The Pittsburgh Steelers are already looking ahead, and one NFL analyst believes they've found the perfect successor to defensive legend Cameron Heyward. CBS Sports' Josh Edwards has released an early 2027 mock draft that pairs the Steelers with Oregon defensive tackle A'Mauri Washington, a Big Ten powerhouse who could anchor Pittsburgh's defensive line for years to come.

This prediction comes on the heels of the Steelers' surprising move to draft Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. With that need potentially addressed, the focus now shifts to fortifying the trenches—a hallmark of Steelers football. As Edwards notes, "Cameron Heyward cannot play forever, and the Steelers will eventually need additional help along the defensive line."

Washington, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing in at a formidable frame, made a savvy decision to return to Oregon for another season instead of entering the 2026 draft, where he was projected as a potential first- or second-round pick. His choice was driven by a desire to compete for a national championship, but it also gives NFL teams another year to evaluate his development. In 37 games with the Ducks, Washington has posted 45 combined tackles, six tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 46th-best defensive tackle out of 881 last season, with particularly impressive marks in pass rush (10th) and solid run defense (55th).

For Steelers fans, this mock draft scenario is a tantalizing glimpse into the future. Heyward, a six-time Pro Bowler and the heart of Pittsburgh's defense, is entering the twilight of his career. Adding a young, disruptive force like Washington could ensure the Steel Curtain tradition lives on. As the 2027 draft approaches, all eyes will be on whether the Steelers can land a player who embodies the toughness and tenacity that defines Pittsburgh football.