Let the Mocks begin.......

[BlitzburghForge]

Would really love to see a bit of a pick accumulation strategy. Trade down, add a few more picks. I traded down from the 1st round and then again in the 2nd with the pick I acquired.

51.

TreVeyon HendersonRB Ohio State

75.

Alfred CollinsDT Texas

83.

Dylan FairchildOG Georgia
122.

Charles GrantOT William & Mary

123.

Savion WilliamsWR TCU
156.

Aeneas PeeblesDT Virginia Tech
185.

Hunter WohlerS Wisconsin
197.

Kyle McCordQB Syracuse

229.

Caleb RansawCB Tulane
2026 SF 4th

 

[keslerclan]

I’ve done hundreds of mocks on NFL Draft Database (which I believe has the best draft value for each player, updated for senior bowl, combine and pro-day results BUT w unrealistic trades).
Here is a question:
Based on our needs (short-term),
We need DT, OT, CB, RB and QB in no particular order.
I’m always a trade-down for more picks guy BUT what if you get to #21 and the following options are there:
Available picks;
QB- Dart
DT: Nolen, Grant, Harmon, Tylenol Williams
CB- Revel, Morrison, Barron, Porter,
OT:Simmons, Banks, Conerly
WR: Golden, Burden Egbuka
RB: Hampton, Henderson, Judkins
are ALL available. Who do you take and why? OR, do you trade back and TRY to get a 2nd round pick back along with a later 1st or early 2nd?
My choice would be to trade back a few times to TRY to end up w a 30-34 w an added 50-60.
Either way, if you were (not the team) picking, which DT do you pick first and why?
Same for CB, OT and RB/WR.

I’m trading back all day like no as next year’s draft is much worse at the same needed positions. I want 10 picks in this draft if I can get em!

 

[Fiji Mariner]

problem with Watson is at that size, how is his cardio? when teams see him on the field, they can go quick passing, and he won't be able to get off the field quickly enough.

Just fall down “running” to the sidelines and grab a knee…it is the way

Until they outlaw it

 

[BlitzburghForge]

I’ve done hundreds of mocks on NFL Draft Database (which I believe has the best draft value for each player, updated for senior bowl, combine and pro-day results BUT w unrealistic trades).
Here is a question:
Based on our needs (short-term),
We need DT, OT, CB, RB and QB in no particular order.
I’m always a trade-down for more picks guy BUT what if you get to #21 and the following options are there:
Available picks;
QB- Dart
DT: Nolen, Grant, Harmon, Tylenol Williams
CB- Revel, Morrison, Barron, Porter,
OT:Simmons, Banks, Conerly
WR: Golden, Burden Egbuka
RB: Hampton, Henderson, Judkins
are ALL available. Who do you take and why? OR, do you trade back and TRY to get a 2nd round pick back along with a later 1st or early 2nd?
My choice would be to trade back a few times to TRY to end up w a 30-34 w an added 50-60.
Either way, if you were (not the team) picking, which DT do you pick first and why?
Same for CB, OT and RB/WR.

I’m trading back all day like no as next year’s draft is much worse at the same needed positions. I want 10 picks in this draft if I can get em!

I would trade back. If forced to pick I would go Kenneth Grant.

 

[SteelerFan448]

I’ve done hundreds of mocks on NFL Draft Database (which I believe has the best draft value for each player, updated for senior bowl, combine and pro-day results BUT w unrealistic trades).
Here is a question:
Based on our needs (short-term),
We need DT, OT, CB, RB and QB in no particular order.
I’m always a trade-down for more picks guy BUT what if you get to #21 and the following options are there:
Available picks;
QB- Dart
DT: Nolen, Grant, Harmon, Tylenol Williams
CB- Revel, Morrison, Barron, Porter,
OT:Simmons, Banks, Conerly
WR: Golden, Burden Egbuka
RB: Hampton, Henderson, Judkins
are ALL available. Who do you take and why? OR, do you trade back and TRY to get a 2nd round pick back along with a later 1st or early 2nd?
My choice would be to trade back a few times to TRY to end up w a 30-34 w an added 50-60.
Either way, if you were (not the team) picking, which DT do you pick first and why?
Same for CB, OT and RB/WR.

I’m trading back all day like no as next year’s draft is much worse at the same needed positions. I want 10 picks in this draft if I can get em!

Real good post!

At QB, unless Sanders falls and they really love him, I don't think they take Dart. Tomlin/Khan weren't at the Ole Miss pro day and if they're taking a QB in the first, I would hope they would've been there. I think they're going QB in rounds 3-5.

While there seems to be some interest in CB, the Steelers have also quietly been looking at a lot of the top safeties in this draft as well. That could be a position they look at earlier than some believe.

I agree with all the WRs you listed. Golden seems like he would be the type of WR Tomlin would want, while Egbuka is the type of receiver this offense needs, IMO.

If all are available, the Steelers should absolutely trade back. Everything I've been reading basically has a similar talent level between picks 20-60. Based on who you listed, right now my top 5 in no particular order:

Williams
Grant - hesitant on a run-stopping DL in the first based on how little Tomlin will use him.
Barron
Egbuka
Golden

 

[BLITZ]

giving up tht 2nd was huge. 21 to 83 is a ton of pics. they really need to figure out how to get more picks. trade GP? trade back? they have to do something

 

[BlitzburghForge]

The Steelers have been showing a ton of interest in Safety. They also talked to Nick twice and have their DB coach personally work him out at their pro day.

Hes certainly a guy that could change everything about how offenses gameplan for the Steelers.

Here's how things could go if they were to address safety in the 1st and honestly, I kind of like it. They didn't get around to a QB here, but they didn't in free agency either

21.

Nick EmmanworiS South Carolina
83.

DJ GiddensRB Kansas State
123.

Jamaree CaldwellDT Oregon
156.

Trey WedigOT Indiana
185.

Elijah RobertsDT SMU
229.

Jermari HarrisCB Iowa

 

[Superman]

I’ve done hundreds of mocks on NFL Draft Database (which I believe has the best draft value for each player, updated for senior bowl, combine and pro-day results BUT w unrealistic trades).
Here is a question:
Based on our needs (short-term),
We need DT, OT, CB, RB and QB in no particular order.
I’m always a trade-down for more picks guy BUT what if you get to #21 and the following options are there:
Available picks;
QB- Dart
DT: Nolen, Grant, Harmon, Tylenol Williams
CB- Revel, Morrison, Barron, Porter,
OT:Simmons, Banks, Conerly
WR: Golden, Burden Egbuka
RB: Hampton, Henderson, Judkins
are ALL available. Who do you take and why? OR, do you trade back and TRY to get a 2nd round pick back along with a later 1st or early 2nd?
My choice would be to trade back a few times to TRY to end up w a 30-34 w an added 50-60.
Either way, if you were (not the team) picking, which DT do you pick first and why?
Same for CB, OT and RB/WR.

I’m trading back all day like no as next year’s draft is much worse at the same needed positions. I want 10 picks in this draft if I can get em!

I was thinking that over the weekend. the #21 pick has a draft value of 800. While this draft isn't big on QB quality/depth it is sure deep in other areas. DT/WR/RB mainly, IMO. Which, before that dipshit Lloyd gets in here, means we'd over-value the QB position per his infatuation with hating Tomlin.

I want to believe Khan will see that the value for 21 isn't there at QB. Trading down, and losing value on that, is the best option. If we can find a team willing to say, part with no less than a high 2nd and a later round pick. I'd not want to give up TOO much in trading down, and I don't believe Khan will give up anything. Ideally, not trading out of the first since the rookie contract is a year longer.

So, assuming all those guys are there, I'd be targeting either Dart, Nolen, Revel, Simmons, Barron or Grant (no particular order) and see who would be willing to trade up. Looking at the picks behind us:

Chargers
Packers
Vikings
Texans
Rams
Rats
Lions
Foreskins
Bills
Chefs
Eagles

I'd target Detroit for a trade, They're on the cusp of forming a dynasty and may be willing to go all in on their current roster. They could use DT or CB. With Nolen, Grant, Williams and Barron there, they might pull the trigger. I'd ask for their 1st and 3rd this year - and their 3rd next year. Per the draft value chart on drafttek, the Lions 28th pick is 660 and their 3rd is 92 - so assume that their 3rd next year is also 92 as we'd assume they'll win the Super Bowl and not move up in the trade chart.

which would also give us something like 4 3rd round picks. Our own, then comp picks for Moore, Fields, and Russ. Which would be some serious firepower to move up in next year's first if necessary.

Assuming that that trade is completed with Detroit, the only team then who needs a QB is the Rams. If Dart is on the board at 28, I'd take him. Or literally any of the other guys above not selected.

 

[BLITZ]

Emeka Egbuka
WR Ohio State
83.

Omarr Norman-Lott
DT Tennessee
123.

Quinn Ewers
QB Texas
156.
Rylie Mills
DT Notre Dame
185.
Jack Sawyer
EDGE Ohio State
229.
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
DT Georgia

 

[Litos]

Emeka Egbuka
WR Ohio State
83.

Omarr Norman-Lott
DT Tennessee
123.

Quinn Ewers
QB Texas
156.
Rylie Mills
DT Notre Dame
185.
Jack Sawyer
EDGE Ohio State
229.
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
DT Georgia

Is there a red flag with sawyer? Injury?

 

[BLITZ]

Is there a red flag with sawyer? Injury?

not that I am aware. certainly, was not expecting him to be there. wont be in real life

 

[insaniti]

not that I am aware. certainly, was not expecting him to be there. wont be in real life

He is sliding on a few sites rankings, I'm just not sure why.

 

[BLITZ]

He is sliding on a few sites rankings, I'm just not sure why.

That far? No clue why.
But again this is fake drafts.
I remember getting a lb consistently in round 3 on this mock site inbound 3. He went in the 1st. Cambell maybe? Went to Detroit

 

[insaniti]

That far? No clue why.
But again this is fake drafts.
I remember getting a lb consistently in round 3 on this mock site inbound 3. He went in the 1st. Cambell maybe? Went to Detroit

Yeah, you can never fully trust the rankings of these draft sites, but at the same time, when there is more than one of them that has him dropping...it's probably something they are hearing. But we also know, there is a ton of smoke and mirrors this time of year.

As for Sawyer, he only benched at his pro day, and he only did position drills at the combine. But I'm not seeing anything on an injury. His arms were a bit short for his position, but that is really the only negative to come up.

 

[Drink IRON City]

Real good post!
If all are available, the Steelers should absolutely trade back. Everything I've been reading basically has a similar talent level between picks 20-60. Based on who you listed, right now my top 5 in no particular order:

Williams
Grant - hesitant on a run-stopping DL in the first based on how little Tomlin will use him.
Barron
Egbuka
Golden

I'd rule out RB in the 1st as well.



Salute the nation

 

[FordFairLane]

21. Jaxson Dart QB Ole Miss
True number one franchise quarterback. Has a great arm, elite accuracy, excellent timing and touch.
83. Hollin Pierce OT Rutgers
True starting RT. Massive tackle and a beast in the running game.
123. Dont'e Thornton WR Tennessee
This guy has TO type upside. 6-5 with a legit 4.3 forty. Insurance policy if we can’t lock up GP to a new contract.
156. RJ Harvey RB UCF
Great running back between the tackles and speed to get to the outside. Is excellent as a receiver coming out of the back field. Exceptional ball handling and protection. Only real weakness is not a great pass blocker. Willing just isn’t asked to do it a lot.
185. Rylie Mills DL Notre Dame
Perfect 3-4 DE. Should immediately have a spot in the rotation. He can rush the passer equally well as playing the run. He is agile for his size and smart enough to understand his assignments. ACL tear probably means starts out on PUP list but should still contribute in 2025 once healthy.
229. Caleb Ransaw CB Tulane
True nickel DB who’s aggressive and fast. Plays fast and is always around the ball. Better msn than zone currently but not sure how much zone he really was asked to play .

 

[Confluence]

21. Jaxson Dart QB Ole Miss
True number one franchise quarterback. Has a great arm, elite accuracy, excellent timing and touch.
83. Hollin Pierce OT Rutgers
True starting RT. Massive tackle and a beast in the running game.
123. Dont'e Thornton WR Tennessee
This guy has TO type upside. 6-5 with a legit 4.3 forty. Insurance policy if we can’t lock up GP to a new contract.
156. RJ Harvey RB UCF
Great running back between the tackles and speed to get to the outside. Is excellent as a receiver coming out of the back field. Exceptional ball handling and protection. Only real weakness is not a great pass blocker. Willing just isn’t asked to do it a lot.
185. Rylie Mills DL Notre Dame
Perfect 3-4 DE. Should immediately have a spot in the rotation. He can rush the passer equally well as playing the run. He is agile for his size and smart enough to understand his assignments. ACL tear probably means starts out on PUP list but should still contribute in 2025 once healthy.
229. Caleb Ransaw CB Tulane
True nickel DB who’s aggressive and fast. Plays fast and is always around the ball. Better msn than zone currently but not sure how much zone he really was asked to play .

like this, but would love it with a pre-draft addition of more DL talent.

 

[FordFairLane]

like this, but would love it with a pre-draft addition of more DL talent.

I could have traded down to pick up some day 2 picks but the trade was lopsided and unrealistic. Waiting this long for DL help was not ideal but I feel Logan Lee should contribute this year after being IR’d last season. And maybe bring in another body. Hard to fill all the spots with as many holes as we have.

 

[TDX27]

This is not about the Steelers directly but I have seen a lot of mocks that have the Clowns drafting Carter in the 1st. I sure hope they go another direction as Carter and Garrett will be a monstrous team going after opposing QB's. If the Steelers do end up with Rodgers, he would be a sitting duck to those two barreling toward him,

 

[insaniti]

This is not about the Steelers directly but I have seen a lot of mocks that have the Clowns drafting Carter in the 1st. I sure hope they go another direction as Carter and Garrett will be a monstrous team going after opposing QB's. If the Steelers do end up with Rodgers, he would be a sitting duck to those two barreling toward him,

I've seen that a lot as well. If they were smart, or have learned anything from the past, that's what they will do. I hope they go with Hunter, as I don't see him being a game changer at the NFL level.

 

[insaniti]

Two drafts here, no trades. First one is all defense, second all offense.

21. Kenneth Grant DT Michigan
83. Shemar Turner DT Texas A&M
123. Jaylen Reed S Penn State
156. J.J. Pegues DT Ole Miss
185. Teddye Buchanan LB California
229. Caleb Ransaw CB Tulane

21. Matthew Golden WR Texas
83. Harold Fannin Jr. TE Bowling Green
123. Quinn Ewers QB Texas
156. Miles Frazier OG LSU
185. Jaydon Blue RB Texas
229. Jalen Travis OT Iowa State

The Defensive one was much easier to make the picks. Value was easily seen at the spot, and it was clear and precise who should be taken at those spots. The Offensive one was much harder, especially without making trades. I don't take Dart in the first, and without a second, I don't even get a shot at Milroe. Both Shough and Howard are gone by the fourth round. I could have used my 3rd on one of those two, but having Fannin fall to that spot was hard to pass on, he easily pushes Heyward off the roster and could actually be used more often in the role they probably envisioned for Heyward. After the 4th round tho, it was much easier to pick. Beef up the OL and grab a back with elite top end speed. Even if he's not the every down back, his speed is game changing.

 

[SteelerFan448]

Two drafts here, no trades. First one is all defense, second all offense.

21. Kenneth Grant DT Michigan
83. Shemar Turner DT Texas A&M
123. Jaylen Reed S Penn State
156. J.J. Pegues DT Ole Miss
185. Teddye Buchanan LB California
229. Caleb Ransaw CB Tulane

21. Matthew Golden WR Texas
83. Harold Fannin Jr. TE Bowling Green
123. Quinn Ewers QB Texas
156. Miles Frazier OG LSU
185. Jaydon Blue RB Texas
229. Jalen Travis OT Iowa State

The Defensive one was much easier to make the picks. Value was easily seen at the spot, and it was clear and precise who should be taken at those spots. The Offensive one was much harder, especially without making trades. I don't take Dart in the first, and without a second, I don't even get a shot at Milroe. Both Shough and Howard are gone by the fourth round. I could have used my 3rd on one of those two, but having Fannin fall to that spot was hard to pass on, he easily pushes Heyward off the roster and could actually be used more often in the role they probably envisioned for Heyward. After the 4th round tho, it was much easier to pick. Beef up the OL and grab a back with elite top end speed. Even if he's not the every down back, his speed is game changing.

I agree the defensive one is a bit more clear in terms of value, though I'm not sure a run stopping IDL in the first is the way to go unless they believe Grant has plus upside as a pass rusher. Frazier is a really good pick at 156.

Defense
21. Walter Nolen, IDL, Ole Miss (I would've gone Harmon if available)
83. Lathan Ransom, S, Ohio State
123. Jordan Phillips, IDL, Maryland
156. Tommy Hill, CB, Nebraska
185. Cody Lindenberg, LB, Minnesota
229. Barryn Sorrell, EDGE, Texas
I wanted to hit every level of the defense and I think I accomplished that while focusing on athletic upside with the last three draft picks along with diversifying the positions I selected on the defensive line.

Offense
21. Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
83. Dylan Fairchild, G, Georgia
123. RJ Harvey, RB, UCF
156. Kyle, McCord, QB, Syracuse
185. Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa
229. Caleb Rogers, OL, Texas Tech
Golden was a home run in the first round. After this, it was trying to find the best value at getting a RB, QB, and building OL depth.

 

[slashsteel]

Two drafts here, no trades. First one is all defense, second all offense.

21. Kenneth Grant DT Michigan
83. Shemar Turner DT Texas A&M
123. Jaylen Reed S Penn State
156. J.J. Pegues DT Ole Miss
185. Teddye Buchanan LB California
229. Caleb Ransaw CB Tulane

21. Matthew Golden WR Texas
83. Harold Fannin Jr. TE Bowling Green
123. Quinn Ewers QB Texas
156. Miles Frazier OG LSU
185. Jaydon Blue RB Texas
229. Jalen Travis OT Iowa State

The Defensive one was much easier to make the picks. Value was easily seen at the spot, and it was clear and precise who should be taken at those spots. The Offensive one was much harder, especially without making trades. I don't take Dart in the first, and without a second, I don't even get a shot at Milroe. Both Shough and Howard are gone by the fourth round. I could have used my 3rd on one of those two, but having Fannin fall to that spot was hard to pass on, he easily pushes Heyward off the roster and could actually be used more often in the role they probably envisioned for Heyward. After the 4th round tho, it was much easier to pick. Beef up the OL and grab a back with elite top end speed. Even if he's not the every down back, his speed is game changing.

Was going to pick option A, but I like Travis and Golden. Thought A was too strong on DL. Not that it isn’t needed but it was my deciding factor. Close as both had some things to like.

 

[BlitzburghForge]

Cool idea, if I was going all offense I would be so tempted to double dip at RB and come put with an absolute lethal group of playmaker at RB.

A group of Hampton, Sampson, Warren, and Gainwell? Yes please

Then just round things out with some versatile, high pedigree oline and a nice TE3.

21.

Omarion HamptonRB North Carolina
83.

Dylan FairchildOG Georgia
123.

Dylan SampsonRB Tennessee
156.

Miles FrazierOG LSU
185.

Luke LacheyTE Iowa
229.

Jalen TravisOT Iowa State

 

[Black & Gold Bleeder]

I agree the defensive one is a bit more clear in terms of value, though I'm not sure a run stopping IDL in the first is the way to go unless they believe Grant has plus upside as a pass rusher. Frazier is a really good pick at 156.

Defense
21. Walter Nolen, IDL, Ole Miss (I would've gone Harmon if available)
83. Lathan Ransom, S, Ohio State
123. Jordan Phillips, IDL, Maryland
156. Tommy Hill, CB, Nebraska
185. Cody Lindenberg, LB, Minnesota
229. Barryn Sorrell, EDGE, Texas
I wanted to hit every level of the defense and I think I accomplished that while focusing on athletic upside with the last three draft picks along with diversifying the positions I selected on the defensive line.

Offense
21. Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
83. Dylan Fairchild, G, Georgia
123. RJ Harvey, RB, UCF
156. Kyle, McCord, QB, Syracuse
185. Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa
229. Caleb Rogers, OL, Texas Tech
Golden was a home run in the first round. After this, it was trying to find the best value at getting a RB, QB, and building OL depth.

Is nolen a situational player?