Drew’s 3 Round Pre Free Agency Steelers Mock Draft

It’s not a secret that the Steelers need help in the wide receiver department. D.K. Metcalf needs help out there. Pittsburgh will likely need to add a receiver through the draft and free agency, and Omar Cooper Jr would be a great pick at 21. He’s a reigning National Champion at Indiana who hauled in 155 passes for 22 touchdowns and 42.8 receiving yards per game. He has shot up draft boards after an impressive NFL Combine where he ran a 4.42 40-yard dash. If the Steelers can’t get their hands on one of the big three in this class, Cooper Jr is still a great selection. 

Round 2 Pick 53- A.J. Haulcy

If Pittsburgh plans to move Jalen Ramsey back to the nickel, they will need a safety to come in and play valuable snaps to make up for it. A.J. Haulcy in the second round might be worth taking. According to scouts, he has outstanding instincts and route recognition. They say Haulcy hits like a bag of concrete. At LSU, he has posted 12 pass breakups and eight interceptions over the last two seasons. His speed could be a concern, but his instincts are off the charts. Sounds like an old Steelers safety that everyone loved. 

Round 3 Pick 76- Anthony Hill Jr

Anthony Hill Jr could end up being the steal of the draft, much like Payton Wilson was a few years ago. The beast from Texas ran a 4.51 40-yard dash and repped 21 times on the bench press at the NFL Combine. Hill Jr is a three-down, downhill thumping linebacker that doesn’t waste steps. He can hold his own in pass coverage, and scouts are saying his NFL comparison is Bobby Wagner. In three seasons at Texas, he posted 31.5 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, and eight forced fumbles. It’s not a guarantee that he’s available at 76, but if he is, Pittsburgh can’t possibly pass on him. 

Round 3 Pick 85- Drew Allar

This could be the pick that changes the course of Steelers history, if it works out. Luckily, it’s Pittsburgh’s second selection in the third round. Drew Allar could be sliding, and it is a lottery ticket worth buying. Allar looks like he was built in a quarterback factory. He has shown that he can make pro throws and push the ball downfield at times. Like any quarterback, he has his flaws. Inconsistent ability to read the coverage hurts him at times, but maybe Mike McCarthy could unlock something in him. Last time the Steelers drafted an Ohio-born quarterback, things worked out. 

Round 3 Pick 99- Jalon Kilgore

Jalon Kilgore is a long and versatile defensive back who can play at nickel or safety. His game speed could force him to play safety, but only time will tell. He came up with eight interceptions at South Carolina. Kilgore can cover everyone on the field that he needs to, including wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs. Pittsburgh is in need of cornerbacks, but a great safety couldn’t hurt. His 4.4-second 40-yard dash was impressive at the NFL Combine, but his play speed needs to match that. 

End Of My Steelers Mock Draft Rant

There is a timeline where the Steelers use an early pick on an offensive lineman. Broderick Jones’ neck injury from last season could be a big problem. Isaac Seumalo might not return to the team. If that is the case, Pittsburgh could be looking for a big boy early. Getting the next great Steelers quarterback is essential, but Allar could end up being nothing, and Pittsburgh drafts another one in 2027. Anything can happen at the NFL Draft, and this year it is in the Steelers’ backyard. They must have a good showing on home turf.