The Pittsburgh Steelers have a plethora of needs for their future, with none bigger than finding their next franchise quarterback. In FOX Sports’ Rob Rang’s recent three-round mock draft for the AFC North, the Steelers check off what many consider to be their four most significant needs. Rang has the Steelers selecting USC WR Makai Lemon in the first round before taking Oklahoma QB John Mateer in the second, while using their two third-round picks on Washington CB Tacario Davis and Notre Dame OG Billy Schrauth.
Lemon has become a popular first-round selection for the Steelers, who will likely look to add another receiver this offseason who can work across from DK Metcalf. He’s established himself as one of the best receivers in the country, and Lemon has a BIG 10-leading 71 receptions for 1,090 yards, with 8 touchdowns. He’s coming off back-to-back monster games, as he had 10 receptions for 153 yards and a touchdown in a win over Iowa last week, and the game prior, he had 11 receptions for 161 yards and a score in a win over Northwestern.
Makai Lemon's W12 tape is incredible, even by his standards. Clinic on
– attacking the DB's blindspot
– hand usage at the LOS/break point to play through contact as a smaller WR
– tracking and adjusting to deep/contested targets pic.twitter.com/J7BUry8IFn
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) November 19, 2025
Rang called the 5’11, 195-pound Lemon “electricity personified,” and in addition to his eight receiving touchdowns, Lemon has two rushing touchdowns and has been a factor in the return game for USC. His speed and explosiveness should play well opposite Metcalf, and giving the Steelers another threat at the position could open things up in the passing game.
Mateer was widely considered to be a potential first-round pick heading into the season. Still, a hand injury and his 8:7 touchdown-to-interception ratio have led to his stock dropping. There’s a real chance Mateer stays in school to try and boost his stock, but if he does declare, he’ll likely be taken on Day 2. Rang writes that scouts like Mateer’s NFL frame and throwing arm, and believes the Steelers would be interested in the signal-caller if he does declare for the draft.
“Some scouts remain smitten with his upside, praising his NFL-caliber frame, mobility and strong throwing arm. The Steelers invested a sixth-round pick last year in national champion Will Howard and, if Mateer opts to give up his remaining year of eligibility to enter the draft, I could see them being even more interested in the fellow gunslinger,” Rang wrote.
The Steelers will likely take a quarterback early in April’s draft, and Mateer could be a value pick in the second round.
Pittsburgh’s cornerback play has not been as good as expected this year, primarily due to Darius Slay’s struggles. While James Pierre and Brandin Echols have flashed at times, the Steelers need more depth at cornerback, especially with Cory Trice Jr. unable to stay healthy. Davis, a transfer from Arizona with 25 career pass breakups and three interceptions, could be a solid value in the third round. Rang believes Davis will be a future NFL starter.
Schrauth would be a solid selection as well, with OG Isaac Seumalo headed toward free agency. The Steelers do have OG Spencer Anderson, but adding competition for him will be necessary this offseason. The Steelers had success with a mid-round guard when they selected Mason McCormick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and Schrauth has the traits the Steelers look for as a team captain at Notre Dame, with good size at 6’4 and 310 pounds.
He’s currently dealing with a knee injury, however, and teams will surely need to be comfortable with his medicals before investing an early selection into Schrauth.
While the defensive line will once again be a need for the Steelers this offseason, Rang’s mock does a good job adding value at positions where the Steelers need help now and in the future. It’s hard to be upset with these selections, and if this were to play out in April (which is nearly impossible for a November mock draft), I don’t think too many Steelers fans would be upset.
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