The 2026 NFL Combine and opening weeks of free agency are now behind us, creating high levels of anticipation for the upcoming NFL Draft from the Steel City.
Thus far in the new season cycle, general manager Omar Khan and Pittsburgh brass have not been shy. Acquiring big-name players like Michael Pittman Jr, Jamel Dean, Jaquan Brisker, and Rico Dowdle has black-and-gold faithful excited for what is to come.
While I do not doubt the Steelers will select a wide receiver in next month’s draft, I do believe
the acquisition of Pittman allows the club to take its time. Essentially, selecting a receiver in the opening two rounds of the draft may no longer be a necessity.
With that said, this rendition of the Monday mock draft primarily focuses on Pittsburgh’s third-round selections. With plenty of fodder in a potentially deep draft, the Steelers could move two of their third-round choices to acquire a highly touted prospect, along with an additional draft pick in the future.
Two-pick exchange gives Steelers two second-round selections in 2026
While the Steelers may elect to keep all three of their third-round selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, I believe some teams may value the choices at an intriguing level. In a recent two-round mock, ESPN’s Field Yates projects potential movement early into the second round, something that may play into the Steelers’ favor.
The Arizona Cardinals currently hold the 34th overall selection (second pick in the second round). However, Yates projects them to trade the choice, specifically to the Buffalo Bills. With Yates viewing the pick as potentially vulnerable, I believe this could be the perfect opportunity for the Steelers to swoop in.
Arizona has fallen off over the last four years, posting four straight losing seasons. Furthermore, 2025 was a total collapse, going 4-13 in a superb NFC West division. If the Cardinals hope to compete in the near future, acquiring multiple draft picks in this draft may be something the club fancies. Depending on how highly Arizona values their early second-round choice, this is my proposed trade.
Arizona gets:
- 2026 third-round pick (No. 76)
- 2026 third-round pick (No. 99)
Pittsburgh gets:
- 2026 second-round pick (N0. 34)
- 2027 sixth-round pick
Hypothesizing the trade goes through, Pittsburgh would hold the following picks in the opening two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft:
- Round 1, Pick 21
- Round 2, Pick 34
- Round 2, Pick 53
With the supposed trade on the table, here is what I believe Pittsburgh would do with their three picks in the opening two rounds of the draft.
Round 1, Pick 21: G Olaivavega Ionae, Penn State
Continuing to build off Yates’ mock draft, I have a strong belief the Steelers will side with Olaivavega Ionae in the first round of this year’s draft. The Penn State product is widely regarded as the top guard prospect in the NFL Draft. With Pittsburgh already filling holes at wide receiver and in the secondary, I believe acquiring a guard to replace Isaac Seumalo could be key to success.
Despite the Nittany Lions’ shaky 2025 campaign, Ionae posed as a constant force on the offensive line. Defenses struggled to get past the 6-foot-four powerhouse, as he allowed zero sacks and zero QB hits. Pittsburgh’s young core on the rest of the line may benefit further from adding a steady presence like Ionae.
Round 2, Pick 34: LB Anthony Hill Jr, Texas
The Steelers, who acquired the 34th overall pick, opt to sure up the linebacker room next to Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson with Texas product Anthony Hill Jr.
With it being difficult to project Georgia Bulldog CJ Allen’s draft positioning, Hill seems the safer bet at an equally lethal value. Receiving an NFL comparison to future Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner, Hill is a fast-twitch linebacker who can get downhill in a hurry. Running a 4.51 in the NFL combine’s 40-yard dash, he proves to be a solid option and a headache to opposing defenses if the Steelers elect to move up.
Round 2, Pick 53: WR Chris Bell, Louisville
After buying themselves some time to sure up other positions, the Steelers land a wideout late in the second round in the form of Louisville’s Chris Bell.
Bleacher Report’s Damian Parson had high praise for the 6-foot-two wideout, touching on his undeniable impact in college.
“Chris Bell has become arguably the most impactful wide receiver in college football,” Parson said. “He’s the perfect height, weight and speed receiver for NFL teams to bet on early in the draft process.”
Bell posted an outstanding outing against National Champion runner-ups Miami, going for nine receptions, 136 yards, and two touchdowns. Proving his capability to perform against stellar competition, could Bell further ensure Pittsburgh’s revamped WR room?
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
