Pittsburgh targets a future at quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive back in a 2026 three‑round mock that also hints at an interior‑line upgrade. Garrett Nussmeier from LSU is slated at No. 27, with Texas A&M’s Kevin Concepcion, Duke’s Chandler Rivers, and Alabama’s Keon Sabb filling key roles later. The piece also notes the Steelers’ current safety trio—Juan Thornhill, DeShon Elliott, and Chuck Clark—while Isaac Seumalo looms as the potential point of upgrade on the interior line, setting up a blueprint built on upside, versatility, and immediate depth as free agency reshapes the roster.

From a fantasy lens, the mock leans into Pittsburgh’s short‑pass, YAC‑heavy identity. Nussmeier would be a long‑term add behind Kenny Pickett, Concepcion could inject quick‑hit targets, and Sabb/Rivers offer ceiling at coverage positions. The OL angle remains pivotal, with an interior blocker potentially changing line play and, in turn, offensive efficiency. Overall, the draft plan blends upside with roster stability as offseason moves unfold.

In sum, the simulated picks map a clear strategy: groom a QB of the future, add a reliable YAC threat, fortify the back end, and keep interior line options ready as free agency drives roster decisions and cap management.

Porter Jr. and DeShon Elliott could return for Sunday’s Dublin showdown with Minnesota, easing back in after hamstring and knee injuries. Their presence would bolster a retooled Steelers secondary that now includes Darius Slay, Jalen Ramsey, Juan Thornhill and Jabrill Peppers. With Highsmith out, Pittsburgh hopes the reinforcements help stabilize coverage and push the defense toward a 2-2 record.

Fields' legs kept the Jets afloat as they escaped a tight test with the Steelers 34-32, with Breece Hall smashing through for 104 rushing yards while Fields added 48 on the ground. After the game, Juan Thornhill pointed to a lack of prep for a running quarterback, underscoring a potential coaching misstep that may have inflated Pittsburgh’s defensive yips. Aaron Rodgers delivered vintage vibes for NYJ, triggering a best-case fantasy scenario as Boswell drilled a 60-yard FG to seal it. Fantasy outlooks tilt toward Fields' rushing floor and Hall's workload, while PIT’s defense must prove it can adjust on the move.

Analytically, the win spotlighted the Jets’ ceiling when Rodgers is firing on all cylinders and the Steelers’ need for more disciplined game-planning against mobile QBs. For fantasy managers, Fields becomes a high-floor play thanks to his mobility, Hall remains a clear RB1 candidate, and Rodgers’ connection with NYJ receivers adds appeal across the board as Week 2 approaches.