One notable early mock draft has the Steelers at No. 12 overall selecting Notre Dame safety Brauntae Johnson. The idea behind this pick is not to avoid quarterback needs altogether, but to secure the best available defensive playmaker while evaluating the quarterback situation through the upcoming development year.
Brauntae Johnson stands 6-foot-2 and weighs around 200 pounds. He emerged as a premier defender for Notre Dame, starting eight of 10 games in his previous season and finishing with 48 tackles, four interceptions, and three passes defended. Johnson headlines as a top defensive prospect in the 2027 class, with preseason accolades highlighting his talent. His college production includes a notable freshman year with interceptions returned for touchdowns and multiple picks against strong competition.
Proponents of Johnson’s fit highlight his size, physicality, and field instincts, projecting that his style could translate quickly to the NFL as an impactful player. This selection would address Pittsburgh’s long-term safety needs, especially if the team views Brisker as a short-term piece only and whether he will remain with the club beyond his current contract.
The quarterback question remains central. The Steelers have spent several years trying to stabilize the position since the departure of a longtime starter, cycling through several signal-callers and now incorporating a developmental plan behind a veteran. The development path of a young quarterback on the roster will heavily influence any top-12 drafting decisions, including whether a safety like Johnson becomes the strategic pick or if the organization prioritizes a quarterback to transition into a long-term starter role.
If the Steelers conclude that their in-house development is on track to produce a reliable quarterback, selecting a high-grade safety could be viewed as maximizing value and building a strong foundation on both sides of the ball. Conversely, if the quarterback plan does not meet expectations, the emphasis could shift toward pursuing a top quarterback early in the draft.
In summary, Brauntae Johnson represents a potential blueprint for Pittsburgh’s 2027 strategy: a high-caliber safety to upgrade the defense while the quarterback situation is resolved through continued development or additional moves. The ultimate decision will hinge on the progression and confidence in the signal-caller currently on the roster, underscoring how closely linked the team’s draft choices will be to the quarterback timeline.
