Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 NFL Draft Preview

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been the staple of consistency for the past few decades. This season, they still have a ton of questions heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. As of this moment, Mason Rudolph is the starting quarterback. Aaron Rodgers is still in the mix, but as of the writing of his article, he remains unsigned. TJ Watt has been rumored to be on the move, but again, nothing has happened yet. This does not mean they have been inactive. They traded for DK Metcalf, pairing him with George Pickens. This limits their draft capital, but this is still one of the most intriguing teams in the draft.

Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 NFL Draft Picks

The Pittsburgh Steelers have six draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.

• Round 1: No. 21
• Round 3: No. 83
• Round 4: No. 123
• Round 5: No. 156
• Round 6: No. 185 (from Bears through Seahawks)
• Round 7: No. 229 (from Falcons through Eagles)

The Pittsburgh Steelers only have two picks in the top 100 thanks to the Metcalf trade. With where they are in the draft, quarterback is a tough option in this class. Their roster is too good to simply punt on the season and hope for a higher draft pick next year. With how many expensive players are already on their roster, they need to draft some quality talent to help them compete this year. I would expect they will take a quarterback at some point, but where will be the real mystery. The last time they took a quarterback around this position was Kenny Pickett, and that didn’t end well.

Team Needs

The Pittsburgh Steelers definitely need a quarterback, but also have some other needs. Najee Harris signed with the Chargers, and the team could use a dynamic back to help take the pressure off whoever will be under center. Every team could use offensive line depth, and the Steelers are no exception. It seems weird to say, but the needs are mostly on defense.

The secondary got torched last year. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick can only do so much. Counting on Watt to make a game-changing play every half is not a great strategy. Getting some help in the secondary will help give the defensive line more opportunities. Additionally, they could use some help on the defensive line.

Mock Draft

• Round 1: No. 21: Malaki Starks S Georgia
• Round 3: No. 83: Tyler Shough QB Louisville
• Round 4: No. 123: Ty Robinson DL Nebraska
• Round 5: No. 156: Saivion Jones Edge LSU
• Round 6: No. 185: Cobee Bryant CB Kansas
• Round 7: No. 229: Kyle Monangai RB Rutgers

Mock Draft Analysis

I have no idea where the Pittsburgh Steelers go in the first round, but taking Jaxon Dart just feels like a huge reach. If they could get him in the second round, I wouldn’t have an issue, but I’d rather see them get a player like Starks and wait. Shough comes with many question marks, but getting him in the third round feels like better roster building. From there, the team can build the trenches and add some potentially elite talent in the later rounds.

Let’s say the Pittsburgh Steelers do take Dart or another quarterback. I ran a couple of mock drafts, and it just puts so much pressure on that pick being a home run. I’d rather take my chances with Rudolph or Rodgers than roll the dice with the third-best quarterback in this class with a first-round pick.

Final Thoughts

The Pittsburgh Steelers seem to be at a crossroads. They can continue to try and swim in this slightly above mediocre place they are in, or make a big swing. It’s anyone’s guess what they will decide.