The Pittsburgh Steelers are widely expected to target a wide receiver or quarterback in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller projects the team will instead address the defensive side of the ball with the 21st overall pick.
In Millerâs latest two-round mock draft, the Steelers select Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell.
“The Steelers have one emerging star cornerback in Joey Porter Jr. but need to upgrade from free agents James Pierre and Asante Samuel Jr. at the opposite spot,” wrote Miller.
Terrell is one of the top cornerback prospects entering the 2026 draft, ranking third at the position in ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.âs 2026 Big Board.
“Avieon Terrell is a savvy cover man with fantastic short-area quickness and fast eyes. He’s an ultra-athletic, fluid mover with the hips, quickness and press-man prowess to be a solid starter immediately, especially in a defense that can pressure the quarterback and create flip-the-field opportunities for defensive backs,” wrote Miller.
If the Steelers see more value in the draft than in free agency at the position, Terrell could emerge as a legitimate option.
GettyCB Avieon Terrell.
Steelers Address the WR Position at pick No. 53
Pittsburghâs next selection in the 2026 draft comes at No. 53 overall in the second round. With that pick, Miller projects the Steelers to address what many consider the teamâs biggest roster need by selecting Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch.
The Steelersâ wide receiver room was arguably their weakest position group during the 2025 season, which is a major reason the team is widely expected to address the position at some point in the draft.
In 2025, the Steelersâ second-most productive wide receiver was Calvin Austin III, who recorded 372 receiving yards and three touchdowns, per ESPN.
Pittsburgh fans would obviously like to see increased production at the wide receiver position, and Branch brings significant upside, with the potential to break out quickly thanks to his standout speed, athleticism, and agility.
Branch is ranked as the 23 overall prospect and number 4 overall WR on Kiper Jr.’s 2026 Big Board.Â
“Branch plays the game at a different speed than everyone else, and it is why he’s so effective in space. A transfer from USC, he can take a short completion for a big gain with his explosive skill set, averaging 7.9 yards after the catch per reception,” wrote Kiper Jr.
Through 14 games in 2025, Branch recorded 81 catches for 811 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns, according to ESPN.
GettyWR Zachariah Branch.
Why the Steelers Could Actually Use This Draft Strategy
The Steelers opting for defense, specifically selecting a cornerback in the first round instead of a wide receiver or quarterback, is not as far-fetched as some might think.
Bringing in a player like Terrell would give the franchise a chance to establish long-term stability on the opposite side of Porter Jr.
Yes, wide receiver remains a major issue that needs to be addressed. But if the team likes Branchâs upside, they could see value in taking a cornerback in the first round and a wide receiver in the second.
And the obvious question is, what about quarterback? The Steelers already have Will Howard, whom they selected in the sixth round of the 2025 draft. If the team does not feel he is ready to start, they could bring in another veteran to bridge the gap.
GettyQB Will Howard.
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