An NFL mock draft is a hypothetical projection of which players will be selected by each team in the upcoming NFL Draft. The 2025 NFL Draft is still two years away, but there are already a number of mock drafts that have been released. The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most popular teams to mock draft, as they have a number of needs that they could address in the draft.
The Steelers have a number of needs on both sides of the ball. On offense, they need to find a replacement for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who is expected to retire after the 2023 season. They also need help at wide receiver, running back, and offensive line. On defense, they need to find pass rushers, linebackers, and cornerbacks.
The Steelers have a number of options with the 20th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. They could select a quarterback, such as Cade Klubnik from Clemson or Arch Manning from Texas. They could also select a wide receiver, such as Marvin Jones Jr. from Georgia or Jaxon Smith-Njigba from Ohio State. Or, they could select a defensive player, such as Shemar Stewart from Texas or Jeremiah Alexander from Alabama.
1. Quarterback
The quarterback is one of the most important positions in football, and it is no different for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers have a long history of great quarterbacks, including Hall of Famers Terry Bradshaw and Ben Roethlisberger. However, Roethlisberger is expected to retire after the 2023 season, so the Steelers will be looking for a new quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft.
There are a number of talented quarterbacks who could be available to the Steelers in the 2025 NFL Draft. Some of the top prospects include Cade Klubnik from Clemson, Arch Manning from Texas, and Dante Moore from Michigan. These quarterbacks all have the potential to be franchise-changing players, and the Steelers would be lucky to land any of them.
The quarterback position is critical to the success of any NFL team, and the Steelers are no exception. The Steelers have a number of needs on both sides of the ball, but finding a franchise quarterback is their top priority. The 2025 NFL Draft is a great opportunity for the Steelers to find their quarterback of the future.
2. Wide Receiver
Wide receivers are an important part of any NFL team, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are no exception. The Steelers have a long history of great wide receivers, including Hall of Famers John Stallworth and Hines Ward. However, the Steelers have not had a truly elite wide receiver since Antonio Brown was traded to the Oakland Raiders in 2019.
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Playmaking Ability
Wide receivers need to be able to make plays in a variety of ways. They need to be able to catch passes in traffic, run routes precisely, and make big plays down the field. The Steelers have a number of young wide receivers who have shown flashes of playmaking ability, but they need to find a receiver who can be a consistent threat in the passing game.
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Size and Strength
Wide receivers need to be big and strong enough to compete with NFL cornerbacks. They need to be able to block, run through tackles, and make contested catches. The Steelers have a few big-bodied receivers on their roster, but they need to add more size and strength at the position.
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Speed and Agility
Wide receivers need to be fast and agile enough to get open against NFL defenses. They need to be able to accelerate quickly, change direction on a dime, and make sharp cuts. The Steelers have a number of speedy receivers on their roster, but they need to add more speed and agility at the position.
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Experience
Wide receivers need experience to be successful in the NFL. They need to learn how to read defenses, find soft spots in the coverage, and make adjustments on the fly. The Steelers have a few experienced receivers on their roster, but they need to add more experience at the position.
The Steelers have a number of needs on both sides of the ball, but finding a wide receiver is one of their top priorities. The Steelers have a number of talented young receivers on their roster, but they need to add more size, strength, speed, and experience at the position. The 2025 NFL Draft is a great opportunity for the Steelers to find the wide receiver they need to take their offense to the next level.
3. Offensive Line
The offensive line is a critical component of any successful NFL team, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are no exception. The offensive line is responsible for protecting the quarterback, creating running lanes for the running backs, and opening up passing lanes for the wide receivers. Without a strong offensive line, the Steelers will struggle to score points and win games.
The Steelers have a number of needs on their offensive line. They need to find a replacement for left tackle Alejandro Villanueva, who is expected to retire after the 2023 season. They also need to add depth at guard and center.
There are a number of talented offensive linemen who could be available to the Steelers in the 2025 NFL Draft. Some of the top prospects include:
- Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
- Evan Hull, OG, Northwestern
- Olusegun Oluwatimi, C, Michigan
These offensive linemen all have the potential to be Pro Bowl players, and the Steelers would be lucky to land any of them. The offensive line is a key component of the Steelers’ success, and the 2025 NFL Draft is a great opportunity for the Steelers to add some talented players to their offensive line.
4. Pass Rusher
A pass rusher is a defensive player whose primary responsibility is to sack the quarterback. Pass rushers are typically linemen or linebackers who are quick, strong, and have a knack for getting to the quarterback. The Pittsburgh Steelers have a long history of great pass rushers, including Hall of Famers Jack Lambert and Kevin Greene. However, the Steelers have not had a truly elite pass rusher since James Harrison retired after the 2014 season.
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Speed and athleticism
Pass rushers need to be quick and athletic enough to get around offensive linemen and get to the quarterback. They need to be able to accelerate quickly, change direction on a dime, and make sharp cuts. The Steelers have a few pass rushers on their roster who have good speed and athleticism, but they need to add more speed and athleticism at the position.
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Strength and power
Pass rushers need to be strong and powerful enough to bull rush offensive linemen and get to the quarterback. They need to be able to shed blocks, push offensive linemen around, and make tackles. The Steelers have a few pass rushers on their roster who have good strength and power, but they need to add more strength and power at the position.
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Technique and instincts
Pass rushers need to have good technique and instincts in order to be successful. They need to know how to use their hands, feet, and body to get around offensive linemen. They also need to be able to read the quarterback’s tendencies and anticipate his movements. The Steelers have a few pass rushers on their roster who have good technique and instincts, but they need to add more technique and instincts at the position.
The Steelers have a number of needs on their defense, but finding a pass rusher is one of their top priorities. The Steelers have a few talented pass rushers on their roster, but they need to add more speed, strength, technique, and instincts at the position. The 2025 NFL Draft is a great opportunity for the Steelers to find the pass rusher they need to take their defense to the next level.
FAQs on NFL Mock Draft 2025
The NFL Mock Draft is a valuable tool for fans and analysts to anticipate player selections in the upcoming draft. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the 2025 NFL Mock Draft pertaining to the Pittsburgh Steelers:
Question 1: What are the Steelers’ most pressing needs in the 2025 NFL Draft?
The Steelers have several areas to address in the 2025 NFL Draft, including quarterback, wide receiver, offensive line, pass rusher, and cornerback.
Question 2: Who are some potential quarterback targets for the Steelers in the 2025 NFL Draft?
Some potential quarterback targets for the Steelers in the 2025 NFL Draft include Cade Klubnik from Clemson, Arch Manning from Texas, and Dante Moore from Michigan.
Question 3: What qualities should the Steelers look for in a wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft?
When evaluating wide receivers in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Steelers should prioritize playmaking ability, size and strength, speed and agility, and experience.
Question 4: Why is finding a pass rusher a top priority for the Steelers in the 2025 NFL Draft?
The Steelers need to add a pass rusher in the 2025 NFL Draft to bolster their defense. They require players with speed and athleticism, strength and power, and technique and instincts to effectively pressure opposing quarterbacks.
Question 5: What factors will influence the Steelers’ draft strategy in 2025?
The Steelers’ draft strategy in 2025 will be influenced by their performance in the 2024 season, the availability of players at their targeted positions, and potential trades or free agent signings.
Question 6: How can fans follow the Steelers’ draft preparations and the 2025 NFL Draft?
Fans can follow the Steelers’ draft preparations and the 2025 NFL Draft through official team announcements, media reports, and NFL Draft analysts.
In summary, the 2025 NFL Mock Draft provides insights into potential player selections for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers have various needs to address, and the draft will be crucial in acquiring talented players to enhance their team.
Transitioning to the next section, we will delve into a more detailed analysis of the Steelers’ draft prospects and strategies.
Tips for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2025 NFL Draft
The NFL Mock Draft is a valuable tool for fans and analysts to anticipate player selections in the upcoming draft. Here are some tips for the Pittsburgh Steelers as they approach the 2025 NFL Draft:
Tip 1: Prioritize needs over best available players
While it’s tempting to select the most talented players available, the Steelers should focus on addressing their most pressing needs. This includes finding a franchise quarterback, upgrading the wide receiver corps, and bolstering the pass rush.
Tip 2: Consider trading up for a top quarterback
If the Steelers are serious about finding their quarterback of the future, they may need to trade up in the draft. Cade Klubnik or Arch Manning could be worth the price of moving up a few spots.
Tip 3: Look for versatility and athleticism
In today’s NFL, players who can play multiple positions and contribute in various ways are highly valued. The Steelers should target players with versatility and athleticism.
Tip 4: Don’t be afraid to draft players from smaller schools
Some of the best NFL players have come from smaller schools. The Steelers should not limit themselves to players from Power Five conferences. There is talent to be found everywhere.
Tip 5: Build through the draft, not free agency
The Steelers have a history of building their team through the draft rather than free agency. This is a wise strategy, as it allows them to acquire young, affordable talent that can grow with the team.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits:
- Prioritizing needs over the best available players allows teams to address their weaknesses.
- Trading up for a top quarterback can be a worthwhile investment for teams in need of a franchise passer.
- Versatility and athleticism are valuable traits in today’s NFL, as they allow players to contribute in multiple ways.
- Smaller schools often produce talented NFL players, and teams should not overlook them in the draft.
- Building through the draft is a sustainable strategy that allows teams to acquire young, affordable talent.
Transition to the article’s conclusion:
The 2025 NFL Draft is a crucial opportunity for the Pittsburgh Steelers to improve their team. By following these tips, the Steelers can increase their chances of drafting players who will help them compete for a Super Bowl championship.
Drafting Success for the Steelers
The 2025 NFL Draft presents a significant opportunity for the Pittsburgh Steelers to address their team’s needs and elevate their performance. By prioritizing their most pressing concerns, such as acquiring a franchise quarterback and bolstering their pass rush, they can lay the foundation for future success.
The Steelers should approach the draft with a strategic mindset, considering trades and evaluating players from all levels of college football. By focusing on versatility, athleticism, and character, they can identify players who will contribute meaningfully to the team’s culture and on-field performance.
The NFL Mock Draft is a valuable tool that can assist the Steelers in their preparation. By studying potential player selections, they can gain insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the available talent pool. Ultimately, the success of the Steelers in the 2025 NFL Draft will be determined by their ability to make informed decisions and secure players who align with their long-term goals. By embracing a comprehensive approach, the Steelers can enhance their team’s competitiveness and work towards achieving their championship aspirations.