The 2026 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching. With April getting closer and closer, it's mock draft season. The Steelers have 12 picks in this year's draft, but to get us started, we'll mock the first five picks over the first two days of the draft.
FIRST ROUND (21st overall): Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Cooper started the draft season as a projected Day 2 pick, but the more I'm learning about him, the more I could see him going in the first round. Cooper was primarily a slot receiver for the Hoosiers, but is more than capable of lining up outside. That versatility, along with good speed (4.43 40-yard dash), production (20 touchdowns over the past two seasons) and his ability to create after the catch (27 forced missed tackles in 2025), makes him a good fit alongside DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr.
SECOND ROUND (53rd overall): Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Perhaps the top linebacker on Day 2, Rodriguez is a supremely athletic linebacker (9.23 RAS) that attacks the football. He led the country with seven forced fumbles in 2025, adding on four interceptions. He needs some work in his run defense and bringing down his missed tackle rate (13.9% in 2025, per Pro Football Focus), but he's slippery off blocks. With the fine tuning that's needed there, he could be a great addition to the linebacker room, becoming a potential long-term option there.
THIRD ROUND (76th overall): Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
Orange is more of a prototypical nose tackle, possessing ideal traits for the position. Orange stands 6-2 and weighed 322 pounds at the Combine. He also possessing long arms (33 3/8 inches) and big hands (10 1/4 inches), as if he were built in a nose tackle factory. He's a non-factor as a pass rusher, lowering his value. He's also not at his best when moving laterally. But, if you want an old school space eater that can take on blocks and make life easier for linebackers, Orange is an intriguing guy on Day 2.
THIRD ROUND (85th overall): Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
Allar's draft stock is on the rise and should continue in that direction after a strong showing at Penn State's pro day. I've reported his meeting with the Steelers at the Combine went very well. The traits are hard to pass on. He's 6-5, 228 pounds, has elite arm talent and has enough mobility to make him a threat to create outside the pocket or pick up back-breaking yards with his legs. There's a lot to clean up with his footwork and joining his upper- and lower-body mechanics, but coaches don't shy away from that. I'd be shocked if Allar isn't taken in the top 100.
THIRD ROUND (99th overall): Markel Bell, OT, Miami (FL)
Bell is a mountain of a man at 6-9 and 346 pounds with 36 3/8-inch arms. He's an impressive athlete for a man of his size, too. If he gets a hold of a defender, he usually doesn't let go. His height can create a high number of leverage disadvantages, putting a huge emphasis on technique. He might also struggle with speedy rushers off the edge. But, Bell could still be an interesting get at this stage of the draft that helps fortify the tackle position, especially if Broderick Jones' prognosis is less than promising.
THE ASYLUM
Three-round mock draft: Prioritizing receiver
The 2026 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching. With April getting closer and closer, it's mock draft season. The Steelers have 12 picks in this year's draft, but to get us started, we'll mock the first five picks over the first two days of the draft.
FIRST ROUND (21st overall): Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Cooper started the draft season as a projected Day 2 pick, but the more I'm learning about him, the more I could see him going in the first round. Cooper was primarily a slot receiver for the Hoosiers, but is more than capable of lining up outside. That versatility, along with good speed (4.43 40-yard dash), production (20 touchdowns over the past two seasons) and his ability to create after the catch (27 forced missed tackles in 2025), makes him a good fit alongside DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr.
SECOND ROUND (53rd overall): Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Perhaps the top linebacker on Day 2, Rodriguez is a supremely athletic linebacker (9.23 RAS) that attacks the football. He led the country with seven forced fumbles in 2025, adding on four interceptions. He needs some work in his run defense and bringing down his missed tackle rate (13.9% in 2025, per Pro Football Focus), but he's slippery off blocks. With the fine tuning that's needed there, he could be a great addition to the linebacker room, becoming a potential long-term option there.
THIRD ROUND (76th overall): Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
Orange is more of a prototypical nose tackle, possessing ideal traits for the position. Orange stands 6-2 and weighed 322 pounds at the Combine. He also possessing long arms (33 3/8 inches) and big hands (10 1/4 inches), as if he were built in a nose tackle factory. He's a non-factor as a pass rusher, lowering his value. He's also not at his best when moving laterally. But, if you want an old school space eater that can take on blocks and make life easier for linebackers, Orange is an intriguing guy on Day 2.
THIRD ROUND (85th overall): Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
Allar's draft stock is on the rise and should continue in that direction after a strong showing at Penn State's pro day. I've reported his meeting with the Steelers at the Combine went very well. The traits are hard to pass on. He's 6-5, 228 pounds, has elite arm talent and has enough mobility to make him a threat to create outside the pocket or pick up back-breaking yards with his legs. There's a lot to clean up with his footwork and joining his upper- and lower-body mechanics, but coaches don't shy away from that. I'd be shocked if Allar isn't taken in the top 100.
THIRD ROUND (99th overall): Markel Bell, OT, Miami (FL)
Bell is a mountain of a man at 6-9 and 346 pounds with 36 3/8-inch arms. He's an impressive athlete for a man of his size, too. If he gets a hold of a defender, he usually doesn't let go. His height can create a high number of leverage disadvantages, putting a huge emphasis on technique. He might also struggle with speedy rushers off the edge. But, Bell could still be an interesting get at this stage of the draft that helps fortify the tackle position, especially if Broderick Jones' prognosis is less than promising.
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