The Pittsburgh Steelers are going through a rare transition. Gone is Mike Tomlin, in is Mike McCarthy.
The Steelers almost never have an inaugural coach, but in our Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft—where our community creates their own two-round mock—the Steelers also have a new general manager. That manager for this exercise is GM in exile, and they own the 21st pick in the draft.
Before we get to the pick, head to our 2026 Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft tracker. There you’ll find the previous 20 picks, along with links to each article and a grade for each pick, as decided by you, the readers. Don’t forget to cast your vote for each pick with the poll at the bottom of the articles.
Now, onto this pick:
With the 21st pick in the 2026 Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select Peter Woods, defensive tackle out of Clemson
Here’s GM in exile explaining the pick:
I am amazed that what I wrote about the Steelers in 2022 still applies. They are drafting at a point where available talent doesn’t really meet need. They have some pieces, but the roster is more tin foil than steel curtain. I don’t need to reach for offensive line help; there will be opportunities later. Pittsburgh holds 12 draft picks (more than anyone else).
What Pittsburgh needs is a quarterback. A first-round pick gives the team as many as five years with a player, which is especially helpful when developing a quarterback. I think the Steelers should stop playing footsies with Aaron Rodgers and move on. Ah, but the trouble is the remaining quarterbacks carry third-round grades. And I’ll have three third-round picks. But, I did consider Drew Allar and Carson Beck here.
Mike McCarthy is the fourth head coach Pittsburgh has had since 1969. The other three all wear a championship ring. Will McCarthy bring the Lombardi trophy to the confluence of the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers? Not this year. He might as well build a defense that can last, gamble on a quarterback in round three, fill in gaps along the way, and shoot for 2027 and beyond.
As for my pick:
Cameron Heyward is 37 years old. He has been the heart and soul of the defense for a long time. This draft looks like a great opportunity to replace him with Peter Woods from Clemson. Here is a high-character person who has posted good to great numbers every stop along the way. His weaknesses relate to technique and schemes, both of which are a function of coaching. His strengths are first-step explosiveness and strength, which cannot be taught. He benches 490 pounds and squats 700 pounds. He’s gonna need that—Pittsburgh will be putting a lot on him
Time to grade the pick. Vote in the poll below and share your expanded thoughts in the comment section:
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