The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off a disappointing 2022 season, ending with a file 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 might goal with their first few picks.
With the seventeenth general decide, the Steelers might 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 searching for a quarterback of the long run, Richardson may very well be a superb possibility for them. Moreover, the Steelers might 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. Nevertheless, he could be a secure decide for the Steelers and may very well be a superb possibility to start out immediately.
If the Steelers resolve to handle different wants with their first decide, they might goal a large receiver or a defensive again with their second decide. Some extensive receivers that the Steelers might goal embody 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 arms and route working skill. Hyatt is a deep risk with good velocity and athleticism. Each Downs and Hyatt could be good additions to the Steelers’ offense. Some defensive backs that the Steelers might goal embody 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 crew, which was notably dominant within the Nineteen Seventies. The unit was identified for its physicality, toughness, and talent to power turnovers, a status that has been maintained by the crew to at the present time. The Steelers’ protection has been a significant component within the crew’s six Tremendous Bowl victories, greater than every other crew.
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 had been all drafted by the Steelers within the first spherical of the 1969 NFL Draft, a extremely controversial transfer for a crew that went 2-11-1 the earlier season. Nevertheless, it turned out to be an excellent resolution, because the 4 gamers would develop into the cornerstone of one of many biggest defenses in NFL historical past.
The Metal Curtain was identified for its physicality and toughness. They had been relentless tacklers who usually pressured fumbles and interceptions. They had been additionally excellent at placing stress on opposing quarterbacks, which led to many sacks and turnovers. The Steelers’ protection was so dominant that they usually pressured opponents to desert their working sport and depend on the move. This made it simpler for the Steelers to get to the quarterback and power turnovers, which was a significant component of their success.
| Participant | Place | Faculty | Draft Yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 perfect participant out there 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 scenario by drafting Bryce Younger with the twentieth general decide. Younger is a Heisman Trophy winner and one of the gifted quarterbacks within the nation. He has a powerful arm, glorious 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 develop into All-Professionals and assist the Steelers compete for a Tremendous Bowl championship.
A number of the Steelers’ most promising younger gamers embody:
| Participant | Place |
|---|---|
| George Pickens | Vast receiver |
| Kenny Pickett | Quarterback |
| Najee Harris | Operating 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 might 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 best prospects at his place within the 2025 NFL Draft. He has a uncommon mixture of dimension, velocity, 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 skill to generate stress from a number of positions. He isn’t as bodily imposing as Murphy, however he makes up for it together with his velocity, agility, and method. 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 full and versatile gamers at his place. He has a well-rounded talent set that features velocity, energy, and method. 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 |
Focusing 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, nevertheless, 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 must discover a true shutdown cornerback, and so they might accomplish that by choosing 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 power 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 ideal addition to the Steelers secondary.
| Will Johnson | Kelvin Banks | |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | 6’3″ | 6’0″ |
| Weight | 205 lbs | 190 lbs |
| 40-yard sprint | 4.45 seconds | 4.52 seconds |
| Vertical soar | 38 inches | 37 inches |
| Broad soar | 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 crew is in dire want of a franchise quarterback to steer them into the long run.
Evaluating the Present Choices
At present, 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 generally is a constant performer. Haskins and Dobbs are each unproven commodities with restricted NFL expertise.
Draft Prospects
The 2025 NFL Draft is anticipated to function a powerful class of quarterback prospects. The Steelers might think about concentrating 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. Nevertheless, there are restricted high quality choices out there on the place in 2025. One attainable goal may very well be Derek Carr, who could also be out there if the Las Vegas Raiders resolve to half methods with him.
Commerce Potentialities
The Steelers might additionally try and commerce for a quarterback. Nevertheless, the price of buying a top-tier quarterback is usually very excessive, and it’s unclear if the Steelers have the property 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 glorious dimension and power, making him a formidable power in each the working and passing sport. McConnell has fast toes and agility, permitting him to successfully block defenders in area 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 arms make it troublesome for defenders to penetrate the road and disrupt the quarterback’s rhythm. McConnell’s skill to guard the passer could be a helpful asset to the Steelers’ offense, which has struggled to maintain its quarterbacks upright in latest seasons.
McConnell’s athleticism and flexibility make him an ideal match for Pittsburgh’s zone-blocking scheme. He has the mobility to drag and cleared the path for the working backs, whereas his power and anchoring skill permit him to carry his floor in opposition to bull rushes within the inside.
| Participant | Place | Faculty | Peak | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nolan McConnell | Guard | Louisville | 6’4″ | 300 lbs |
Trying to find Explosive Receivers
The Steelers have struggled to discover a constant playmaker on the receiver place lately. In 2025, they may look so as to add a dynamic risk to their offense. With a number of gifted receivers out there within the draft, they’ve a superb likelihood of discovering a participant who could make a right away affect.
7. Evan Stewart, WR, Texas A&M
Evan Stewart is a 6’2″, 200-pound receiver who is taken into account among the best prospects within the 2025 NFL Draft. He has a singular mixture of dimension, velocity, and athleticism. Stewart is a deep risk who also can make performs over the center of the sphere. He’s additionally a prepared 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 susceptible to inconsistency. The crew lacks depth behind him, with Zach Gentry and Connor Heyward failing to make a big affect.
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), robust blocking abilities, and dependable arms. He had a breakout season in 2022, catching 59 passes for 666 yards and 6 touchdowns. Along with his mixture of dimension, athleticism, and receiving skill, 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 wonderful pass-catcher with comfortable arms and good physique management. He’s additionally a prepared blocker and has the potential to be an affect 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’ defensive position has been a serious weak spot lately, however that would all change in 2025 with the addition of some top-tier expertise within the NFL draft. Listed below are three gamers who might assist the Steelers develop into a power to be reckoned with on the defensive aspect of the ball.
9. Bryce Anderson, DL, Texas A&M
Anderson is a 6-foot-4, 290-pound defensive lineman who has been a power for the Texas A&M Aggies. He’s a disruptive power 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 may very well 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 crucial juncture within the 2025 NFL Draft. With the departure of veteran stalwarts, the crew should search reinforcements to revitalize this important 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 combined bag of linebackers. T.J. Watt stays a dominant power, 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.
Prime Linebacker Prospects
The 2025 NFL Draft gives a number of intriguing linebacker prospects who might 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 velocity and agility. Perkins makes performs everywhere in the subject, excelling in move protection and run help.
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 flexibility 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 gives a stable presence in opposition to the move.
| Prospect | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Harold Perkins | Distinctive velocity and agility | Dimension |
| Shemar Stewart | Dimension and athleticism | Move 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 remains 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 must draft within the 2025 NFL Draft?
The Steelers want to handle 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 perfect quarterback prospect within the 2025 NFL Draft?
Cade Klubnik is the perfect 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 superb athlete who can run and make performs together with his legs.
Who’s the perfect edge rusher prospect within the 2025 NFL Draft?
Shemar Stewart is the perfect 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 ideal mixture of dimension, power, and velocity. He’s additionally a superb move rusher who can get to the quarterback.
