Why Mel Kiper picks Steelers WR over QB in latest mock draft

The 2026 offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers is defined by uncertainty following the departure of head coach Mike Tomlin and a playoff exit. Insider Mike DeFabo has suggested that the Houston Texans could be a surprising destination for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, describing it as a potentially good marriage.

While Rodgers led the Steelers to 10 wins and a division title, DeFabo notes that Houston could offer a more stable defensive floor. Since C.J. Stroud struggled in the postseason and failed to build on his early momentum, the Texans might be intrigued by a veteran passer to make a title run now.

This leaves Pittsburgh in a precarious position as they look to develop a new plan under center.

In a recent mock draft for ESPN, analyst Mel Kiper Jr. opted to address the receiving corps rather than the quarterback position. “I really wanted to get a quarterback to the Steelers in this spot,” Kiper explained.

“It’s possible Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss finds himself in the first-round conversation, obviously depending on what happens with his NCAA eligibility lawsuit. But the other QBs in this class would be big reaches. I don’t know what Pittsburgh will do under center or whether Aaron Rodgers will play another season, but there doesn’t appear to be an easy fix in Round 1 this year.

So, let’s pivot to the rest of the offense and land a WR2 alongside DK Metcalf. We saw what happens when this offense loses Metcalf, as the Steelers managed just one passing touchdown over Weeks 17 and 18 while Metcalf was suspended. But Boston runs strong routes and uses his physicality to box out defenders and make plays on the ball. He had 11 touchdowns this past season, including seven in the red zone. He’d elevate the unit right out of the gate and take some weight off Metcalf.”

This pivot in the draft comes as insiders fuel buzz regarding Rodgers potentially joining the Minnesota Vikings. DeFabo predicts there is a 35 percent chance Rodgers plays for the Vikings, especially given the discouraging performance of J.J. McCarthy, who threw 12 interceptions and struggled with accuracy in 2025.

President Art Rooney II has emphasized that the quarterback position will be a major part of discussions with new coaching candidates, but the franchise faces a difficult road to stability.

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