2026 NFL Draft: Steelers Day Two Mock Draft – How to Salvage a Rocky Start

The first night of the 2026 NFL Draft is officially in the books, and for the Pittsburgh Steelers, it was a night of high drama, dashed expectations, and a decision that left the fanbase scratching their collective heads. General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin entered the first round with a clear plan: secure a dynamic weapon for quarterback Kenny Pickett. The target was USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, a polished route-runner with game-breaking speed. When the Philadelphia Eagles swooped in and snatched Lemon off the board just two picks before the Steelers were on the clock, the war room in Pittsburgh went into scramble mode.

The result? A reach for project offensive tackle Max Iheanachor from a small school. Iheanachor has the raw tools—a massive frame, long arms, and decent athleticism—but he is a developmental prospect who likely needs a year of NFL coaching before he can see the field. It was a classic “need meets potential” pick that feels light for a first-round selection, especially when higher-graded talent was still available. But the draft is a marathon, not a sprint. Day Two offers the Steelers a golden opportunity to recalibrate and fill the glaring holes on their roster.

Currently, Pittsburgh holds four picks on Day Two: one in the second round and three in the third round. With needs at wide receiver, interior offensive line, cornerback, and defensive line depth, the front office has a chance to turn a disappointing opening night into a winning haul. Here is our updated Day Two mock draft for the Steelers, designed to maximize value and address critical roster gaps.

Round 2, Pick 52: G Emmanuel Pregnon – Oregon

If the Steelers want to give Kenny Pickett a fair chance to succeed, they must fix the interior of the offensive line. The selection of Max Iheanachor in the first round was a bet on the future at tackle, but the present problem is at guard. Enter Emmanuel Pregnon from Oregon. Pregnon is an older rookie—he spent six years in college, transferring from USC to Oregon—which likely caused him to slide out of the first round. But make no mistake: this is a massive force of nature at the guard position.

Pregnon plays with elite power. At 6’4” and 330 pounds, he is a people-mover in the run game, capable of clearing lanes for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. His game improved dramatically during his 2025 season with the Ducks. Specifically, his hand usage and agility took a noticeable leap. He no longer relies solely on brute strength; he now uses quick, violent punches to reset the line of scrimmage and shows improved lateral movement to mirror inside pass rushers.

• Why he fits: Pregnon is a plug-and-play starter at right guard. He brings immediate physicality to a unit that was bullied in short-yardage situations last season.
• Expert analysis: This is excellent value in the second round. Pregnon’s age is a concern for some teams, but for a Steelers team that needs immediate contributors, his maturity and experience are assets. He can step in and start from Week 1.
• Prediction: The Steelers double down on the trenches, and this pick is universally praised as a steal. Pregnon becomes a fan favorite for his pancake blocks.

The selection of Pregnon sends a clear message: the Steelers are committed to building a bully-ball offensive line. Combined with Iheanachor, they are adding size and power to a unit that needs a cultural reset. This pick addresses a critical roster hole and gives the offense a much-needed anchor.

Round 3, Pick 84: WR Bryce Lance – North Dakota State

With the wide receiver position still a glaring need after the Makai Lemon snub, the Steelers must address it early on Day Two. The name to watch here is Bryce Lance from North Dakota State. Yes, that last name sounds familiar. He is the younger brother of Dallas Cowboys star Dak Prescott (though they share a different last name, their family connection is well-documented). But Bryce Lance is carving his own path, and it’s a path that screams “Steeler.”

Lance is a big-bodied, physical receiver who thrives in contested catch situations. At 6’3” and 215 pounds, he uses his frame to shield defenders and has a massive catch radius. He dominated the FCS level with his ability to high-point the football and make tough grabs over the middle. While he lacks elite top-end speed, he is a fantastic route-runner for his size, with crisp breaks and a strong release off the line of scrimmage.

• Why he fits: The Steelers need a big, reliable target who can move the chains. Lance is the perfect complement to George Pickens, who excels at stretching the field vertically. Lance can work the intermediate areas and become a security blanket for Pickett.
• Expert analysis: Lance’s production at NDSU is undeniable. He averaged over 15 yards per catch in 2025 and scored 12 touchdowns. He is a contested-catch specialist who wins with technique and physicality, not just speed. He will need to adjust to the jump in competition, but his skill set translates well to the NFL.
• Prediction: This pick is met with cautious optimism. Lance becomes a reliable third-down option by midseason, and his chemistry with Pickett grows quickly due to their similar competitive fire.

Some analysts will argue that Lance is a reach in the early third round, but the Steelers are desperate for receiver depth. After the first-round debacle, they cannot afford to leave Day Two without a wideout. Lance’s football IQ and work ethic make him a safe bet to contribute immediately, even if he never becomes a No. 1 option. He is a classic “Steeler” receiver—tough, reliable, and unafraid to work the middle of the field.

Round 3, Pick 91: CB Karon Prunty – Kansas State

The Steelers’ secondary is a patchwork unit. With Patrick Peterson aging and Joey Porter Jr. still developing consistency, the team needs a physical, press-man cornerback who can match up with the AFC’s elite receivers. Enter Karon Prunty from Kansas State. Prunty is a long, athletic corner with excellent ball skills. He recorded four interceptions and 11 pass breakups in 2025, showcasing his ability to read quarterbacks and make plays on the ball.

Prunty’s best trait is his physicality at the line of scrimmage. He disrupts routes early and forces receivers to alter their stems. He is not the fastest corner in the class, but he has good recovery speed and a high football IQ. He projects as a starting outside corner in a zone-heavy scheme, but his press skills make him a fit for the Steelers’ aggressive defensive philosophy.

• Why he fits: The Steelers need a corner who can step in and compete for a starting job. Prunty’s experience in a Power 5 conference and his production against top competition make him a Day Two value.
• Expert analysis: Prunty is a perfect scheme fit for defensive coordinator Teryl Austin’s system. He is not a flashy pick, but he is a solid, reliable defender who will not get burned deep. He adds needed depth and competition to a thin cornerback room.
• Prediction: Prunty wins the No. 3 cornerback job in training camp and sees significant snaps in nickel packages. He records two interceptions as a rookie.

With the third of their four Day Two picks, the Steelers address a secondary that was exposed against high-powered passing attacks in 2025. Prunty brings a competitive edge and a willingness to tackle in the run game, which is a requirement for any Steelers defensive back.

Round 3, Pick 98: DT Jaquelin Roy – LSU

The final pick of Day Two for the Steelers should be used to add depth to the defensive line. Cameron Heyward is still playing at a high level, but he is 36 years old, and the team needs to find his eventual successor. Jaquelin Roy from LSU is a powerful, disruptive interior lineman who can play both nose tackle and 3-technique. He is a run-stuffing specialist with surprising quickness off the snap for a 315-pound player.

Roy’s production at LSU was solid, not spectacular, but his film shows a player who consistently commands double teams. He has a strong initial punch and good hand usage to shed blocks and make tackles in the backfield. He is not a pass-rush specialist, but he can collapse the pocket and create pressure up the middle.

• Why he fits: The Steelers love to rotate their defensive linemen to keep them fresh. Roy can step in immediately as the No. 3 tackle, spelling Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi. His versatility to play multiple positions along the line is a huge plus.
• Expert analysis: Roy is a high-floor prospect who will never be a star but will be a reliable rotational piece for years. He is a classic Steelers pick: a big, strong, disciplined lineman who plays with a high motor.
• Prediction: Roy contributes immediately in the run defense rotation. He records 2.5 sacks as a rookie, mostly from pushing the pocket and cleaning up plays.

This pick rounds out a strong Day Two haul. The Steelers have now addressed guard, wide receiver, cornerback, and defensive line—four positions of need. While the first-round pick was a head-scratcher, this Day Two performance could salvage the entire draft class.

Final Analysis: A Bounce-Back Day for Pittsburgh

The 2026 NFL Draft will be remembered for the Steelers’ first-round gamble on Max Iheanachor, but it should not define the entire weekend. If Omar Khan executes this Day Two mock draft, the Steelers will walk away with four players who can contribute in 2026. Emmanuel Pregnon will start at guard from Week 1. Bryce Lance will add a much-needed physical presence to the receiving corps. Karon Prunty will provide competition and depth in the secondary. And Jaquelin Roy will help fortify the defensive line for the future.

The key for Pittsburgh is value and fit. They cannot afford to reach again. They must trust the board and take the best players available at positions of need. The AFC North is a brutal division, and the Steelers cannot rely on Kenny Pickett alone to carry the offense. They need a complete roster, and this Day Two haul moves them closer to that goal.

Ultimately, the 2026 draft will be judged by how these players develop. But on paper, this Day Two mock draft offers a blueprint for recovery. The Steelers have the picks, the cap space, and the coaching staff to turn a rocky start into a winning class. Now, it is up to the front office to execute. If they do, Pittsburgh fans will quickly forget the disappointment of Night One.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.