The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off a disappointing 2022 season, ending with a document of 9-8 and lacking the playoffs. With the NFL Draft approaching, the Steelers have quite a lot of holes to fill on their roster. On this mock draft, we’ll check out a number of the gamers that the Steelers may goal with their first few picks.
With the seventeenth general decide, the Steelers may choose Anthony Richardson, a quarterback from the College of Florida. Richardson is a 6’4″, 244-pound quarterback with a powerful arm and good mobility. He’s a uncooked expertise, however he has the potential to be a franchise quarterback. If the Steelers are in search of a quarterback of the long run, Richardson might be a very good possibility for them. Moreover, the Steelers may commerce as much as choose C.J. Stroud, a quarterback from the College of Ohio State. Stroud is a extra polished quarterback than Richardson, however he doesn’t have the identical upside. Nonetheless, he could be a secure decide for the Steelers and might be a very good possibility to start out instantly.
If the Steelers determine to deal with different wants with their first decide, they might goal a large receiver or a defensive again with their second decide. Some broad receivers that the Steelers may goal embrace Josh Downs, a large receiver from the College of North Carolina, and Jalin Hyatt, a large receiver from the College of Tennessee. Downs is a slot receiver with good palms and route working capability. Hyatt is a deep risk with good pace and athleticism. Each Downs and Hyatt could be good additions to the Steelers’ offense. Some defensive backs that the Steelers may goal embrace Cam Smith, a cornerback from the College of South Carolina, and Julius Brents, a security from the College of Kansas. Smith is a bodily cornerback with good protection abilities. Brents is a flexible security who can play each deep and within the field. Each Smith and Brents could be good additions to the Steelers’ protection.
The Rise of the Metal Curtain
The Metal Curtain is a nickname given to the defensive unit of the Pittsburgh Steelers American soccer group, which was significantly dominant within the Nineteen Seventies. The unit was identified for its physicality, toughness, and skill to pressure turnovers, a repute that has been maintained by the group to today. The Steelers’ protection has been a significant component within the group’s six Tremendous Bowl victories, greater than every other group.
The Metal Curtain was most well-known for the well-known “Metal Curtain 4”: Corridor of Famers Joe Greene, L. C. Greenwood, Jack Ham, and Mel Blount. These gamers have been all drafted by the Steelers within the first spherical of the 1969 NFL Draft, a extremely controversial transfer for a group that went 2-11-1 the earlier season. Nonetheless, it turned out to be a superb resolution, because the 4 gamers would change into the cornerstone of one of many best defenses in NFL historical past.
The Metal Curtain was identified for its physicality and toughness. They have been relentless tacklers who typically compelled fumbles and interceptions. They have been additionally superb at placing strain on opposing quarterbacks, which led to many sacks and turnovers. The Steelers’ protection was so dominant that they typically compelled opponents to desert their working sport and depend on the move. This made it simpler for the Steelers to get to the quarterback and pressure turnovers, which was a significant component of their success.
| Participant | Place | Faculty | Draft 12 months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Greene | Defensive Deal with | North Texas State | 1969 |
| L. C. Greenwood | Defensive Finish | Arkansas | 1969 |
| Jack Ham | Linebacker | Penn State | 1971 |
| Mel Blount | Cornerback | Southern | 1970 |
Spherical 1, Decide 1: Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
With the highest decide within the draft, the Steelers choose the very best participant obtainable in Kayvon Thibodeaux. Thibodeaux is a dynamic edge rusher with an explosive first step and an arsenal of pass-rushing strikes. He has the potential to be a game-changer for the Steelers’ protection, offering them with a much-needed move rusher.
Spherical 1, Decide 20: Bryce Younger, QB, Alabama
The Steelers deal with their quarterback state of affairs by drafting Bryce Younger with the twentieth general decide. Younger is a Heisman Trophy winner and one of the vital gifted quarterbacks within the nation. He has a powerful arm, wonderful mobility, and a excessive soccer IQ. Younger has the potential to be a franchise quarterback for the Steelers for years to return.
Scouting for Superstars
Along with Thibodeaux and Younger, the Steelers have a number of different potential superstars on their roster. These gamers have the expertise and potential to change into All-Execs and assist the Steelers compete for a Tremendous Bowl championship.
A few of the Steelers’ most promising younger gamers embrace:
| Participant | Place |
|---|---|
| George Pickens | Vast receiver |
| Kenny Pickett | Quarterback |
| Najee Harris | Working again |
| Pat Freiermuth | Tight finish |
Reinforcements for the Rush
The Steelers’ move rush has been one of many league’s most formidable models lately, however they might use some reinforcements to make sure their dominance continues. Listed below are just a few gamers who may assist the Steelers get after the quarterback in 2025:
**1. Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson**
Murphy is a 6’5″, 275-pound edge rusher who is taken into account among the finest prospects at his place within the 2025 NFL Draft. He has a uncommon mixture of dimension, pace, and energy, and he has already proven a knack for attending to the quarterback. In his first two seasons at Clemson, Murphy has recorded 20.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks.
**2. Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas**
Stewart is a 6’3″, 255-pound edge rusher who is understood for his relentless motor and his capability to generate strain from a number of positions. He’s not as bodily imposing as Murphy, however he makes up for it along with his pace, agility, and approach. In his first two seasons at Texas, Stewart has recorded 18 tackles for loss and 10 sacks.
**3. Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia**
Smith is a 6’3″, 245-pound edge rusher who is taken into account one of the vital full and versatile gamers at his place. He has a well-rounded talent set that features pace, energy, and approach. He can line up at both defensive finish or outdoors linebacker, and he’s equally efficient at speeding the passer and setting the sting. In his first two seasons at Georgia, Smith has recorded 21 tackles for loss and 11 sacks.
| Participant | Place | Faculty |
|---|---|---|
| Myles Murphy | Edge rusher | Clemson |
| Shemar Stewart | Edge rusher | Texas |
| Nolan Smith | Edge rusher | Georgia |
Concentrating on Elite Secondary Expertise
The Steelers have an extended and proud custom of fielding a dominant protection, and their secondary has been a key a part of that success. Lately, nonetheless, the Steelers secondary has struggled, and so they might want to add some elite expertise to the unit within the 2025 NFL Draft.
Cornerback: Will Johnson or Kelvin Banks
The Steelers have to discover a true shutdown cornerback, and so they may achieve this by deciding on Will Johnson or Kelvin Banks within the first spherical of the 2025 NFL Draft. Johnson is a bodily specimen with nice dimension and athleticism, and he has the potential to be a dominant pressure within the NFL. Banks is a extra polished participant, and he has the instincts and ball abilities to be a top-flight cornerback. Both participant could be an incredible addition to the Steelers secondary.
| Will Johnson | Kelvin Banks | |
|---|---|---|
| Top | 6’3″ | 6’0″ |
| Weight | 205 lbs | 190 lbs |
| 40-yard sprint | 4.45 seconds | 4.52 seconds |
| Vertical leap | 38 inches | 37 inches |
| Broad leap | 10’6″ | 10’2″ |
Filling the Quarterback Vacuum
The Pittsburgh Steelers are going through a serious query mark on the quarterback place heading into the 2025 season. With Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement and Mason Rudolph’s inconsistent play, the group is in dire want of a franchise quarterback to guide them into the long run.
Evaluating the Present Choices
At the moment, the Steelers have three quarterbacks on their roster: Rudolph, Dwayne Haskins, and Joshua Dobbs. Rudolph is a veteran with some beginning expertise, however he has but to show he could be a constant performer. Haskins and Dobbs are each unproven commodities with restricted NFL expertise.
Draft Prospects
The 2025 NFL Draft is anticipated to characteristic a powerful class of quarterback prospects. The Steelers may contemplate focusing on one of many following gamers with their first-round decide:
| Participant | Faculty | Projected Spherical |
|---|---|---|
| Arch Manning | Texas | 1st |
| Cade Klubnik | Clemson | 1st |
| Dante Moore | Michigan | 2nd |
| Drew Allar | Penn State | 2nd |
Free Agent Market
If the Steelers miss out on a quarterback within the draft, they might discover the free agent market. Nonetheless, there are restricted high quality choices obtainable on the place in 2025. One attainable goal might be Derek Carr, who could also be obtainable if the Las Vegas Raiders determine to half methods with him.
Commerce Prospects
The Steelers may additionally try to commerce for a quarterback. Nonetheless, the price of buying a top-tier quarterback is usually very excessive, and it’s unclear if the Steelers have the belongings to drag off such a transfer.
Including Depth to the Offensive Line
The Steelers lack depth and expertise on their offensive line, making it a precedence within the 2025 NFL Draft. Listed below are some potential targets for Pittsburgh:
6. Nolan McConnell, G, Louisville
McConnell is an athletic and versatile offensive lineman who stands at 6’4″ and weighs 300 lbs. He possesses wonderful dimension and power, making him a formidable pressure in each the working and passing sport. McConnell has fast toes and agility, permitting him to successfully block defenders in house and create working lanes. Within the 2023 season, he was named to the All-ACC Second Workforce and helped Louisville’s offense rank tenth nationally in speeding yards per sport.
McConnell’s distinctive pass-blocking abilities are equally spectacular. He has a powerful understanding of angles and leverage, enabling him to neutralize opposing move rushers. His highly effective base and fast palms make it troublesome for defenders to penetrate the road and disrupt the quarterback’s rhythm. McConnell’s capability to guard the passer could be a helpful asset to the Steelers’ offense, which has struggled to maintain its quarterbacks upright in current seasons.
McConnell’s athleticism and flexibility make him an ideal match for Pittsburgh’s zone-blocking scheme. He has the mobility to drag and paved the way for the working backs, whereas his power and anchoring capability enable him to carry his floor towards bull rushes within the inside.
| Participant | Place | College | Top | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nolan McConnell | Guard | Louisville | 6’4″ | 300 lbs |
Looking for Explosive Receivers
The Steelers have struggled to discover a constant playmaker on the receiver place lately. In 2025, they are going to look so as to add a dynamic risk to their offense. With a number of gifted receivers obtainable within the draft, they’ve a very good likelihood of discovering a participant who could make a right away impression.
7. Evan Stewart, WR, Texas A&M
Evan Stewart is a 6’2″, 200-pound receiver who is taken into account among the finest prospects within the 2025 NFL Draft. He has a novel mixture of dimension, pace, and athleticism. Stewart is a deep risk who also can make performs over the center of the sector. He’s additionally a keen blocker, which is a helpful trait for any receiver.
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Bolstering the Tight Finish Corps
The Steelers’ tight finish place has been a revolving door lately, with no constant performer rising. In 2023, Pat Freiermuth took a step ahead, however he’s nonetheless vulnerable to inconsistency. The group lacks depth behind him, with Zach Gentry and Connor Heyward failing to make a big impression.
Drafting a Tight Finish within the Mid-Rounds
On this mock draft, the Steelers choose Washington’s Cade Otton within the second spherical with the thirty third general decide. Otton is a well-rounded tight finish with good dimension (6’4″, 246 lbs), sturdy blocking abilities, and dependable palms. He had a breakout season in 2022, catching 59 passes for 666 yards and 6 touchdowns. Together with his mixture of dimension, athleticism, and receiving capability, Otton has the potential to develop right into a top-10 tight finish within the NFL.
Another choice for the Steelers within the second spherical is Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer. Mayer is a bit smaller than Otton (6’4″, 245 lbs), however he is a superb pass-catcher with gentle palms and good physique management. He’s additionally a keen blocker and has the potential to be an impression participant within the NFL.
Desk of Potential Draft Picks
| Spherical | Decide | Participant | Place | Faculty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 33 | Cade Otton | TE | Washington |
| 2 | 52 | Michael Mayer | TE | Notre Dame |
| 3 | 84 | Luke Musgrave | TE | Oregon |
Defensive Line Domination
The Steelers’ line of defense has been a serious weak point lately, however that might all change in 2025 with the addition of some top-tier expertise within the NFL draft. Listed below are three gamers who may assist the Steelers change into a pressure to be reckoned with on the defensive facet of the ball.
9. Bryce Anderson, DL, Texas A&M
Anderson is a 6-foot-4, 290-pound defensive lineman who has been a pressure for the Texas A&M Aggies. He’s a disruptive pressure within the backfield, with 15.5 tackles for loss and seven.5 sacks in 2022. Anderson can be a powerful run defender, with 46 tackles in 2022. He’s a flexible participant who can line up at both defensive finish or defensive deal with. Anderson is a rising star and might be a steal for the Steelers at decide No. 9.
Here’s a desk summarizing Anderson’s stats from the 2022 season:
| Stat | Worth |
|---|---|
| Tackles | 46 |
| Tackles for Loss | 15.5 |
| Sacks | 7.5 |
Unlocking the Potential of Linebackers
The Pittsburgh Steelers linebacking corps faces a vital juncture within the 2025 NFL Draft. With the departure of veteran stalwarts, the group should search reinforcements to revitalize this significant unit. A number of high prospects enter the draft with the skillset and potential to raise the Steelers’ protection.
Assessing the Linebacker Panorama
The Steelers presently possess a blended bag of linebackers. T.J. Watt stays a dominant pressure, however his well being is a priority. Devin Bush has proven flashes of brilliance however has struggled with consistency. Myles Jack and Robert Spillane present depth, however their ceiling could also be restricted.
High Linebacker Prospects
The 2025 NFL Draft provides a number of intriguing linebacker prospects who may deal with the Steelers’ wants. These gamers possess distinctive athleticism, instincts, and a relentless pursuit of the soccer:
1. Harold Perkins (LSU): A dynamic playmaker with distinctive pace and agility. Perkins makes performs all around the area, excelling in move protection and run assist.
2. Shemar Stewart (Texas): A bodily specimen with spectacular dimension and athleticism. Stewart is a flexible defender who can excel each within the field and on the sting.
3. Jeremiah Alexander (Alabama): A cerebral and instinctual chief. Alexander possesses a eager understanding of the sport and may rally his teammates successfully.
4. Domani Jackson (Southern California): A flexible and athletic defender with the power to play a number of positions. Jackson’s protection abilities are distinctive, making him a helpful asset within the trendy NFL.
5. David Bailey (Stanford): A tough-hitting and bodily defender with a relentless motor. Bailey excels in run protection and supplies a stable presence towards the move.
| Prospect | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Harold Perkins | Distinctive pace and agility | Measurement |
| Shemar Stewart | Measurement and athleticism | Go protection instincts |
| Jeremiah Alexander | Intelligence and management | Bodily limitations |
| Domani Jackson | Protection abilities | Run protection |
| David Bailey | Physicality and motor | Protection vary |
2025 STEELERS MOCK DRAFT
The 2025 NFL Draft continues to be a good distance away, however it’s by no means too early to start out wanting forward. The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off a disappointing season in 2022, and so they might want to make some modifications to their roster in the event that they wish to compete for a Tremendous Bowl in 2023. Here’s a take a look at a possible mock draft for the Steelers in 2025.
- 1st Spherical: Cade Klubnik QB/Clemson
- 2nd Spherical: Shemar Stewart EDGE/Texas
- third Spherical: Jaheim Oatis DL/Alabama
- 4th Spherical: Jaren Kanak CB/Oklahoma
- fifth Spherical: Evan Hull RB/Northwestern
- sixth Spherical: Blake Freeland OT/ BYU
- seventh Spherical: Joshua Josephs S/Tennessee
PEOPLE ALSO ASK ABOUT 2025 STEELERS MOCK DRAFT
Who do the Steelers have to draft within the 2025 NFL Draft?
The Steelers want to deal with a number of positions within the 2025 NFL Draft, together with quarterback, edge rusher, and offensive deal with. In addition they want so as to add some depth to their secondary and working again positions.
Who’s the very best quarterback prospect within the 2025 NFL Draft?
Cade Klubnik is the very best quarterback prospect within the 2025 NFL Draft. He’s a 5-star recruit who has dedicated to Clemson. Klubnik is a pro-style quarterback with a powerful arm and good accuracy. He’s additionally a very good athlete who can run and make performs along with his legs.
Who’s the very best edge rusher prospect within the 2025 NFL Draft?
Shemar Stewart is the very best edge rusher prospect within the 2025 NFL Draft. He’s a 5-star recruit who has dedicated to Texas. Stewart is a bodily specimen with an incredible mixture of dimension, power, and pace. He’s additionally a very good move rusher who can get to the quarterback.
