Only a couple more days of waiting until the 2026 NFL Draft officially begins. This year, the Pittsburgh Steelers are the host team. It will be fascinating to see how the organization navigates its first draft without longtime HC Mike Tomlin. It’s no secret that Tomlin had plenty of influence over who the Steelers would select. Will new coach Mike McCarthy have the same pull? I have already made full 7-round mocks for the Steelers, and also picked my top options for the storied franchise in round one. Pittsburgh should also have plenty of talent options at pick 53. Let’s check out the top 5 second-round targets for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
1. Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
I have Pittsburgh taking Bernard here in both of my Steelers’ mocks. With Steelers legendary WR John Stallworth announcing the pick, Bernard would be a fitting selection. Adding the talented wideout from Alabama could do wonders for Pittsburgh’s offense. Aaron Rodgers, should he return, will have a much-improved stable of weapons at his disposal. A WR trio of Bernard, DK Metcalf, and newly acquired Michael Pittman would be the best group of receivers the Steelers have had in a long time. With Jaylen Warren and free agent addition Rico Dowdle leading their backfield, Bernard would give the Steelers a scary and balanced offense.
How could Aaron Rodgers say “no” to that?
2. Keylan Rutledge, G, Georgia Tech
Keylan Rutledge, one of my favorite players in the draft, will add some nastiness to Pittsburgh’s offensive line. The 6’4, 316-pound Rutledge is already a polished run-blocker, and could immediately become the Steelers new left guard. He has been climbing up draft boards since the Senior Bowl. Rutledge also impressed at the Combine, where the former Yellow Jacket earned a 9.53 RAS.
Rutledge, along with Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick, would give Pittsburgh a complete set of young, gritty interior linemen who can develop together for the next decade. The Steelers are an ideal landing spot for Rutledge.
3. Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
Jake Golday is a classic Steelers linebacker. The 6’4, 240-pounder has drawn comparisons to Detroit Lions All-Pro Jack Campbell for his size and athleticism. Golday would seamlessly fit into Pittsburgh’s defense after racking up 105 tackles and 3.5 sacks in his last year at Cincinnati.
Golday has the speed to cover sideline to sideline and is a tackling machine. He has been described as a “missile” on the field, and could be given the “green dot” as the new leader of Pittsburgh’s defense. The Steelers have held a formal meeting with Golday, indicating their strong interest in the talented linebacker.
Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
Gabe Jacas could give an instant boost to Pittsburgh’s pass rush, especially if the trade rumors surrounding Alex Highsmith come to fruition. At 6’3 and 275 pounds, Jacas is a big, strong edge rusher ready to contribute at the NFL level after racking up 19 sacks in his final two seasons at Illinois.
Jacas is also a strong run defender, adding to his appeal. With T.J. Watt not getting any younger, Pittsburgh could use an injection of youth to its pass-rushing core. Jacas is a natural fit for the Steelers after having a very productive collegiate career.
5. Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
Brandon Cisse is a very talented cornerback with loads of upside. Showing his elite athleticism at the Combine, Cisse paired a 41-inch vertical with an explosive 10’11” broad jump. He then backed up that performance with a blazing 4.40 forty at his Pro Day.
The knock on Cisse is that he too often relies on his athletic traits and needs time to develop his technique. Cisse also only recorded two interceptions over his three college seasons, so his ball skills need improvement. At 6’ and 189 pounds, the former Gamecock does need to add some bulk and strength.
However, with CBs Joey Porter Jr. and the newly signed Jamel Dean as its top two CBs, Pittsburgh can afford to give Cisse the time he needs to develop. Still only 20 years old, Cisse has the potential to become a star if he reaches his full potential.
I can’t wait for the draft. The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game in 10 years. For that drought to end, they must hit on this draft class. Taking any of these five players in the second round would put Pittsburgh on its way to achieving that.
