NFL expert makes worst Pittsburgh Steelers pick of entire pre-draft process originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
We have been through countless mock drafts for the Pittsburgh Steelers, with some picks being better than others. However, we've officially found the absolute worst projection for the Steelers of the entire 2026 pre-draft process.
The pick comes from Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, who has the Steelers selecting Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk after a trade back with the Cleveland Browns from No. 20 to No. 24.
The trade in and of itself is unlikely to happen because the two teams are division rivals, but we'll put that aside for now.
Before we get into why this is such a bad pick, here's Zierlein's explanation, if you want to call it that:
"After acquiring more draft capital by moving back, the Steelers add a young, high-character prospect who is still growing his frame and his game. Faulk will be able to play in odd or even fronts in the future," Zierlein wrote.
Auburn Tigers defensive end Keldric Faulk (15) blitzes as Auburn Tigers take on Ball State Cardinals at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Auburn Tigers defeated Ball State Cardinals 42-3. Imagn Images.
Our dissatisfaction with Zierlein's pick for the Steelers has nothing to do with the prospect himself. Faulk is a promising young player and might end up being a fantastic pro.
Instead, the dissatisfaction comes from the fact that the last thing the Steelers need is another edge rusher, so taking one in Round 1 would be a huge mistake when considering the bigger fish Pittsburgh as to fry.
Pittsburgh is already loaded at the position with T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig, and Herbig is having issues seeing the field with the two vets ahead of him.
There's just no way Pittsburgh will add to that logjam with a first-round pick.
There have been rumors that the Steelers might consider trading Highsmith because of their crowded situation at edge rusher, but we're skeptical that will happen with Pittsburgh in a win-now situation.
Even if it does happen, we still think taking an edge rusher in Round 1 would be a mistake, barring an extreme slide of a highly-regarded prospect. We would, however, be comfortable with taking one on Day 2 in that scenario.
With the injury setback suffered by Broderick Jones, who was already on thin ice after three lackluster seasons to start his career, the Steelers should be aiming for a left tackle in Round 1.
We would obviously prefer a quarterback, but No. 21 is too early to make a play for any of them, including Ty Simpson. Pittsburgh is probably better off waiting until 2027, anyway, when the quarterback class will be stronger.
Giants primed to make Jeremiyah Love mistake based on latest rumor
Giants 7-mound mock draft that serves as blueprint for success
Former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin gets TV job with major network
KC Concepcion, Omar Cooper fit mold for Steelers' ideal WR
How Broderick Jones injury setback changes Steelers' draft plans