PITTSBURGH — The tradition of Mike Tomlin jumping into drills at the Senior Bowl is a memory. In its place is a more guarded approach led by first-year head coach Mike McCarthy. While the “Tomlin era” scouting trail was an open book, McCarthy has kept his cards tight, leaving the 2026 NFL Draft wide open for interpretation as the Steelers hold the No. 21 overall pick.
General Manager Omar Khan and Assistant GM Andy Weidl still hold the reins, and their history suggests the “Top 30” visit list is the ultimate cheat code. If that trend holds, the Steelers are looking at a specific crop of talent to revitalize an offense that has lacked a consistent scoring punch. The goal is clear: find size, versatility, and a quarterback who can handle the biting winds of the AFC North.
Round 1, Pick 21: WR Denzel Boston (Washington)
Pittsburgh needs a legitimate weapon to stretch the field. Denzel Boston stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 212 pounds, offering the kind of massive frame McCarthy loved in players like Michael Pittman Jr. Boston is coming off a monster 2025 campaign where he snagged 11 touchdowns. He isn’t just a red-zone threat; his experience in both the slot and on the perimeter makes him the versatile piece this depth chart desperately needs. The stadium will shake when this kid starts winning jump balls in the end zone.
Round 2, Pick 53: OL Keylan Rutledge (Georgia Tech)
The departure of Isaac Seumalo left a gaping hole at left guard. Enter Keylan Rutledge. A 6-foot-4, 316-pound mauler who dominated the ACC for two seasons, Rutledge brings a “bully” mentality to the trenches. Though he played right guard for the Yellow Jackets, his performance at the Senior Bowl proved he can handle any interior spot. He is a plug-and-play starter who fits the physical identity Weidl wants to build.
Mid-Round Steals and a Quarterback Project
The third round looks like a defensive overhaul and a depth-building mission. At Pick 76, Arizona DB Treydan Stukes brings 4.33 speed to the secondary. His age (24) and medical history might scare some off, but his versatility to play slot or safety is too good to pass up. Later in the round, the Steelers add Clemson’s Antonio Williams to compete for slot reps and Memphis tackle Travis Burke, a 6-foot-9 giant, to groom as a swing tackle.
The most intriguing name comes in the fourth round. Carson Beck, the Miami transfer who led the Hurricanes to the CFP National Championship game this past January, fits the “AFC North quarterback” mold McCarthy and Khan have discussed. At 6-foot-4 and 233 pounds, Beck has the arm talent to cut through the November gales at Acrisure Stadium. He won’t start Day 1, but he’s the developmental project that could stabilize the room for years.
Full 7-Round Mock Draft Breakdown
- Round 1 (21): WR Denzel Boston, Washington
- Round 2 (53): OL Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech
- Round 3 (76): DB Treydan Stukes, Arizona
- Round 3 (85): WR Antonio Williams, Clemson
- Round 3 (99): OL Travis Burke, Memphis
- Round 4 (121): QB Carson Beck, Miami
- Round 4 (135): TE Marlin Klein, Michigan
- Round 5 (161): DL Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
- Round 6 (209): LB Jack Kelly, BYU (via Trade with Washington)
- Round 7 (230): LB Nadame Tucker, Western Michigan
The draft begins next Thursday in the heart of Pittsburgh. With five “Top 30” visitors projected as first-rounders, the Steelers are in a prime position to trade back or stay put and snag a cornerstone player. The McCarthy era officially takes flight when that first card is turned in. Expect the front office to prioritize physical traits and veteran-like maturity as they try to reclaim the AFC North throne.
