Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 NFL Draft Needs
Growing up, James was fascinated with watching sports. This led to an interest in research and stats and writing betting analysis for a variety of sports. James has graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history.
Along with the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh has the most Super Bowl wins (6) out of any team in the league.
However, the Steelers have not seen any playoff success in recent years.
Pittsburgh has not won a playoff game since 2016.
The Steelers are content to wait for Aaron Rodgers to make a decision.
He is plan A for the starting QB position in 2025 for the Steelers.
Besides needing a young franchise QB, the Pittsburgh Steelers need many other positions.
Below is the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 NFL Draft needs.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 NFL Draft Needs
The Steelers have the 21st overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
1. Defensive Line
Pittsburgh’s biggest need in the 2025 NFL Draft is the defensive line.
Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton, and Isaiahh Loudermilk are currently the starters.
Benton was drafted in the second round in 2023.
Heyward is a staple for the Steelers and one of the best leaders in the NFL.
He won the 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
The Steelers could find themselves in the same position as they are with the QB position.
If they wait too long to find a defensive end as Heyward ages, this position could be a severe weakness.
Heyward still played well last year, but his play will take a drop sooner rather than later.
Addressing the defensive end position should be a priority for the Steelers in this draft.
Pittsburgh has just two picks in the top 100 in the 2025 NFL Draft.
As of now, they have the 21st, 83rd, 123rd, 156th, 185th, and 229th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The defensive line should be the top priority.
If the Steelers do not address the defensive line in round one, this could become a major issue for the team.
2. Wide Receiver
The biggest move the Steelers made in the offseason was acquiring DK Metcalf from the Seahawks and giving him a big new contract.
This move may indicate George Pickens’ time is going to be up with the Steelers.
Pickens has the talent to be a WR1, but he has not matured and is not consistent.
With Pickens almost certain to either be traded or not brought back after the 2025 season, Pittsburgh will need a bona fide number two wideout, which they currently do not have if Pickens is no longer on the team.
The WR position was a major weakness for the Steelers last season.
Pittsburgh should take Pickens’ replacement with the 83rd pick or try to find a way to get back in the second round to select a wideout.
They traded their 2025 second-round pick in the Metcalf deal.
3. Running Back
Najee Harris signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, which currently leaves the Steelers with Jaylen Warren to become the starting RB.
Pittsburgh signed Kenneth Gainwell in the offseason.
This combination would be a decent duo, but the Steelers run the ball often, and Warren may not be capable of handling a starter’s heavy role. Gainwell is more of a ing-down back.
Drafting a running back in the mid rounds of the NFL Draft would be wise to add depth and take the load off of Warren.
4. Quarterback
The reason the QB position is fourth and not first on the list is that this is a weak QB class, and the Steelers have the 21st pick.
It is highly unlikely they land Ward or Sanders.
No other QB is a good option in round one, and the Steelers do not seem keen on taking a QB early this season.
With the Steelers hoping and expecting to have Aaron Rodgers under center in 2025, they may take a quarterback in the mid-rounds, like Jalen Milroe, for example, as a flier.
This would also allow the Steelers to draft a quarterback in 2026, which is a better quarterback class, and the 2026 NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh.
5. Cornerback
Pittsburgh signed Darius Slay Jr. to be the CB2, with Joey Porter Jr being the CB1.
While Slay does not completely solve the need for a CB, he allows the Steelers to concentrate on filling other position needs first.
Still, the Steelers would be wise to look at a corner for added depth.
Pittsburgh’s secondary is led by star Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and CB JPJ.
Their defense was below average last year, ranking 23rd in ing yards allowed per game.
The secondary gets a lot of help from the rush.
TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith do not allow a QB to have a ton of time to throw, which helps the secondary be more aggressive.
Taking a corner later in the draft will help their secondary with added depth.
