Latest ESPN Mock Draft Has Steelers Taking 1 Of The Fastest Prospects Available

The Pittsburgh Steelers have just about a month to prepare for a pivotal 2026 NFL Draft. The franchise has a new coaching staff, but the clear goal is still to remain competitive and get into the postseason. The moves made by General Manager Omar Khan have suggested that, particularly because of the move to acquire Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts. Despite this, the depth chart only has four wide receivers under contract, so the front office is likely to be looking at taking one, or potentially two, pass-catchers once the big event commences in the Steel City.

The Steelers have consistently been taking wide receivers in countless mock drafts that are flying around. Typically, the selection comes in round one. It is a deep class for receivers, so fans can't be certain that the organization won't go in a different direction. That's exactly what happened in the latest ESPN mock draft from analyst Field Yates. He has Pittsburgh taking Penn State offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane at 21.

However, in the two-round prediction, Yates didn't just have the Steelers also taking a wideout, but an incredibly quick one at that. The analyst is confident that someone like Mississippi State's Brenen Thompson would fit in wonderfully in the Steel City as a second-round pick. At just 5'9", the projected slot receiver could be thrown right into the fire along with the organization's top two offensive weapons.

"One of my favorite value moves of the offseason was Pittsburgh trading for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., but the team must continue to address that position, Yates wrote. "Thompson ran the fastest 40-yard dash at the combine (4.26 seconds) and led the SEC in receiving yards this past season (1,054). He can consistently get separation downfield, which will translate well to the next level."

Thompson hasn't been connected to Pittsburgh all that often, but he is a realistic option. After the move to acquire Pittman, the Steelers have plenty of flexibility for the first round. A pass-catcher is still well within the realm of possibility, but is not a lock in any way, shape, or form. With Calvin Austin III departing in free agency, one area that Pittsburgh's receiving corps does lack a little bit in is speed. Thompson immediately solves that issue with his blazing 4.26 quickness.

The Steelers would come even closer to having a complete offense that is full of playmakers if an elite slot option entered the mix. With a one-two punch of Pittman and DK Metcalf expected to be on the outsides a good amount of the time, Thompson would have a legitimate chance of thriving right off the bat. His speed compares to that of Xavier Worthy's and someone with that kind of athleticism can be utilized in several different ways.

With new Head Coach Mike McCarthy known for constantly using his receiving corps, the Steelers are set to show a drastic change in philosophy moving forward. With two clear roster spots open currently, it shouldn't come off as a surprise if two rookies enter into the mix. Thompson isn't being viewed as a first-rounder, but someone with 4.26 speed will find a home somewhere, and relatively early. He's someone for fans in the Steel City to keep an eye on moving forward.

Steelers Are Set To Be Much More Dynamic On The Offensive Side Of The Ball

Regardless of who is playing quarterback, Pittsburgh seems to be on pace to boast a much more threatening offense in 2026. The addition of Pittman alone sparked this kind of optimism, but a strong pull in the NFL Draft will only enhance excitement. Thompson is one of several nifty wide receiver prospects, but the numbers don't lie. He was the fastest at the Scouting Combine, and would undoubtedly be the Steelers quickest pass-catcher if selected in round two.

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