The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for the 2026 offseason with an eye on acquiring a standout quarterback, according to a recent early mock draft from ESPN. Analyst Matt Miller has projected that the Steelers will select LaNorris Sellers, the talented quarterback from South Carolina, with the 16th overall pick.
Sellers had an impressive season, throwing for 18 touchdowns against seven interceptions, while also showcasing his mobility with 674 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. His physical stature at 6-foot-3 and 242 pounds provides an intriguing combination of strength and mobility, which could lead to him being drafted even earlier if he refines his decision-making skills. With two years of eligibility remaining after next season, Sellers’ draft status is not set in stone, but his potential has drawn significant attention from NFL evaluators.
He emerged as a prominent player in his sophomore season, where he led the Gamecocks to a 9-4 record. Sellers threw for over 2,500 yards and achieved a remarkable performance against a ranked Missouri team, completing 21 of 30 passes for 353 yards and five touchdowns. His standout moment as a runner was a stunning 75-yard touchdown scamper against LSU, illustrating his ability to make big plays.
Sellers’ successful season helped South Carolina achieve its first nine-win campaign since 2017, with notable victories over Missouri, Oklahoma, and Clemson. However, the team faced narrow losses to formidable opponents including LSU, Alabama, and Illinois, with those defeats coming by a margin of just nine points total.
This proposed selection marks a shift from earlier drafts, where the focus was more on defensive positions. Earlier this offseason, Steelers analyst Jonathan Heitritter highlighted Sellers’ potential, noting that his ability to evade pressure and extend plays resembles the style that Steelers fans appreciated during Ben Roethlisberger’s tenure.
Sellers is currently positioned as the third quarterback in Miller’s mock draft, following Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, who is expected to go first overall to the Cleveland Browns, and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier at the 11th spot to the Indianapolis Colts. The first round of the draft also features Penn State’s Drew Allar expected to be selected 27th by the Los Angeles Rams as they look for a successor to Matthew Stafford.
This potential pick signifies the Steelers’ commitment to building a strong offensive lineup, which is essential for enhancing their competitive edge in the league. If Sellers continues to develop his skills, he could emerge as a top prospect in the 2026 draft, providing hope for an exciting future for the Pittsburgh Steelers.