Rivers’ Steelers 2026 Mock Draft: 'Sleeper' edition

On March 26, I tread into the 2026 NFL mock draft waters for the Pittsburgh Steelers and was surprised to find the Chicago Bears willing to  trade picks 21 and 121 for picks 25 and 60. This time around, using the PFSN mock draft simulator and their big board, I was able to not only draft for team needs while receiving only poor trade offers – mainly from the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns – but also snag a sleeper pick that Tom Arth has had his eyes on… and a surprise at the end of the third round.

So, let’s get into it and see how you’d like this 3-round mock version.

Round 1

Pick 21: Denzel Boston (WR, Washington)

Boston, at 6’4″ and 209 pounds, learned behind Rome Odunze, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Jalen McMillan at Washington. Known for his ability to high-point the ball and make contested catches, his long stride and wide catch radius fits into what coach Mike McCarthy likes to see in receivers. He boasted a 1.2% drop rate in 2025 per TruMedia, while hauling in 881 yards and 11 TDs on 62 receptions.

In the NFL, Boston has that X-receiver profile that gives him an edge in tight zone coverage by opponents and his size makes him a valuable redzone target – an area where Pittsburgh has struggled, often.

Rounds 2-3

Pick 53: Kamari Ramsey (S, USC)

Many mocks didn’t have Ramsey lasting to 60, but my latest did. At 6’0″, 204-pound, he has quick foot speed, coverage recalibration, impeccable balance and fluidity on his backpedal. The Steelers are reportedly looking for player position versatility, and Ramsey is able to play safety or nickel.

He has versatility and a set of tools and skills across the board. Ramsey is explosive, physical, and scarcely gets outrun. He needs work on ball production and tracking at the next level, but would have great veterans to lean on in Pittsburgh.

Pick 76: Elijah Sarratt (WR, Indiana)

Sarratt has been on a lot of Steelers mock draft radars, including my 1.0 mock draft. This is my second mock that has Pittsburgh selecting two wide receivers early, too.

At 6’2″, 209 pounds, Sarratt fits the physical build and has been a high producer since 2022 – and with the Hoosiers in 2025 he caught a career-high 15 TD receptions. Considered by PFSN to be a “deadly catch-point and red-zone threat against the highest level of competition,” Sarratt would fit well with D.K. Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. His ability to block soundly also makes him as tantalizing as his usage versatility.

Pick 85: Cole Payton (QB, North Dakota State)

The 6’3, 233 quarterback ended 2025 with 2,719 passing yards for 16 TDs to 4 INTs and gained 717 yards rushing an an additional 13 TDS. Ranked second in PFSN’s QB Impact Score (89.7) had Payton listed as the No. 6 QB in the 2026 class.

Payton has the size to be a pocket passer and the ability to get loose to run play-action. His accuracy on throws and power make him a sleeper pick the Steelers could snag.

The Steelers have hosted him in their top 30 visits and Arth attended Payton’s pro day in person. He would fit the prototype that Mike McCarthy could develop into his system.

Pick 99: Febechi Nwaiwu (OG, Oklahoma)

Given a No. 4 offensive guard ranking in the 2026 class by PFSN, Nwaiwu could be another sleeper pick. Reliable and position flexible, the 6’4″, 326 pound Nwaiwu can flow laterally, has good hands, natural leverage, and can play either side of the line and center.

He is strong in pass protection and physically drives in the run game. The Steelers would not have to trade up to select him and could add him as depth right away while he continues to work on technique and scheme.