With free agency underway, it’s high time for me to get busy on my first Steelers’ Mock Draft of 2025. As I do every year, I take the approach of what I believe the Steelers will do in the Draft rather than what I would do. Here we go!
Round 1 (Pick 21) – Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
The Steelers have to rebuild their defensive line and that’s an understatement. 35-year old Cam Heyward and Keannu Benton are really all that is left of this unit. They did sign 31-year Daniel Ekuale but I don’t see him as a guy getting too many snaps. Harmon immediately upgrades this unit. He has powerful hands and works through double-teams extremely well. He would be an immediate starter in my book.
Round 3 (Pick 83) – Jack Bech, WR, TCU
I see Bech’s selection coming as a result of a couple of things. First, it’s fair to ask why? George Pickens and D.K. Metcalf seem destined to be outside receivers with Calvin Austin III working from the slot. I’m not convinced however that Pickens isn’t traded around Draft time and Bech gives you the flexibility to play him outside as a #2 or in the slot. He’s a solid route runner and has excellent hands.
Round 4 (Pick 123) – Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas
Darius Slay is an excellent pick up in free agency. His veteran presence and experience should pay dividends. He’s also 34 years old. Cory Trice has all of the physical tools you like but his injury history suggests that you just can’t count on him. Bryant becomes a really nice and needed pick here. He can do a little bit of everything in coverage and appears to be one of the better run supporting corners in this draft.
Round 5 (Pick 156) – Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville
You likely know the story. He’s going to be 26 years old in September and would likely be a much higher prospect were it not for the age. Shough has a live arm that can make all the throws. He has surprising mobility for his 6’5″ 215lbs frame. I really think the Steelers like him after showing a lot of interest in him so far and I don’t see this pick as a “QB of the future” type thing. I see him as a potential long-term backup who has the experience and ability to step in and start for stretches if necessary.
Round 6 (185) – Tim Smith, DT, Alabama
Doubling up on the Defensive Line? I think it’s a real possibility. Smith has played four seasons for the Crimson Tide and improved each season. I don’t necessarily see him as a full-time starter but he could be an excellent rotational piece. He’s very good against the run but will need work on his pass rushing.
Round 7 (Pick 229) – Jacob Gideon, C/G, Western Michigan
The Steelers love versatility on the offensive line and Gideon has it. He also has a ton of experience as well with over 2,000 snaps in his college career. He also served as a team captain for the Broncos and while seventh rounders rarely ‘stick,’ he would be a perfect candidate for the Practice Squad early on.
