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The Mike Tomlin era of Pittsburgh Steelers football has come to a close, allowing ownership to pivot in a new, exciting direction.
The fanbase's reaction to the Mike McCarthy hire suggests that the Rooneys didn't follow through. McCarthy brings a steady hand and an impressive resume, but in an NFL ruled by innovative offensive minds, the news feels like more of the same.
Pittsburgh is trying to win nine-ish games for the nth consecutive year, and bringing back Aaron Rodgers feels nearly inevitable after hiring his former coach. The quarterback decision will be McCarthy's first chance to earn the trust of the Steelers faithful, and free agency will provide some reinforcements. But it's the 2026 NFL Draft where McCarthy's fingerprints will begin to show up on this roster, and an aging core demands Pittsburgh find some victories in April.
Best fits for Mike McCarthy's Pittsburgh Steelers
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
One benefit of a changing of the guard is the ability to pivot off of previous plans. For all the similarities that Tomlin and McCarthy may have, it was the former's front office that couldn't take an offensive tackle in the first round for the third consecutive season.
Another year has passed. Broderick Jones clearly hasn't worked out at left tackle, and McCarthy isn't tied to any (non-Rodgers) player acquired under Tomlin's tenure. Georgia tackle Monroe Freeling is well on his way to Round 1, and if he's on the board for the Steelers, he'd be a fairly easy selection.
Freeling has the athletic tools to back the hype and a track record of winning in pass protection against SEC defenders. There's work to be done against the run, but Freeling would help set the tone of McCarthy's regime by insulating the treachery and keeping Rodgers (and/or a potential protégé) upright.
Skyler Bell, WR, Connecticut
Transferring down from Wisconsin saved Skyler Bell's football career. His two seasons at UCONN let NFL-level athleticism and separation skills show out against lesser competition, and the production put Bell back on the map.
At 5'11", 187 pounds, Bell is a complementary piece to DK Metcalf, whose ability to dominate vertically as an X receiver figures to be a part of the team's long-term plans. As seen during his two-game suspension, though, there simply isn't enough help on the boundary. Bell can slide in as the Z or slot receiver, boasting a robust route tree, above-average athleticism, and a path to impacting every level of the field.
With four Day 2 picks to spend, the Steelers are positioned well to roll the dice on a top-100 receiver prospect.
Louis Moore, SAF, Indiana
It seemed like everyone on Indiana's roster improved on their path to a championship. Moore, once an unheralded prospect, has found himself in Day 2 talks after leading the Big Ten with six interceptions.
MORE: Steelers set to hire Bill Belichick disciple as defensive coordinator
Pittsburgh has had some issues on the back end in recent years. McCarthy alluded to keeping the defensive scheme similar in 2026. Jalen Ramsey's switch to safety went well, but adding dynamism and ball skills to a MOFC defense could inject more juice into a unit that already generated 15 interceptions in 2025.
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, Louisiana State
Part of draft season is digging up connections between prospects and their potential landing spots. One that's been popularized this cycle is LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, whose father, Doug, coached under McCarthy with the Dallas Cowboys.
Nussmeier makes sense as a potential Rodgers replacement given his experience, pre-snap prowess, and ability to limit turnovers without sacrificing a ton of offensive upside. That was challenged by an oblique injury in 2025, but the film from his 2024 campaign was worthy of first-round consideration.
Nussmeier's ability to make plays out of structure exceeds his physical tools, not unlike Brock Purdy. As a Day 2 option, Nussmeier would give McCarthy a chance to put his quarterback-development skills (which were proudly praised at his introductory presser) to the test.
Treydan Stukes, CB, Arizona
Pittsburgh is happy to play Cover 3 until the wheels fall off... and then run it some more. This roster is built for it, and it seems likely that the Steelers will double down in April.
Likewise, Stukes is among the best zone covers in this class. At nearly 6'2" and 200 pounds with the speed to match, Stukes has the foot speed and fluidity to play with his eyes on the quarterback, especially from press looks.
A multi-year starter with an increased role in the slot in recent years, there is some projection in moving Stukes back to the boundary. Pittsburgh also needs help in the slot, too, and Stukes' willingness to get his hands dirty could open the door to a more versatile role at the next level.
I'm not totally sure where he's playing full-time at the next level, but his blend of length, ball skills, and foot speed makes him an interesting candidate for McCarthy to consider.
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