Steelers Mock Draft 2.0 | Omar Cooper Jr. Completes WR Trio? | Maximize Day 2 Value, Balance Roster

In this episode of the Locked On Steelers podcast, host Chris Carter dives into a second iteration of his 2026 NFL Mock Draft, emphasizing the importance of maximizing Day 2 draft value through strategic trades. Carter presents a revised mock where the Steelers trade down from the 21st overall pick to the 29th, acquiring multiple high-value picks in return—including the 40th, 53rd, and 85th overall selections. This allows them to land top-tier talent like Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. at 29, Texas A&M guard Chase Besantis at 40, and Iowa State defensive tackle Dominique Orange at 69. The strategy aims to address multiple roster needs—wide receiver, guard, cornerback, defensive tackle, and safety—while building depth and flexibility. Carter argues that this approach balances the roster, creates immediate impact players, and sets up future flexibility, especially if the Steelers decide to pursue a quarterback in the following year’s draft. The episode also features a special Mock Draft Monday segment where fans were challenged to draft Ty Simpson in the first round. Winner John PJR 16 demonstrated a creative solution by trading back to secure both Cooper and Simpson, but Carter uses the exercise to caution against prioritizing an unproven quarterback at the expense of addressing critical positional needs across the board. The episode concludes with a strong endorsement of aggressive, value-driven drafting to stabilize and strengthen the Steelers’ roster for long-term success.