{
  "id": 13608876,
  "title": "Steelers land playmakers on both sides of the ball in new mock draft update",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/steelers-land-playmakers-on-both-sides-of-the-ball-in-new-mock-draft",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-11T01:48:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/steelers-land-playmakers-both-sides-014833328.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a critical season, and their next month will determine if they can stay competitive in the AFC North. If necessary, the team might consider a full rebuild, offloading big salaries and preparing for the 2027 NFL Draft. The draft will see the Steelers choosing four players in the first three rounds. In this mock draft, the Steelers are set to replace both Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr. on defense, as well as adding two standout playmakers on offense.\n\nFirst round: The Steelers are expected to draft KJ Bolden from Georgia. Bolden is competing with two Notre Dame safeties for the top spot, but he is seen as a dual-threat defensive back with the potential to replace Jalen Ramsey or even DeShon Elliott.\n\nSecond round: Reed Harris from Arizona State is projected to be a pick in the second round. Harris is among the rising stars this season, boasting size and the ability to beat coverage, making him an excellent upgrade for the struggling Steelers passing game.\n\nThird round: The Steelers are likely to select LJ Martin from BYU in the third round. Martin combines size and agility, compensating for his lack of breakaway speed with contact balance and quickness.\n\nThird round: DJ McKinney from Notre Dame is another potential pick in the third round. McKinney's length and instincts have made him a key part of Notre Dame's strong secondary. The Steelers took notice of his talents last draft and are ready to roll the dice on him again.",
  "summary": "The Steelers land two playmakers on each side of the football including Joey Porter Jr.'s replacement in new mock draft",
  "key_points": [
    "Steelers draft KJ Bolden in first round to replace Jalen Ramsey.",
    "Reed Harris selected in second round to bolster passing game.",
    "LJ Martin and DJ McKinney considered in third round for defense and offense."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Steelers' expected draft picks signal a shift towards bolstering their defense and adding playmaking capabilities on offense to stay competitive in the AFC North.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}