowl proving that he could cover down the field against versatile running backs and tight ends. If he tests well at the combine, there isn’t a single team that won’t consider drafting him at the right price.

Pick #99: Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech

Rutledge was the unsung hero of a lethal Georgia Tech rushing attack in 2024 and 2025. Yellowjackets QB Haynes King often leaned on the stability of Rutledge when he needed space to operate as a dual threat. The 6’4, 330lb anchor will find a home in Pittsburgh, especially if they lean on the ground game again in 2026.

Pick #121: Fa'alili Fa'amoe, T, Wake Forest

After moving to the offensive side of the ball while at Washington State, Fa’amoe has shown elite potential at the right tackle spot. While the learning process hasn’t been entirely seamless, he has the physical tools and the aggression to maul edge rushers who don’t show him enough respect when trying to disrupt the pocket. Another lineman who does his best work in the run game.

Pick #135: Zane Durant, DT, Penn State

Zane Durant might not be the biggest DT when the NFL Combine comes around, but he will be the quickest. Pure speed and aggression have been Durant’s MO throughout his career at Penn State, where he managed to make a name for himself despite lining up alongside last year’s first-round pick Abdul Carter. If Durant can add some pounds without sacrificing his burst, he could become an issue at the next level.

Pick #159: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame

The league is falling out of love with big-bodied receivers who are perceived to be "jump ball merchants", but Malachi Fields can be so much more than that. Sure, he can turn a 50/50/ ball into a 70/30, but he’s also a smooth route runner with great vision and YAC ability. The 6’4, 220-lb frame comes complete with quick feet and hands that are begging to make Sportscenter Top 10. The potential is off the wall for a pick outside the top 150.

Pick #213: Pat Coogan, C, Indiana

Despite making consecutive appearances in the CFP Championship game, Pat Coogan has flown under the radar in draft evaluations so far. Coogan processes at a high speed and has an otherworldly motor, which led to a Rose Bowl MVP nod and high praise from teammates at both Notre Dame and Indiana. Coogan makes an immediate impact on and off the field for any team he joins, making him a high-value pick in the seventh round.

Pick #214: Owen Heinicke, LB, Oklahoma

A fascinating project player, Owen Heinicke began his collegiate journey as a lacrosse player at Ohio State before walking on for football at Oklahoma. The 2025 season saw him work his way up the depth chart, earn a starting role and play high-level ball for the Sooners. Failed petitions to the NCAA mean he likely won’t be given any eligibility, but NFL scouts might have seen enough. He gets better virtually every snap, and an environment like Pittsburgh (which has plenty of linebacker depth, especially with the addition of Jacob Rodriguez) will give him ample time to develop before unleashing him on opposing offenses.

Pick #224: Skyler Thomas, S, Oregon State

A Senior Bowl standout, Skyler Thomas got some attention from scouts afterrecording multiple picksthe postseason showcase. Thomas flew under the radar after spending his entire career with the Beavers, but he’s a prospect who could transition to the next level under the right coaching staff.

Pick #237: Brett Thorson, P, Georgia

The 2025 Ray Guy Award recipient from Australia has displayed consistent power and accuracy throughout his four years with the Bulldogs. From clutch moments in Georgia’s postseason appearances to self-made coffin corners from the other side of the field, Thorson projects as the top punter in the class.