Mike McCarthy addresses biggest roster hole with much-needed weapon for Aaron Rodgers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into a draft with double the number of typical picks. Armed with a dozen selections, the Steelers could see another sea of additions in a cumulative change as big as losing Mike Tomlin. The franchise will need all of the help it can get.

According to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in an Apr. 17 report, wide receiver will be the biggest area of need at the top of the draft, making it clear that the franchise will operate as if Aaron Rodgers is returning. Running with that, Sportskeeda’s mock draft simulator has filled in the gaps.

Pittsburgh Steelers mock draft for seven rounds

#1 – Round 1, Pick 21: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

First up, the Steelers select Denzel Boston, who has seen his stock ascend in recent weeks. Boston earned at least 800 yards in each of his last two seasons and earned 20 touchdowns over the same span.

#2 – Round 2, Pick 53: Keylan Rutledge, OG, Georgia Tech

Aaron Rodgers didn’t get through the season intact, so protecting an even older version of the quarterback should be a top priority. Insert Keylan Rutledge, who will need to learn quickly.

#3 – Round 3, Pick 76: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati

Of course, the Steelers are historically a defensive-minded organization, so Jake Golday was not going to slide past Pittsburgh. Golday earned 105 tackles in 2025, doubling his production from 2024.

#4 – Round 3, Pick 85: Bud Clark, S, TCU

Bud Clark enters as one of the most experienced players in the draft with a college career dating back to 2020. Clark should have a great shot at starting in Week 1.

#5 – Round 3, Pick 99: Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn State

Dani Dennis-Sutton earned 8.5 sacks in each of his last two seasons and will now get to learn from T.J. Watt. He will also build on the 25 tackles for loss accrued over his final two seasons in college.

#6 – Round 4, Pick 121: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame

Malachi Fields will help Aaron Rodgers connect deep with a conference-leading 17.5 yards per reception in 2025. If Denzel Boston starts slowly, Fields could be the first one to pop of the two.

#7 – Round 4, Pick 135: Rene Konga, DT, Louisville

The Pittsburgh Steelers bolster the defensive line with Rene Konga. Konga saw a career high in combined tackles and tackles for loss in 2025, suggesting he could be entering a new level.

#8 – Round 5, Pick 161: Carson Beck, QB, Miami

After a long wait, Carson Beck heads to Pittsburgh. Beck, who faced Fernando Mendoza in the college football championship, slides in late enough to not be an issue for Aaron Rodgers, but it does put Mason Rudolph on notice.

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#9 – Round 6, Pick 216: Fernando Carmona Jr., OG, Arkansas

At this point in the draft, the Steelers double-up on players to add a higher chance of fixing the position group if the top player struggles, starting with Fernando Carmona Jr., who will be insurance for Keylan Rutledge.

#10 – Round 7, Pick 224: Devan Boykin, S, Arkansas

Devan Boykin arrives with playoff experience in the national championship, which should help the Pittsburgh Steelers. He will help ensure that safety is fixed going forward.

#11 – Round 7, Pick 230: Eric Gentry, LB, USC

The Pittsburgh Steelers receive an insurance pick with Eric Gentry, who had 76 combined tackles, seven tackles for loss and three sacks.

#12 – Round 7, Pick 237: Caden Curry, Edge, Ohio State

Caden Curry bolsters the Pittsburgh Steelers pass rush with a great chance to see regular snaps after an explosive 2025 season with 11 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss.

Edited by Ian Van Roy