We are less than a month to the 2025 NFL draft and after a lackluster free agency period, the Pittsburgh Steelers draft needs have become quite clear. The Steelers lost more players than they added and looking at the roster right now, it is worse than the group that got bounced out of the playoffs in the first round last year.
But the draft could be the answer to that. ESPN’s Matt Miller has a full seven-round mock draft out and here are our big takeaways from the Steelers’ picks.
First round – CB Azareye’h Thomas – Florida State
The draft world seems fairly divided as to whether or not Thomas is a first-round prospect. Despite the Steelers signing Darius Slay in free agency, we could definitely seem them looking for a long-term answer opposite Joey Porter Jr.
Third round – QB Jalen Milroe – Alabama
If Milroe lasts to the third, this has to be the pick for the Steelers. His ceiling is just so high and with the right coaching, he has more potential than any QB in this class.
Fourth round – RB Cam Skattebo – Arizona State
I’m not the huge Skattebo fan many are but only in the Steelers system. Pittsburgh needs to add a more dynamic playmaker at running back and Skattebo just doesn’t offer enough deep-play potential for me.
Fifth round – OT Hollin Pierce – Oregon
Solid developmental tackle who might be able to kick inside to guard.
Sixth round – WR Jordan Watkins – Ole Miss
Nice value here, as Watkins is a slot project very similar to Roman Wilson
Seventh round – RB Donovan Edwards – Michigan
Edwards fall from grace last season was remarkable but the skills are there to be a rotational back.
Summary
Overall this is a sound mock for the Steelers with one huge glaring flaw. The failure to address defensive tackle would send Steelers fans into a rage. There are a couple of spots in this mock where Miller could have give the Steelers a defensive tackle and really added value to the whole thing. In the fourth round, instead of Skateboo, we’ve have opted for Oregon nose tackle Jamaree Caldwell. Or in the sixth round, pass on Watkins and instead take Georgia’s Warren Brinson. Finally, in the seventh, instead of Ewards as a second running back, and go with Iowa nose tackle Yahya Black instead. Any of those moves and this mock gets an A for sure.
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