The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for the 2025 NFL Draft with renewed determination following another disappointing playoff exit. Under the guidance of the league's longest-tenured head coach, Mike Tomlin, the Steelers aim to rebuild and reclaim their status as a playoff contender. After a season where they maintained their streak of 21 consecutive seasons with a .500 record or better, the franchise is focused on addressing key positions, particularly quarterback, as they look to bounce back.
One of the most significant moves this offseason was the acquisition of wide receiver D.K. Metcalf from Seattle, which was aimed at bolstering the offense. With both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields no longer on the roster, the quarterback position remains a major question mark. The Steelers are expected to make strategic decisions during the draft to help solidify their future at this critical position.
Defensively, the Steelers boast a strong core featuring six blue-chip players: T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Alex Highsmith, linebacker Patrick Queen, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Joey Porter Jr. These players form the backbone of a defense that has consistently ranked among the best in the league. However, the team recognizes the need to continue retooling, particularly in the face of aging players and recent departures.
The Steelers hold six selections in the 2025 NFL Draft, with their first-round pick at 21st overall. This draft is seen as pivotal for the franchise as they look to address both immediate needs and long-term goals. Below is a complete list of their draft picks:
- Round 1: Pick 21 – Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
- Round 3: Pick 83
- Round 4: Pick 123
- Round 5: Pick 156
- Round 6: Pick 185 (From Bears via Seahawks from trade for WR D.K. Metcalf)
- Round 7: Pick 229 (From Falcons via Eagles)
As the draft approaches, analysts have begun speculating on the Steelers' strategy. According to USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis, there is an assumption that quarterback Aaron Rodgers may eventually sign with the team, which could explain their aggressive approach in this draft. "Guess we're assuming QB Aaron Rodgers eventually signs on to play here… which would at least partially explain the Steelers adapting something of an all-in mentality for 2025 while apparently worrying about their quarterback of the future at a later date," Davis noted.
The Steelers' current depth chart at quarterback includes Mason Rudolph, a solid backup option, but the team is under pressure to invest significantly at the position. The franchise has struggled with uncertainty since Ben Roethlisberger's retirement after the 2021 season. While they previously selected Kenny Pickett in the 2022 draft, he has not developed into the franchise quarterback they hoped for, leading to speculation that they may look to draft another quarterback this year.
With their first-round pick, the Steelers are unlikely to land the top quarterback prospects like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, but they may consider alternatives such as Jaxson Dart or Jalen Milroe. The need for a quarterback is critical, but the Steelers also have other pressing needs that require attention. Defensive tackle Cam Heyward, a stalwart in the middle of their run defense, will turn 36 at the start of the season, and the team has yet to identify a successor. Pittsburgh's run defense allowed just 3.7 yards per carry with Heyward on the field, ranking second in the league, but that number jumped to 5.1 yards without him, which would place them near the bottom of the league.
The Steelers have also made moves to address their offensive line, which has been the least invested group in the NFL. After losing key players James Daniels and Dan Moore in free agency, they need to bolster their line to protect a new quarterback and improve their overall offensive performance. Last season, Pittsburgh ranked 29th in pressure rate, underscoring the urgency to strengthen this unit.
In terms of mock drafts, USA TODAY Sports' Ayrton Ostly predicts the Steelers will select Shedeur Sanders from Colorado in the first round, citing his pro-ready talent and potential to be a serviceable starter. The mock draft also includes the following selections:
- Round 3, Pick 83: CB Quincy Riley, Louisville
- Round 4, Pick 123: RB Cam Skattebo, Arizona State
- Round 5, Pick 156: DT Aeneas Peebles, Virginia Tech
- Round 6, Pick 185: WR Chimere Dike, Florida
- Round 7, Pick 229: S Dante Trader Jr., Maryland
The 2025 NFL Draft coverage will be broadcasted across various networks, including NFL Network, ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC, starting on Thursday, April 24, at 8 p.m. ET. The event will continue on Friday, April 25, from 7 p.m. ET, and conclude on Saturday, April 26, from noon to 7 p.m. ET.
As the Steelers prepare for the draft, the focus will be on making the right selections that can help them not only recover from their recent playoff disappointments but also build a foundation for future success. With a mix of veteran talent and promising prospects, the Steelers are poised for a potentially transformative draft that could reshape the team for years to come.
