Matt Miller has Steelers selecting defensive back in mock draft

The Steelers have numerous holes to fill in free agency and the draft to improve the roster in 2026.

Aaron Rodgers, Isaac Seumalo, and team MVP Kenneth Gainwell are the most notable free agents for an aging roster that has most of its core under contract.

80 days remain until the 2026 NFL Draft outside Acrisure Stadium on the North Shore. The Steelers have significant needs at quarterback, wide receiver, left guard, cornerback, and safety, among others. In his updated two-round mock draft, ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller projects the Steelers to add to their secondary in the first round and select Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell.

“The Steelers have one emerging star cornerback in Joey Porter Jr., but need to upgrade from free agents James Pierre and Asante Samuel Jr. at the opposite spot,” Miller said. “The younger brother of A.J. Terrell Jr., Avieon Terrell is a savvy cover man with fantastic short-area quickness and fast eyes.”

A 5-foot-11, 180-pound junior from Atlanta, Terrell made 48 tackles but didn’t record an interception this season.  He did force a career-high five fumbles, recovered one, and recorded three sacks in 12 games. 

“He’s an ultra-athletic, fluid mover with the hips, quickness, and press-man prowess to be a solid starter immediately, especially in a defense that can pressure the quarterback and create flip-the-field opportunities for defensive backs,” Miller shared. 

Terrell did not play in the Pinstripe Bowl against Penn State. He totaled three career interceptions over three seasons playing for Dabo Sweeney and the Tigers. Miller pointed out that there will be discussions surrounding the Steelers picking a quarterback at No. 21, but mentioned they can’t reach and force a quarterback selection like Kenny Pickett in 2022.

In the second round, Miller projects the Steelers to select Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch.

“Branch is electric with the ball in his hands and has difference-making speed in his route tree,” Miller said. 

Branch ranked 10th in college football with 81 receptions during his junior campaign. 

The 5-foot-10 receiver from Las Vegas registered a career year in Athens with 811 receiving yards and six touchdowns during his lone season at Georgia. Branch played his first two years at USC before joining the Bulldogs.

In three seasons, Branch caught 159 passes for 1,634 yards and nine touchdowns. He also returned a punt for a touchdown during his freshman year. 

The 2026 NFL Draft is April 23-25 and will be one of the biggest events in Pittsburgh sports history.