Well, we’ve finally reached the end. The 2025 National Football League Draft is here and I’ve prepared my third and final mock draft for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Every, single year there is uncertainty, but this year feels even more so. This is a ‘good’ draft, but it lacks high end guys with only about 15-20 truly grading out as first round players. With that in mind, it feels even more difficult than usual to predict what the Steelers will do. I am however, up to the challenge!
Round 1 (Pick 21) – Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
I just can’t see a scenario where the Steelers don’t address the defensive line especially with Harmon being available here. Despite him being a transfer (three seasons at Michigan State), the talent is too much to pass up here as the Steelers haven’t taken many transfer players. He’s wide and long at the same time and has the ability to play anywhere along the defensive front.
Mock 1.0: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Mock 2.0: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan *Steelers Trade the 21st and 83rd picks in the 2025 Draft. In return, Kansas City trades picks number 31 and 63 plus a 2026 Second Rounder.
Mock 2.0: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State (After Trade)
(Traded to KC) Round 3 (Pick 83) – Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville
You can’t run from the fact that he’s 26 years old but I don’t see this pick as keeping the Steelers from drafting a QB next year. I view this selection in two ways. First, you get an experienced and knowledgeable QB with solid NFL skills who could perhaps go on to be a steady backup for years to come. Secondly, maybe the Steelers strike gold and the young man who has overcome numerous injuries blossoms into a starter. This is earlier than I’d want a QB but I think the Steelers are a bit desperate to rebuild the room.
Mock 1.0: Jack Bech, WR, TCU
Mock 2.0: Traded
Round 4 (Pick 123) – Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee
He doesn’t strike you as a guy that you could depend on as a three-down back but he did exactly that at Tennessee. He plays much bigger than his 5’8″ frame and has a relentless leg drive. He catches the ball well and is a threat to go for six anytime he gets the ball which the Steelers desperately need.
Mock 1.0: Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas
Mock 2.0: Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas
Round 5 (Pick 156) – Elijah Roberts, DT, SMU
Position flexibility. Roberts has it and can play anywhere along the defensive front. He also possesses the non-stop motor that you love to see from defenders. He will need some time to work on some technique issues but he’s a solid addition here as the Steelers double-up on the D-Line.
Mock 1.0: Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville
Mock 2.0: Rylie Mills, DT, Notre Dame
Round 6 (185) – Andrew Armstrong, WR, Arkansas
Many have Isaac TeSlaa, another Arkansas wide receiver, going to the Steelers but I think Armstrong is the pick here. He’s got great size at 6’3″ 200lbs and will win more contested balls than he doesn’t. His route running needs work and he’s primarily a boundary receiver but he give the Steelers options should George Pickens or D.K. Metcalf not be available.
Mock 1.0: Tim Smith, DT, Alabama
Mock 2.0: Ricky White, WR, UNLV
Round 7 (Pick 229) – Jordan Clark, S, Notre Dame OR Carson Bruener, LB, Washington
Why do I have two guys selected here? Because there’s no NFL team that loves nepotism and bloodlines quite like the Steelers. Clark is the son of former Steeler Ryan Clark. He transferred to Notre Dame after a few seasons at Arizona State. Clark was part of an excellent Fighting Irish secondary as he played well in the nickel spot most of the season. He’s one of the stronger DB’s you’ll find after he did 18 reps of 225lbs at his pro day. Bruener is the son of former Steelers’ tight end and current scout Mark Bruener. He’s an excellent coverage LB who plays with his hair on fire and is typically all over the field.
Both of these guys obviously have shortcomings or they would be selected much higher. In fact, I would wager both will end up signing free agent contracts – likely with the Steelers – following the Draft.
Mock 1.0: Jacob Gideon, C/G, Western Michigan
Mock 2.0: Dante Trader, Jr., S, Maryland
