Why The Steelers' Lack Of A Second-Round Pick In 2025 Is More Devastating Than Fans Think

The Pittsburgh Steelers and the rest of the National Football League are gearing up for a big 2025 NFL Draft at the end of April. With the Steelers having huge question marks at critical positions, including quarterback and defensive line, Pittsburgh is going to need to nail each selection they make in the upcoming draft. The Steelers are now currently without a 2025 second-round draft pick after the massive trade for star wide receiver DK Metcalf. Although the addition of a player among Metcalf's caliber was much needed for the Steelers, being without a second-round pick is a concern.

On Wednesday, Steelers insider with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Ray Fittipaldo, made an appearance on Pittsburgh's 93.7 The Fan Morning Show. Fittipaldo talked about the 2025 draft group and how the Steelers holding the 21st pick and 83rd pick could be a problem with how big the gap is between selections. 

"This is being termed a good starter's draft, so it's not really elite at the top, like one through 10," Fittipaldo explained to the show's crew members on Wednesday. "This isn't a superstar class where you're gonna have future All-Pros, but there's gonna be starters available rounds one through three. So not having that second-round pick is probably eating away at them in this type of draft."

It's going to be difficult for the Steelers to firmly address each the quarterback spot, defensive line, and running back having only two picks in the top 100 selections. That is, unless they make another trade to acquire another early-round draft pick. The Steelers didn't receive any compensatory picks for 2025. Those will start coming towards Pittsburgh's direction in 2026 after a handful of players signed elsewhere this free agency period. 

How and if the Steelers are able to complete another trade to gain back a draft pick remains to be seen. Insiders seem set on the idea of trading George Pickens before he is set for a new contract after 2026, but the front office hasn't shown any signs of interest in doing so. The Steelers could add another rookie receiver through the draft, but how high they plan to select one could determine the future of Pickens. 

The Steelers, in all likelihood, will explore all options and do their due diligence in an effort to grab another early selection. If they are unable to do so, their first and third round picks have to be perfect by the front office. 

Steelers Have Huge Choices To Make At Quarterback And Wide Receiver In 2025 NFL Draft

The most crucial factor in this year's draft is whether the Steelers are ready to take another swing on a rookie quarterback either this year or next year in 2026. Regardless if they land Aaron Rodgers, who was seen in a private workout with Metcalf recently, the Steelers need a plan for the future at quarterback, and that's something they haven't been able to find since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger. It's also possible they draft a quarterback both this year and next year. 

As mentioned previously, Pickens' future with the Black and Gold remains in question. If the franchise decides to let him walk after this season, then they will need a young replacement for him. They could shock the fan base by not selecting a receiver, like many thought they would this year and take one next year after Pickens' situation is handled.