ESPN Analysts Plug Steelers' Needs with Penn State Flavor in 2026 NFL Mock Draft

Four ESPN analysts teamed up to address the Steelers' roster holes, including adding a potential QB of the future.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:24pm

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In ESPN's latest 2026 NFL Draft mock, analysts Mel Kiper Jr., Matt Miller, Jordan Reid, and Field Yates made selections to address the Pittsburgh Steelers' needs. The picks included Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II, LSU safety A.J. Haulcy, and Florida State defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr.

Why it matters

The Steelers are looking to reload their roster through the draft, and these ESPN analysts believe they can find valuable contributors from the Penn State and other college football programs to help Pittsburgh compete in the AFC North.

The details

Kiper selected Ioane, Allar, and Brazzell for the Steelers, saying Ioane can replace Isaac Seumalo on the offensive line, Allar has the size and upside to potentially compete for the starting QB job, and Brazzell is a long, athletic receiver who can make plays downfield. Yates and Reid added defensive pieces in Haulcy and Jackson to further bolster the Steelers' roster.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Olaivavega Ioane

A powerful guard from Penn State who has not allowed a sack since 2023.

Drew Allar

A 6-foot-5, 228-pound quarterback from Penn State who is coming off an ankle injury but has upside to potentially compete for the Steelers' starting job.

Chris Brazzell II

A 6-foot-4, 198-pound wide receiver from Tennessee with the ability to create explosive plays downfield.

A.J. Haulcy

A safety from LSU selected by ESPN analyst Field Yates to address the Steelers' needs in the secondary.

Darrell Jackson Jr.

A defensive tackle from Florida State chosen by ESPN analyst Jordan Reid to bolster the Steelers' defensive line.

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What they’re saying

“'Let's assume Aaron Rodgers is coming back to town and wait on the QBs. Instead, here is the Steelers' Isaac Seumalo replacement. Ioane is a powerful people mover who hasn't allowed a sack since 2023.'”

— Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN NFL Draft Analyst

“'OK, the QB board is finally lining up for the Steelers. Allar is coming off that ankle injury, but he has upside. And he has the size we've seen under center in Pittsburgh; at 6-foot-5 and 228 pounds, his frame reminds of Ben Roethlisberger. If Aaron Rodgers is back, Allar can learn from a legend. If not, he could potentially compete with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard.'”

— Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN NFL Draft Analyst

What’s next

The Steelers will have the opportunity to address their roster needs through the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The takeaway

The ESPN analysts believe the Steelers can find valuable contributors from the Penn State and other college football programs to help the team compete in the AFC North. The picks address key needs on the offensive line, at quarterback, and in the secondary and defensive line.