Steelers Take All-American Pass Rusher In Latest USA Today Mock Draft

With much of the conversation surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first‑round plans in the upcoming NFL Draft focused on either the wide receiver or defensive back positions, one position group that may be overlooked is edge rusher.

Currently, the Steelers’ depth at edge rusher includes All‑Pro linebacker T.J. Watt—who will enter his tenth NFL season in 2026—along with the talented but frequently injured Alex Highsmith, the raw yet promising Nick Herbig, and rookie Jack Sawyer. Although the roster does not appear to have an immediate need at the position, one USA Today analyst sees the situation differently.

In his latest mock draft, Ayrton Ostly projects the Steelers to select unanimous All‑American pass rusher David Bailey from Texas Tech in the first round. Ostly argues that Bailey’s production and pass‑rush skill set could provide a valuable complement to Watt, whose output has declined this season for several reasons, including a collapsed lung sustained during a medical procedure two weeks ago.

While he acknowledges the advanced age across much of the Steelers’ defensive roster, he argues that Bailey’s maturity and refined approach could allow him to contribute immediately, mitigating some of the unit’s long‑term volatility.

"Pittsburgh's defense is getting old and our gift to them is Bailey, one of the most productive pass rushers in college football. He should be able to produce immediately as one of the more pro-ready rushers in the class. He'd be an immediate impact rusher to help ease star T.J. Watt into the twilight of his career."

As Bailey and the Red Raiders prepare for the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, he enters the postseason after finishing the regular season ranked second nationally in sacks with 13.5, while also recording 17.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, a pass breakup, and a fumble recovery—production that underscores both his consistency and his impact on high‑leverage downs.

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