If the top of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2026 NFL Draft plays out the way it did by a panel of Steelers pundits, the rookie class sure will look good getting off the bus. Steelers.com’s Mike Prisuta, Max Starks, and Matt Williamson focused on size and the trenches in a recent three-round mock draft published on the team’s YouTube channel.
At No. 21, the group agreed to select Washington WR Denzel Boston. Prospects like Clemson CB Aveion Terrell, Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr., and Toledo S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren were available, but Boston was the group’s choice.
“Boston. Because that’s who I said off the top of my head at the beginning of this,” Starks said, breaking a tie between Ohio State NT Kayden McDonald and Boston.
In what would become the tallest receiver trio in football, the 6035 Boston would create matchup problems alongside DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. With great hands and penchant for making downfield plays, he would further a Pittsburgh vertical passing game that hasn’t been nearly consistent enough. Quarterback concerns remain but having talent at receiver can mitigate the team not having a long-term answer or wanting to properly evaluate a young Will Howard.
For Round 2, the group agreed to address offensive line with Iowa OL Gennings Dunker.
“I think [he] fits nicely at left guard,” Prisuta said.
A college tackle, most draftniks project Dunker to kick inside at the next level. Going viral for his mullet, Dunker is an aggressive and physical blocker. He would be the favorite but compete with Spencer Anderson to replace Isaac Seumalo at left guard. The group quickly agreed Dunker was the right pick at No. 53.
Flipping to the defensive line at No. 76, the group selected Florida State DL Darrell Jackson Jr.
“That’s a pass-rushing defensive tackle,” Starks said.
Despite posting just one sack last season, the panel believes in Jackson’s traits and the Steelers’ need to add another young lineman. At 6-5, 315 pounds and nearly 35-inch arms, he fits the mold of a classic Pittsburgh defensive end.
Nearly taking him at No. 76, the group circled back to draft maybe this year’s biggest player: Miami (FL) OT Markel Bell.
“This is a value having him fall to this area,” Starks said.
At 6092, 346 pounds, Bell protected the Hurricanes’ blindside last season. Built like Trent Brown and Orlando Brown Jr., mobility is a concern. But like Starks during his playing days, Bell’s size is intriguing.
With the final selection at No. 99, the trio went back to defense to draft South Carolina DB Jalon Kilgore.
“Kilgore is kind of the big slot/safety type…I think that’s the position to go with,” Williamson said, noting he tested well at the NFL Combine.
At 6013, 210 pounds, Kilgore blazed a 4.40 40 yard dash combined with a 37-inch vertical and 10’10” broad at the NFL Combine. Playing in the slot for most of 2025, we project him best at free safety where he could serve as Jalen Ramsey’s long-term replacement.
To recap, here’s the panel’s picks of its latest Steelers mock draft.
No. 21 – Denzel Boston/WR Washington
No. 53 – Gennings Dunker/OG Iowa
No. 76 – Darrell Jackson Jr./DL Florida State
No. 85 – Markel Bell/OT Miami (FL)
No. 99 – Jalon Kilgore/DB South Carolina
A solid haul that is one of the largest draft classes assembled. There may be questions about overall athleticism but the group won’t be knocked for being overpowered. It also meets most of the team’s biggest needs
Related Items:2026 NFL Draft, Darrell Jackson, Denzel Boston, Gennings Dunker, Jalon Kilgore, Markel Bell, Matt Williamson, Max Starks, Mike Prisuta, Pittsburgh Steelers, Trending
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