Why Mel Kiper picks VR over KB in latest mock draft

Offseason 2026 for Pittsburgh Steelers is defined by uncertainty following the departure of head coach Mike Tomlin and a playoff exit. Insider Mike DeFabo suggested the Houston Texans could be a a surprising destination for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgersdescribing it as a potentially good marriage.

While Rodgers led the Steelers to 10 wins and a division title, DeFabo notes that Houston could offer a more stable defensive floor. With CJ Stroud struggling in the postseason and unable to continue his early momentum, the Texans could be intrigued by the veteran passer to win a title now.

This leaves Pittsburgh in a precarious position as they look to develop a new plan at center.

In a recent mock draft for ESPN, the analyst Mel Kiper Jr. decided to turn the receiving corps, not the quarterback position. “I really wanted to get a Steelers quarterback at this spot,” Kiper explained.

“Trinidad Chambliss could be in the first-round conversation for Ole Miss, obviously depending on what happens with his lawsuit for NCAA eligibility. But the other QBs in this class would be long shots. I don’t know what Pittsburgh will do under center or if Aaron Rodgers will play another season, but it doesn’t look like it’s going to be an easy fix this year.

So let’s turn to the rest of the offense and win VR2 alongside DK Metcalf. We saw what happens when this offense loses Metcalf, as the Steelers managed just one pass in Weeks 17 and 18 while Metcalf was suspended. But Boston runs strong routes and uses its physicality to throw off defenders and make plays on the ball. He had 11 touchdowns last season, including seven in the red zone. It would lift the unit right out of the gate and take some weight off Metcalf.”

This pivot in the draft comes when insiders advertise Rodgers potentially joined the Minnesota Vikings. DeFabo projects there’s a 35 percent chance Rodgers plays for the Vikings, especially given the discouraging performance of JJ McCarthy, who threw 12 interceptions and struggled with accuracy in 2025.

President Art Rooney II emphasized that the quarterback position will be a major part of the conversation with new coaching candidates, but the franchise faces a tough road to stability.