A look at the latest first-round projections for Pittsburgh around the NFL media landscape…
As the 2024 NFL season played out, Pittsburgh’s holes in the lineup became clearer and clearer. As we look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, which hole will the Steelers look at as priority No. 1?
Once again, Pittsburgh’s first-round selection ranges in the early 20s at pick No. 21 in the 2025 NFL Draft. With a plethora of wide receiver talent in this year’s class, will this be the year they finally select an elite wideout before the second round (they have not done so since 2006)? Or with the uncertainty at quarterback, do they pivot to draft a young talent? With these in mind, here’s a look at the latest Steelers first-round picks from NFL mock drafts around the media landscape with the college football season officially a wrap.
Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Rob Rang, Fox Sports
The Steelers could elect to bring back either Justin Fields or Russell Wilson, but probably wouldn’t if it were guaranteed that one of this year’s top quarterbacks would be available. Ward has the highlight reels and improbable ascent to warrant his Heisman campaign and early first-round projections, but there are plenty of questions about whether his improvisational style will translate to the NFL. I think it can, but also believe he needs the support of a stout running game and defense like Pittsburgh’s early on.
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Josh Edwards, CBS Sports
Emeka Egbuka would be a great complement to George Pickens in Pittsburgh if Pickens is still around. The long-term quarterback situation would still need to be addressed, but at least that player would have a few competent outlets in the pass game.
The Ringer
It was incredibly apparent last year that the Steelers needed more talent at receiver opposite George Pickens. Egbuka is a great complement to Pickens in a lot of ways; he’s a super-reliable slot receiver who can move the sticks and create yards after the catch. He’s also an excellent blocker who can help Pittsburgh’s offense with its goal of being balanced.
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com
I don’t think the Steelers could go wrong drafting Golden or Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka here. They go with Golden in this case, but they are both professional route runners with outstanding hands and toughness.
Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M
Ray Fittipaldo, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The 6-foot-6, 291-pound Stewart checks all the boxes for everything the Steelers want in a defensive lineman. He’s big, athletic and versatile. Texas A&M coaches had him play on the edge quite a bit, but he’s probably best suited to play five-technique in the NFL. He’ll have to get used to playing in a three-point stance more often, but he can develop into a player who can succeed Cam Heyward one day as the team’s best defensive lineman. One concern is Stewart didn’t have elite production for the Aggies. In three seasons, he had just 3.5 sacks. He often is in position to make plays, but he’s not the best finisher. In the big picture, you have to look beyond the stats and trust that your coaches can help him take a big leap. He just turned 21 in the fall, and his best football is ahead of him.
Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic
One of my favorite defenders in this class, Walker has stack and edge ability and simply makes plays all over the field. It’s easy to imagine a team in the teens falling in love with everything Walker can bring to a defensive culture.
Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports
Benjamin Morrison is simply too sudden for the Steelers to pass on him here. He’ll be an instant starter in Pittsburgh across from Joey Porter Jr.
Which of these first-round projections would you be happiest for Pittsburgh to walk away with in the 2025 NFL Draft?