Steelers hit multiple home runs in latest mock
With the NFL Combine having come and gone, we have a somewhat clearer picture of how things currently stand for certain prospects – as well as potential trade targets.
With that said, here is how I see the Steelers’ offseason and draft going following the NFL Combine.
Free Agency
I still foresee a big addition at cornerback. There are simply too many big names on the open market for the Steelers to not add one. D.J. Reed has long been by pick, but any of the bigger names would make a lot of sense. Carlton Davis, Charvarius Ward, Reed- all would be great additions. I also fully expect the Steelers to sign a quality wide receiver like Darius Slayton or Elijah Moore. A stud cornerback and a good WR3 in free agency would garner a solid A grade in the free agency department.
In terms of the quarterback department, the Steelers would prefer to keep Justin Fields. That has been the feeling since the season ended, and widely reported by just about every outlet there is. However, if he hits the open market and decides to sign elsewhere, Russell Wilson is their backup plan, even if many in the building wouldn’t be too crazy about it. As Alan Saunders of Steelers Now reports, Wilson “ruffled some feathers” within the organization after reports of his strained relationship with Arthur Smith surfaced. While I would prefer to see Fields return, Wilson is still a very real possibility. I’ll go with my heart more than my head here and say Fields comes back to the Steelers, though, and that something gets done between the two sides while Wilson lands with the New York Giants.
Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 21: DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan
The Michigan star has all the power, speed, and athleticism that go into making a star defensive lineman. Putting him on the five-man front next to Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith/Nick Herbig coming off the edge would give Pittsburgh one of the better defensive fronts in football.
Round 2, Pick 53: RB Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
A running back duo of Judkins and Jaylen Warren? Sign me up.
Round 3, Pick 85: CB Cobee Bryant, Kansas
Even if the Steelers add another starter on the boundary, they’ll need more bodies in their cornerback room. Bryant could compete for the nickel spot or he could be a valuable CB3 on the depth chart.
Round 4, Pick 122: TRADE
- Denver Broncos receive: Pick 122, Pick 247 (seventh-round)
- Pittsburgh Steelers receive: WR Courtland Sutton
As previously reported, I was told it sounds like Courtland Sutton “could be heading Pittsburgh’s way.” The Steelers tried to get something done with Denver last year, but were turned away. However, they didn’t come to any sort of deal with Sutton and have no plans on paying the 30-year old. It makes sense for both sides to get a deal done this time around.
Round 5, Pick 163: LB Kobe King, Penn State
I’ve been on the Kobe King trade all offseason. He was one of the best off-ball linebackers in the nation in 2024, and would be a great get on Day Three.
Round 7, Pick 225: DT Ty Robinson, Nebraska
Robinson will likely jump up boards after how he tested at the Combine, but if he is still available here, take him and run.
Round 7, Pick 231: QB Tyler Shough, Louisville
Taking a quarterback with some upside to close out the draft is fine. If he ends up being a solid backup, job well done.