Steelers 2025 NFL Draft Predictions: A weapon in round one, day two trade, and the quarterback to watch for Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Steelers are about to enter their most pivotal draft in recent memory. With questions at the quarterback position and the core of their defense approaching the backend of their prime, the team is in a tricky spot. And that could make for some fireworks from Thursday to Saturday, with these predictions aligning with […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers are about to enter their most pivotal draft in recent memory.
With questions at the quarterback position and the core of their defense approaching the backend of their prime, the team is in a tricky spot.
And that could make for some fireworks from Thursday to Saturday, with these predictions aligning with said fireworks…
Prediction #1: Steelers go WR-RB in R1
Look, there is a solid chance the Steelers take a defensive lineman in round one. If Derrick Harmon from Oregon is there, I have no doubts they will consider him. But I think WR-RB is more in play.
For one, the team needs a starting back. If Omarion Hampton is on the board, the Steelers will not be able to help themselves. He's too big, too explosive, and too promising to pass on.
But if he's gone and Emeka Egbuka is there, I also don't know how the Steelers would pass on him. Sources close to him believe that his floor is the Steelers at 21.
With George Pickens needing a new contract after this year, Egbuka can man the slot until Pickens packs his bags, and then he kicks outside to the Z spot opposite of DK Metcalf.
But why RB-WR? Well, I don't care if it's Mason Rudolph, Kirk Cousins, Aaron Rodgers, or a rookie taking the starting reps in Pittsburgh, they will need all the help they can get. Drafting a defensive tackle doesn't help the signal caller in 2025.
Prediction #2: Steelers trade a starter for a second-round pick
Pittsburgh tends to do its best work on day two of the draft. Rounds two through four, but especially two and three, are where they have found key contributors like Keeanu Benton, Joey Porter Jr., Pat Freiermuth, and many more.
Right now, three days before the draft, they have one day two pick, and it's 83rd overall in round three.
Expect that to change. Whether that's moving down in round one, or trading a starter like George Pickens or Alex Highsmith, I would be very surprised if the Steelers, who have pressing needs at multiple positions, head into Saturday with only two picks made.
Prediction #3: Steelers entertain trading up for Shedeur Sanders
I don't know if Shedeur Sanders will be the Steelers ' first-round pick. If he is there at 21, I expect them to take a long, hard look at drafting him. But before that, I would bet that in the days after the draft, we learn that Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin were on their phones trying to move up for Sanders.
The problem is, the New York Giants at #3, New Orleans Saints at #9 or another team like the Cleveland Browns via trade could all take Sanders before the Steelers.
Either way, the potential of him sliding has the Steelers intrigued, and it could up with Sanders in the Black and Gold.
