The Steelers face an absolutely critical draft in 2025 that could reshape their franchise trajectory for the next decade. Fans and those wagering on the team have been concerned for some time that the Steelers are facing some key positional weaknesses as they approach this pivotal selection process.
With their defensive line showing concerning age and depth issues, and quarterback stability remaining elusive, Pittsburgh must identify prospects who fit their system while addressing these vulnerabilities. Let’s examine which collegiate standouts should top their draft board.
Key Takeaways
- Walter Nolen could provide versatile, Aaron Donald-like disruption at 293 pounds to strengthen the Steelers’ defensive front.
- Travis Hunter offers press-man coverage skills that would boost the secondary’s low interception production of just 9 in 2024.
- Tyler Booker’s elite power for gap schemes would provide immediate offensive line impact for the Steelers’ running game.
- Jalon Walker brings sideline-to-sideline versatility at linebacker that perfectly fits Pittsburgh’s 3-4 defensive scheme.
- Jalen Milroe represents a dual-threat quarterback option aligning with the Steelers’ apparent shift toward mobile signal-callers could be an option late on day two or on day three.
Defensive Line Prospects to Bolster the Steelers Front
Necessity drives Pittsburgh’s defensive line search heading into the 2025 draft, as the Steelers must prepare for life beyond Cam Heyward while addressing immediate depth concerns.
Walter Nolen offers Aaron Donald-like versatility at 293 pounds, while Michigan’s Kenneth Grant provides rare athleticism at 350 pounds. Fans tracking the Pittsburgh Steelers odds in the 2025 season, will be crossing their fingers in the hope that the team lands a disruptive talent in the defensive line – which could significantly boost the team’s overall defensive production.
The Steelers brain’s trust would be well to address the team’s nose tackle concerns – and Deone Walker’s 345-pound frame could be the solution to replacing Benton if he shifts to end. With the position considered the deepest class in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Steelers have multiple options if their primary targets are unavailable.
Potential Quarterback Additions for Pittsburgh’s Future
Despite Justin Fields seemingly the odd-on-favorite, the Steelers appear poised to explore quarterback options in the 2025 draft, with several intriguing prospects aligning with their apparent shift toward mobile signal-callers.
If you’re tracking how a rookie quarterback might alter the team’s chances, you can check out FanDuel’s NFL Props and Matchups Overview for real-time insights on league-wide quarterback developments.
The organization finds itself without quarterback stability for the third time in four seasons since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement. The solution may lie in Jalen Milroe, who offers Jackson-like dual-threat capabilities with developmental passing mechanics.
Meanwhile, mid-round options like Jaxson Dart and Will Howard provide cost-effective developmental alternatives with varying mobility profiles and experience levels.
Secondary Targets to Strengthen the Defensive Backfield
Pittsburgh’s defensive backfield presents one of the more intriguing areas for potential draft reinforcement in 2025, with a diverse prospect pool aligning perfectly with the Steelers’ longstanding defensive philosophy.
- Press-man specialists like Travis Hunter and Trey Amos offer the physical coverage skills to address Pittsburgh’s low interception total (9) from 2024. Travis Hunter’s exceptional ball skills make him an ideal fit for a defense needing turnover production.
- Hybrid defenders including Sebastian Castro provide slot/safety versatility with elite run-defense grades.
- Developmental talents such as Darien Porter bring high-ceiling athleticism balanced against technical refinement needs.
Offensive Line Prospects to Protect the Quarterback
Addressing the quarterback protection issue remains paramount for the Steelers’ 2025 draft strategy, with several offensive line prospects offering immediate and long-term solutions across the front five.
The Steelers will be taking a long, hard look at:
- Tyler Booker, who presents elite power for gap schemes, while Donovan Jackson excels in zone systems with his strong anchor.
- For mid-round value, J.C. Davis offers scheme versatility as a guard/tackle hybrid, and Josh Simmons could solidify first-round status with strong Combine performances.
- Grey Zabel from North Dakota State could be an intriguing developmental option with his anchor ability and football IQ.
Impact Linebackers to Complete the Defense
While the Steelers defense has shown flashes of its Steel Curtain heritage, their linebacker corps requires significant reinforcement to fully maximize the unit’s potential in 2025.
Three tier-one prospects stand out:
- Jalon Walker – Georgia’s sideline-to-sideline weapon with edge-to-ILB versatility ideal for Pittsburgh’s 3-4 scheme.
- Jihaad Campbell – Alabama’s dual-threat with 112 tackles and blitz capabilities.
- Demetrius Knight Jr. – PFF’s LB1 with exceptional explosion metrics and tackle efficiency.
Campbell’s impressive jump in production, nearly doubling his career tackles in a single season, demonstrates the kind of year-over-year development the Steelers covet in prospects.
Opportunity Knocks
You’ve now seen the critical prospects who can transform Pittsburgh’s future like a blacksmith shaping raw steel to a sword with a razor’s edge. By targeting Walter Nolen’s explosive first step, Jalen Milroe’s dual-threat capabilities, or Jihaad Campbell’s sideline-to-sideline range, you’ll address the Steelers’ most glaring deficiencies.
Pittsburgh’s 2025 draft strategy must prioritize high-ceiling talent at quarterback, defensive line, and linebacker to maximize their championship window in the coming years.
