The Pittsburgh Steelers are esteemed for their consistency, and that doesn’t come without familiar faces like head coach Mike Tomlin and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. Their collective standard has helped set the tone for one of the more respected organizations in the sport.
However, despite an incredible 2024 season, the Steelers are still expected to find Heyward’s eventual successor in April. He isn’t alone in getting backfilled, either.
After trading a second-round pick for Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf, Pittsburgh has found a second star who wins downfield on the boundary. That could very well end with Pickens hitting free agency in 2026, where he stands to find more targets and a raise.
Subsequently, the Steelers picked replacements for both in the following three-round mock draft, made using Pro Football and Sports Network’s mock draft simulator.
Round 1, Pick 21: Missouri Receiver Luther Burden III
There has been plenty of speculation about Pittsburgh taking a quarterback in Round 1, especially as Aaron Rodgers pushes off his decision. Instead, the supporting cast for a hypothetical quarterback grows warmer.
For a season, Burden would play between Pickens and Metcalf in the slot, creating what might be the league’s best receiving trio. From there, the Steelers can either re-sign Pickens or have Burden fill his shoes with a year in the scheme to assist him. Burden has flexibility to the boundary, giving him a runway to playing time in 12-personnel, too.
The Missouri product can also make an impact behind the line of scrimmage as an extension of the run game, a piece of his game that may be utilized if Pittsburgh can’t conjure up an explosive complement to Jaylen Warren. With strong body control and incredible athleticism, Burden adds even more potency to Pittsburgh’s improving offense.
Round 3, Pick 83: Texas A&M Defensive Tackle Shemar Turner
The Steelers may look to replace Heyward in the NFL Draft, but that doesn’t mean the successor wouldn’t make a Year 1 impact alongside him.
This defensive line is among the thinnest in the sport. Behind Heyward and Keeanu Benton, there is little upside and pedigree. Pittsburgh could benefit from a deep defensive line class pushing a top-75 prospect like Turner down the board a bit. His medical recheck gave him good news late in the process, but it’s possible those questions keep him available late in Round 3.
Turner is a tad undersized but makes up for with high-end explosiveness and ability to convert speed to power. If he can hold up against the run – a tough task given his size – there may be an every-down role available for him in 2026. If not, finding a pass-rush specialist late on Day 2 is a quality consolation prize.
