Mock Draft: Steelers Plans Become Clear at NFL Combine

Round 3, Pick 83: Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas

Expect a quarterback to be selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2025 NFL Draft, but don't think it's going to be a first-rounder. The third or fourth round seems most realistic, and as it gets closer, it feels like someone is going to take a flier on Jaxson Dart, which will force another team to take a flier on Jalen Milroe.

Pittsburgh would love to get their hands on Milroe in the third round, but it won't be an option. Quinn Ewers, who rumor has it, impressed everyone with his NFL Combine interviews, will likely be there and could be the Steelers' top option.

The Texas QB may not have ended up as the first-round pick many thought he would be a year ago, but he still carries plenty of upside and the ability to be a reliable backup in 2025.

Round 4, Pick 122: Jackson Slater, OG, Sacramento State

If there's one thing Pat Meyer has in his arsenal, it's finding talent. The Steelers offensive line is looking for competition with Mason McCormick, and eventually a starter to replace Isaac Seumalo. Jackson Slater can be one, if not both, for Pittsburgh.

The 6-foot-3 guard has some of the best tape in the NFL Draft and brings a ton of athleticism and power to the next level. As a small school player, there may be some adjustments to be made, but if the Steelers can develop Slater, he could turn out to be a major steal for them this spring.

Round 5, Pick 163: Jaylen Reed, Safety, Penn State

The Steelers don't know what the future of Ryan Watts is, they are letting Damontae Kazee walk into free agency and their only other option behind Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott is Miles Killebrew. Jaylen Reed doesn't have to be their only option as a safety three, but he could compete for the role.

With plenty of versatility and comparisons to be Jaquon Brisker and Ji'Ayir Brown, Reed is a quality tackler who can play safety and nickel. With Beanie Bishop being an unknown, Reed gives Pittsburgh the option for competition in the middle of the draft.

Round 7, Pick 225: Jimmy Horn, WR, Colorado

The Steelers were all about Jimmy Horn during the East-West Shrine Bowl, and likely remain a favorite to land him in this year's draft. Will he fall to the seventh round? That might depend on his Pro Day as teams come to scout Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. But if he does, Pittsburgh will look at him as a developmental option with plenty of upside and a strong background to build off of.

Round 7, Pick 238: Marques Cox, OT, Kentucky

The Steelers need a swing tackle, and will likely bring in a veteran near the end of their career. But they don't have a developmental piece to grow as depth, and Cox adds that to their roster.

With a high football I.Q., Cox has the knowledge to put it all together and create a much higher ceiling for himself than his floor currently presents. He does need to work on a lot, with his athleticism limiting him and his hand placement being a bit speractic, but if he can put it all together, he's got potential for a Day 3 pick.

Round 7, Pick 247: Bru McCoy, WR, Tennessee

The Steelers have watched Tee Higgins, Deebo Samuel and most likely Christian Kirk get taken off the board over the last week. It's unknown what's going on with Chris Godwin, and if Darius Slayton and Cooper Kupp are their top options, they will probably look to make sure they have plenty of extra with their late-round picks.

Jimmy Horn isn't solving any of their issues from last year, no matter how big his upside is for a seventh-round pick. So, adding another name to the mix in a 6-foot-5 wideout with serious speed is the best use of their last pick in the draft.