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With only one week to go until the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off on April 24, the Pittsburgh Steelers still have several question marks on both sides of the ball. While the offensive line has been a focal point in recent drafts, it’s now the defensive line that must be addressed in 2025 — along with the secondary, particularly with 28-year-old FS Minkah Fitzpatrick’s splash-play ability having regressed significantly over the past two seasons.
In the latest mock draft update, George Pickens remains with the Steelers through at least 2025 — eliminating one major offensive need and opening the door for Pittsburgh to target a talented defensive back early.
It was a toss-up between Oregon DT prospect Derrick Harmon and Ole Miss DT prospect Walter Nolen — but the Mississippi Rebels’ pass-rush abilities were too great to pass up at pick No. 21. Expect Nolen to make an immediate impact on obvious passing downs while honing his run-stopping craft behind veteran DT Cam Heyward.
The Steelers draft their answer to Fitzpatrick’s eventual departure from the Steel City. Winston was once considered a lock for the first round before a season-ending ACL tear cut his 2024 campaign short just three games in. His size and athleticism are too great to pass up in Round 3 — and the Steelers may have found their long-term solution at the safety position.
One of the worst-kept secrets heading into the 2025 NFL Draft is that the Steelers are looking for a home-run-hitting running back who can turn any touch into a touchdown — and that’s exactly what Texas Longhorn Jaydon Blue brings to the table. Blue possesses true 4.2 speed out of the backfield and can threaten defenses as a receiver as well.
Shough is ideally what the Steelers need from a quarterback in this year’s draft — someone with the potential to develop into a long-term starter or backup, without requiring a major investment. It has often been believed that 2026 will be the year Pittsburgh targets its long-term answer at quarterback in the draft — but taking a swing on this year’s class on Day 3 could help alleviate that concern altogether.
The Steelers once again address the defensive line on Day-3 by bringing a incredible athlete to the defensive line. Robinson is a project at the next level, but if there was any head coach that could develop him into a starter, it would be the defensive minded HC Mike Tomlin.
The Steelers cap off their draft by addressing the offensive tackle position late — a potential area of concern depending on the performance of Broderick Jones, who, along with former Steeler and now Titans OT Dan Moore Jr., led all tackle duos in sacks allowed last season. Turner is another high-ceiling Day 3 prospect who could develop into a long-term starter or quality backup if coached properly.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers double down on defense in new 2025 mock draft
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In the latest mock draft update, George Pickens remains with the Steelers through at least 2025 — eliminating one major offensive need and opening the door for Pittsburgh to target a talented defensive back early.
Round 1, Pick 21: Walter Nolen, DT — Ole Miss
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It was a toss-up between Oregon DT prospect Derrick Harmon and Ole Miss DT prospect Walter Nolen — but the Mississippi Rebels’ pass-rush abilities were too great to pass up at pick No. 21. Expect Nolen to make an immediate impact on obvious passing downs while honing his run-stopping craft behind veteran DT Cam Heyward.
Round 3, Pick 83: Kevin Winston Jr., S — Penn State
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The Steelers draft their answer to Fitzpatrick’s eventual departure from the Steel City. Winston was once considered a lock for the first round before a season-ending ACL tear cut his 2024 campaign short just three games in. His size and athleticism are too great to pass up in Round 3 — and the Steelers may have found their long-term solution at the safety position.
Round 4, Pick 123: Jaydon Blue, RB — Texas
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One of the worst-kept secrets heading into the 2025 NFL Draft is that the Steelers are looking for a home-run-hitting running back who can turn any touch into a touchdown — and that’s exactly what Texas Longhorn Jaydon Blue brings to the table. Blue possesses true 4.2 speed out of the backfield and can threaten defenses as a receiver as well.
Round 5, Pick 156: Tyler Shough, QB — Louisville
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Shough is ideally what the Steelers need from a quarterback in this year’s draft — someone with the potential to develop into a long-term starter or backup, without requiring a major investment. It has often been believed that 2026 will be the year Pittsburgh targets its long-term answer at quarterback in the draft — but taking a swing on this year’s class on Day 3 could help alleviate that concern altogether.
Round 6, Pick 185: Ty Robinson, DT — Nebraska
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The Steelers once again address the defensive line on Day-3 by bringing a incredible athlete to the defensive line. Robinson is a project at the next level, but if there was any head coach that could develop him into a starter, it would be the defensive minded HC Mike Tomlin.
Round 7, Pick 229: Jalen Travis, OT — Iowa State
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The Steelers cap off their draft by addressing the offensive tackle position late — a potential area of concern depending on the performance of Broderick Jones, who, along with former Steeler and now Titans OT Dan Moore Jr., led all tackle duos in sacks allowed last season. Turner is another high-ceiling Day 3 prospect who could develop into a long-term starter or quality backup if coached properly.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers double down on defense in new 2025 mock draft
Continue reading...
