Well Steelers fans- here we are a little more than two weeks away from the 2025 NFL Draft. Every draft is intriguing and a bit mysterious, but so far I’ve found this one to be a bit more unpredictable than usual. Generally speaking, even the most accurate mock-drafters out there get more than five to six picks correct in the first round. That’s because we usually have a pretty good idea who will go first, second, and third by now. But this year is a bit wacky.
It’s a pretty safe bet that Cam Ward will go first overall. But to which team? As of today, the Tennessee Titans seem content to stay at #1 and take Ward. My gut tells me that just doesn’t feel right for some reason. Is all the talk just a smokescreen to get as much via trade as they can, or will they actually select Ward?
The Browns and Giants are the most likely to attempt to trade up. If they don’t, will either team take Shedeur Sanders or just try to wait it out until next year for a better quarterback class? If they pass on Sanders, then Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter are the next most logical choices, but in which order? This is the intrigue of the NFL draft and all we can do is make our best guesses (with a little bit of finger crossing and pleads of “please be there” thrown in.) What might the Steelers strategy be? I’m glad you asked.
Round 1- Pick #21
Depending on players available, I would like to see the Steelers trade down (if another team is willing to do so of course) and obtain some more draft capital. Especially after trading their second-round pick for DK Metcalf. Personally, my favorite match for them is still Emeka Egbuka, but this would probably mean that George Pickens is traded. Although Metcalf, Pickens, and Egbuka all on the field at the same time would be ridiculous. However, I have come to terms with the fact that this will most likely be a defensive tackle. If Kenneth Grant is there you don’t hesitate and rush the pick in. If Derrick Harmon is there, maybe hesitate a little just in case the phone starts ringing.
Round 3- Pick #83
The lack of a second-round pick makes this selection all the more important. The Steelers have some band-aids in place at most positions, but depth is needed everywhere. This is where best player available comes into play, with the running back position getting the nod if two players are close. Some of the players that may be available in this range are Kevin Winston Jr., Denzel Burke, and Cam Skattebo. The Steelers could be thinking QB here if a prospect fell a little bit, although I hope they pass. I would not be surprised if offensive line is an option here either. It really could be wide open.
Round 4- Pick #123
This is where I think the Steelers are most likely to start considering quarterbacks. If they didn’t select a running back in the 3rd round, then the likelihood increases here. At some point I truly expect them to double up on the defensive line as well so if there is a prospect here they really love that is also a possibility. Every prior pick impacts the latter. Will Howard, Quinn Ewers, Bhayshul Tuten, and Jamaree Caldwell are players that could be found in this range. There are also some offensive line players that are tackle/guard ‘tweeners that should be available here as well such as Charles Grant and Jalen Rivers.
Round 5- Pick #156
Here is where the Steelers are (hopefully) looking at depth pieces with eventual starter potential. Which means that just about any position is possible, with the exception of kicker, punter, and long snapper. We’re still looking for players that may be able to contribute this season here. Players like J.J. Pegues, Que Robinson, and Luke Kandra come to mind. Starting caliber running backs may still be around if the position still has not been addressed, like Dylan Sampson or Devin Neal.
Round 6- Pick #185
In round 6 we’re looking for projects or players that didn’t test well but have game tape that shows they can play ball. Or there may still be guys that fell unexpectedly. These last two rounds are for players that teams feel ok about rolling the dice on. I’m looking for players like Ty Robinson, Jack Nelson, Cam Jackson, or maybe even someone like Jack Sawyer.
Round 7- Pick #229
In this spot we’re basically looking at any position we may still need depth in, or special teams guys that with some development can become a spot starter. Who knows- maybe you even find the next Brock Purdy. If the Steelers missed on a running back earlier, maybe they look at a guy like Trevor Etienne or Jaydon Blue as a change of pace back or in the return game. Or Dante Trader Jr. for safety depth. Or add to the receiver room with a developmental guy like Antwane Wells, Jr. or Jimmy Horn, Jr.
Every year bizarre things happen. Guys that didn’t play very well during the season but performed well in the Underwear Olympics (aka the Scouting Combine) will get over-drafted. Players that were thought to be drafted early will be available a couple rounds later, leaving scouts wondering “what did I miss?” In the end, none of it matters. It depends what the players do with their opportunity and how they produce on the field. There are no “surefire prospects” or “generational talents” right now. Just ask Tom Brady and Andrew Luck. But it sure is fun to guess and brings hope for the future.
