Trading a veteran can be a risky decision if it simply opens another need heading into the NFL Draft. Yet for the Pittsburgh Steelers, with a new coaching staff in place and general manager Omar Khan’s proven willingness to make bold moves, the 2026 NFL Draft could become the perfect stage for roster-altering transactions.
In this four-round mock draft simulation, the Steelers execute two significant trades to move on from notable veterans while aggressively acquiring future assets and landing high-upside talent through the draft. The result is a reshaped roster that addresses key needs at wide receiver, offensive line, and defense without sacrificing long-term flexibility.
The Blockbuster Trades
The first major move sees Pittsburgh sending linebacker Patrick Queen to the Dallas Cowboys. Queen, who has been the subject of trade rumors earlier in the offseason, heads to Dallas in exchange for the No. 92 overall pick (2026 third round) and a 2027 third-round selection. Pittsburgh also sends its own No. 99 third-rounder to Dallas as part of the deal, netting a net gain in future draft capital while creating space at the linebacker position.
The second notable transaction involves running back Kaleb Johnson, last year’s third-round pick whose rookie season fell short of expectations. With Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle now ahead of him on the depth chart under the new coaching regime, Johnson is dealt to the Tennessee Titans. In return, the Steelers receive a 2026 fourth-round pick (No. 101 overall) and a 2027 sixth-round pick, while surrendering two late seventh-round selections (Nos. 224 and 230).
These two deals clear veterans from the roster and bolster Pittsburgh’s draft ammunition heading into a critical offseason.
The Draft Day Haul
With extra picks in hand, the Steelers waste no time addressing their most glaring need: wide receiver.
Round 1, Pick 11 (via Miami): Makai Lemon, WR, USC After completing a complex series of pick swaps with the Miami Dolphins—sending the No. 21 first-rounder, No. 53 second-rounder, No. 76 third-rounder, and No. 121 fourth-rounder in exchange for the No. 11 first-rounder, No. 75 third-rounder, No. 130 fourth-rounder, and No. 11 overall slot—the Steelers step up and select explosive USC wideout Makai Lemon. A dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands and a physical, tough mindset, Lemon draws favorable comparisons to Amon-Ra St. Brown. His addition immediately injects creativity and big-play ability into Pittsburgh’s passing attack.
Round 3, Pick 75 (via Miami): Gennings Dunker, OG, Iowa The Steelers continue building the offensive line, a perennial priority. Dunker, a physical and aggressive blocker who excelled in the pre-draft process, projects as a guard at the next level despite playing tackle in college. His versatility and nasty demeanor make him a classic Steelers trench addition.
Round 3, Pick 85: Darrell Jackson, DT, Florida State Never one to neglect the defensive line, Pittsburgh adds Florida State’s Darrell Jackson. A physical run defender with intriguing upside, Jackson isn’t a finished product but fits the profile the Steelers love to develop in the trenches. He provides valuable depth and future starting potential along the defensive front.
Round 3, Pick 92 (via Dallas): Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia Using the extra third-rounder acquired from the Queen trade, the Steelers double down at wide receiver. Branch, though undersized, brings outstanding explosiveness and the ability to create offense in tight spaces. His playmaking instincts should complement Lemon nicely and give the offense another layer of unpredictability.
Round 4, Pick 101 (via Tennessee): Isaiah World, OT, Oregon The compensation from the Johnson trade is used to add offensive line depth. Isaiah World, a developmental left tackle with ideal size and college experience, provides insurance behind Broderick Jones and could compete for snaps as a rookie.
Round 4, Pick 130 (via Miami): Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh After parting ways with Queen, the linebacker room needed attention. Local product Kyle Louis—a pre-draft visitor and versatile hybrid who can play both inside linebacker and safety—represents excellent value. The University of Pittsburgh standout brings familiarity and positional flexibility to the defense.
Round 4, Pick 135 (compensatory): Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington To round out the class, Pittsburgh selects long and rangy cornerback Ephesians Prysock. While the secondary has been strengthened in free agency, additional depth and competition at corner never hurts. Prysock’s physical tools give him a high ceiling as a developmental piece in the Steelers’ defensive scheme.
Outlook
By moving on from Patrick Queen and Kaleb Johnson, the Steelers have created opportunities for younger talent while dramatically improving their draft position. The acquisition of two promising wide receivers in the first three rounds, combined with targeted additions to the offensive line, defensive line, and linebacker group, positions Pittsburgh for a more dynamic and balanced roster in 2026 and beyond.
Omar Khan’s willingness to be aggressive on draft weekend continues to define his tenure. If this mock plays out anywhere close to reality, Steelers fans could witness one of the most transformative drafts in recent franchise history.