Pittsburgh Steelers' Worst-Case Scenario Mock Draft

A look at the most concerning picks the Steelers could make in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:10pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the Steelers' colors of black and gold, conveying the multifaceted challenge of the team's draft decisions.A conceptual illustration captures the complex, fragmented nature of the Steelers' draft strategy as they navigate their roster needs.Today in Pittsburgh

With the NFL Draft just two weeks away, the author has put together a 'worst-case scenario' mock draft for the Pittsburgh Steelers, highlighting picks that would be the most concerning for the team's needs and roster construction.

Why it matters

The Steelers have several key roster holes to fill, so making the right draft selections will be crucial to their success next season. This mock draft examines potential picks that would be the least ideal outcomes for the team.

The details

The author argues the Steelers should avoid taking an edge rusher in the early rounds, as they already have four quality players at that position. Drafting an offensive tackle like Tiernan over a wide receiver or safety would also be a poor choice. Selecting LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who struggled in 2025, would be another concerning pick, as would taking a tight end on Day 2 when the team has other pressing needs. Waiting until late to address wide receiver and selecting a player like Coleman, who lacks top-end speed and physicality, would be a disastrous outcome.

  • The 2023 NFL Draft is just two weeks away.

The players

Parker

An edge rusher prospect the author believes the Steelers should avoid drafting in the early rounds, as they already have four quality players at that position.

Tiernan

An offensive tackle prospect the author believes the Steelers should not select over a wide receiver or safety, given their roster needs.

Garrett Nussmeier

An LSU quarterback prospect the author believes the Steelers should not draft, as he struggled in 2025 and his father's prior coaching connection to the team is not enough to justify the pick.

Jonnu Smith

A tight end recently released by the Steelers, highlighting their need at the position.

Connor Heyward

A tight end not re-signed by the Steelers, further highlighting their need at the position.

Coleman

A wide receiver prospect the author believes would be a disastrous pick for the Steelers, as he lacks top-end speed and physicality to be a quality No. 1 target.

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What they’re saying

“Not to throw any sort of shade at Peter Schrager, but he had the Steelers selecting Parker in his mock draft, and, frankly, that would be the worst possible outcome.”

— Jarrett Bailey, Author

What’s next

The 2023 NFL Draft will take place in the coming weeks, where the Steelers will look to address their roster needs through their selections.

The takeaway

The Steelers have several key areas they need to address in the upcoming draft, and making the right choices will be crucial to their success next season. This mock draft highlights some of the most concerning potential picks that would not align with the team's roster needs and construction.