In the mock draft scenario, Cooper is pegged as a valuable addition as a versatile slot receiver who also brings strong after-the-catch ability and run-blocking value. Projections note that the Steelers boast a league-high 12 selections in 2026, making a potential first- or second-round trade-up plausible, with Cooper fitting as a complement to Metcalf and Pittman.
Cooper emerged as the leading receiver for Indiana last season, posting 69 catches for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns, along with additional rushing production. Evaluators describe him as a capable slot option with outside versatility, and his skill set could provide an immediate impact for Pittsburgh in the short and intermediate areas of the field.
The Steelers’ draft strategy has historically emphasized later-round receiver development, but recent moves indicate a willingness to use trades to address needs, particularly at receiver and along the line. If Pittsburgh were to add a first-round receiver, it would be the franchise’s first such pick since 2006, a move the team has previously pursued to add talent when chasing bigger upgrades.
NFL draft analysts have praised Cooper’s two-year rise and his fit as a “slot bully” with Day 2 value, while also noting his potential to contribute immediately in the slot as Pittsburgh looks to maximize its receiving corps around Metcalf and Pittman. The team currently has a battle at slot receiver, with a young depth chart that could benefit from an established playmaker in Cooper.
As the Steelers weigh maneuvering for high-impact prospects, a trade-up to acquire Cooper would exemplify a broader strategy to maximize draft capital for key positions. The last instance of Pittsburgh moving up in the first round occurred in 2023, when the team selected Broderick Jones, signaling a willingness to leverage capital to secure top targets.
