The 2025 NFL Draft ended less than a week ago — and yet another way-too-early 2026 mock draft has surfaced.
While it has been long rumored that the Steelers will look to target one of the top QB prospects at next year’s draft in Pittsburgh, ESPN’s Jordan Reid predicted them to go a different, yet all-too-familiar route — defensive tackle.
According to Reid, the Steelers would select Alabama DT LT Overton with pick No. 16 in the 2026 NFL Draft, and explained his reasoning below:
“Sure, the Steelers drafted Derrick Harmon this year, but you can never have too many defensive tackles. Cameron Heyward will be 37 entering the 2026 season; the defensive line could see some turnover. Overton fits what the Steelers have looked for in the past, as the 6-5, 283-pounder can play off the edge or reduce inside. His 13.4% pressure rate at defensive tackle last season was second best in the FBS.”
Reid also noted that Overton would have been a top-60 pick had he declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, but his return to college football this year could help boost his draft stock.
Selecting defensive linemen in the first round of back-to-back drafts may seem insane — especially with the uncertainty at QB in 2025 and beyond. But the Eagles, who won Super Bowl LIX, proved with the draft selections of DTs Jordan Davis in 2022 and Jalen Carter in 2023 that defenses still win championships.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers revisit defense in ESPN’s way-too-early 2026 mock draft