The 2025 NFL draft is now less than 48 hours away, as the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for what could be a franchise-altering first round. It's always an exciting night, and a handful of trades might happen.
However, there have not been any trades regarding draft capital leading up to the event. That is the first time that hasn't happened since 2014, when no first-round picks have exchanged teams leading up to the top round. It could lead to some fireworks.
Everyone wants to know what the Steelers will accomplish as the first round nears. They have plenty of needs to address, and trying to make a trade to gain extra picks is very much on the table. It should be a fun night, as everyone researches mock drafts to try and land some inside scoop.
The NFL draft should have some interesting moves in the top round of the event.
2025 NFL mock draft has Steelers and plenty others swinging trades
2025 NFL mock draftTennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
All signs point to the Tennessee Titans taking Cam Ward with their top pick in this draft. Unless something massive shifts at the last moment, Ward will be the top selection. Many experts have compared him to former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, which is a bold take. Ward has everything you want in a potential franchise-changing player. He will be a Titan.
2025 NFL mock draft Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, WR, Colorado
Will Travis Hunter play cornerback or receiver at the next level? Could he possibly play both as he did in college? The Cleveland Browns take the best player in this draft class and will need to figure that out.
They still have a reasonable set of decision-makers in their organization despite the Deshaun Watson debacle. Hunter will bring excitement to their organization, and the Browns will take a quarterback on day two.
READ MORE: A decade in picks: How the Steelers have fared in the NFL draft since 2015
2025 NFL mock draft New York Giants: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
New York neglects to overdraft Shedeur Sanders at this pick, and the slide of quarterbacks starts here in this mock draft. The Giants take Abdul Carter from Penn State with their top pick. Adding him to a formidable defensive front boosts the group to new heights. It could create one of the best pass-rushing groups in the league.
New York makes a clever decision early in the draft.
2025 NFL mock draft New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
The New England Patriots are in a good spot in this mock draft. They didn't have Hunter or Carter drop to their pick, but they got a boost in the offensive trenches. Will Campbell has struggled in the pre-draft process at times, but he remains the top tackle prospect on the board. New England must infuse pieces around Drake Maye to give him the best chance to succeed in his second year.
2025 NFL mock draft Jacksonville Jaguars: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Most draft evaluators had Mason Graham as a top-three player in the NFL draft before the end of the college season. Since then, he hasn't done anything atrocious, but other players have jumped in front of him. Selecting Graham here will allow the Jaguars to get better up front. Their offense has some quality pieces installed, but they must get stronger on defense to balance things out.
2025 NFL mock draft Las Vegas Raiders: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
It has been a bumpy pre-draft process for Tetairoa McMillan, but he should remain the top receiver taken outside of Hunter. He has the size each team is searching for. The Las Vegas Raiders added Geno Smith earlier in the offseason, so they need to add talent around him. McMillan could become their best receiver when he hits the field, outside of star tight end Brock Bowers.
2025 NFL mock draft New York Jets: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
After a busy offseason of turnover, the New York Jets could use some help at different positions. They let go of long-time leader C.J. Mosley as a cap casualty. With a hole at inside linebacker, the Jets take Jihaad Campbell. It might be a little rich for some, but this mock draft recognizes their needs.
Creating a strong defense will take pressure off of former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields.
2025 NFL mock draft Carolina Panthers: Jalen Walker, EDGE, Georgia
You could go in many different directions with the rebuilding Carolina Panthers. They traded Brian Burns last offseason, which brings more questions about the unknown future of Jadeveon Clowney. Jalen Walker would be a perfect pick for Carolina. They get a young edge rusher who could develop into a star. It would provide a long-term answer to the position as they try and resolve their issues.
2025 NFL mock draft: First big trade breaks the internet
It would be surprising to wait this long for a trade, but that's how this mock draft played out. It's not too flashy, as the New Orleans Saints commit to moving back one spot for a handful of pick swaps. The Chicago Bears noticed a player they loved was starting to slip and were too concerned to wait around much longer.
2025 NFL mock draft Chicago Bears (via Saints): Ashton Jeanty, RB, Chicago Bears
Countless rumors circulated about Chicago's love of Ashton Jeanty. The Bears want to lessen the pressure on Caleb Williams in his second go-around. Their addition of Jeanty will help. They revamped their offensive line during free agency and through the trade front. Chicago will be in great shape regarding their offensive desires this upcoming campaign.
2025 NFL mock draft New Orleans Saints (via Bears): Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
After making a trade with Chicago, the Saints are willing to make the first "shocking" pick of the first round. Nick Emmanwori will be a top pick, but not many expect him to go this early. New Orleans scouted the athletic safety during the pre-draft process. The club also must find a long-term answer at the position as star players continue to age on defense.
2025 NFL mock draft San Francisco 49ers: Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
Maybe another pick in this mock draft that might be too rich for their taste. The San Francisco 49ers go with Mike Green as their top choice. He is a fantastic edge rusher who should help bring youth into the trenches. There are some other "big names" available on the draft board, but Green is someone who had a terrific pre-draft process and could become a star player.
2025 NFL mock draft Dallas Cowboys: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
Jerry Jones has been under fire during the offseason for the Dallas Cowboys. They appear to be a team stuck in the middle, much like the Steelers. They will fight for relevancy, but they know they must address the offensive line. Jones knows the importance of the trenches, and Armand Membou fell into his lap. The Cowboys are thrilled with making this selection.
READ MORE: Steelers forced into agonizing dilemma in 4-round mock draft
2025 NFL mock draft: Cardinals feel desperate to add another explosive weapon
Another trade happens in this mock draft as the Arizona Cardinals are desperate for success. They have too many holes to fill on their roster, but they could use some help on offense. Marvin Harrison Jr. showed good things during his rookie campaign. He cannot be the only reliable receiver for Kyler Murray, which triggered them to jump up and take an offensive playmaker.
2025 NFL mock draft Arizona Cardinals (via Dolphins): Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
After making a trade-up, the Cardinals decide to take Matthew Golden. The speedy receiver has raw talent, but he could transition well with a quarterback like Murray. For those who might not remember, Murray played with Marquise "Hollywood" Brown in college and has a similar set of wheels on him as Golden. They will need to develop this prospect, but he should help Murray.
2025 NFL mock draft Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The slide ends for Tyler Warren as the do-it-all tight end lands with the Indianapolis Colts. He hasn't seen much pre-draft interest from many top teams, but clubs seem scared to take someone at his position too early. The Colts must surround Anthony Richardson with top playmakers, and Warren will give their offense plenty of options.
He could become Richardson's top target next season.
2025 NFL mock draft Atlanta Falcons: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Something appears off with Will Johnson heading into the top round. He didn't run a 40-yard dash during the pre-draft process, which could get the Steelers a shot at taking him. In this mock draft, he lands with the Atlanta Falcons. Even if Johnson is slower, he should help boost Atlanta's secondary. They need a starting cornerback, and you cannot deny his desire to win.
2025 NFL mock draft Miami Dolphins (via Cardinals): Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
After moving back a few spots earlier, the Miami Dolphins must find a cornerback. Jalen Ramsey is on the trade block, and both parties want to find a resolution. Since Johnson went a pick earlier, Miami selected Jahdae Barron. He is a versatile cornerback who can play at different spots. The Dolphins will try him out to see where he fits best.
2025 NFL mock draft Cincinnati Bengals: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
It's too obvious for the Cincinnati Bengals to target a defensive prospect here. They could still go in that direction, but they keep with their offensive ideology. Omarion Hampton is a terrific athlete and someone who could add another dynamic playmaker to their offense. They just paid Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, so why not just load up on offense and see where it takes you?
2025 NFL mock draft Seattle Seahawks: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
The offensive tackle position is commonly a focal point at the NFL draft, but this year could be different. Some have questioned if a prospect like Kelvin Banks Jr. is a starting tackle or guard in the NFL. Either way, this is terrific value for the Seattle Seahawks. They signed Sam Darnold as their quarterback, so they must build a good roster for their signal-caller.
2025 NFL mock draft: Another trade sets the Steelers up for bad news
The Steelers' pick fast approaches, and most teams know they must add to their defensive line. The Los Angeles Rams need help in the trenches and want to take who's left. Pittsburgh has to sit in agony as the Rams move ahead of their first-round selection. It would be an ugly situation for the Steelers.
2025 NFL mock draft Los Angeles Rams (via Buccaneers): Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Los Angeles jumped the Steelers to take one of their pre-draft love interests. Kenneth Grant would be a terrific nose tackle for Pittsburgh, but he goes to the Rams. They need some help in the trenches, but their defensive line looks improved with this selection. Grant could eventually become an every-down starter, but he would be best as a run stuffer as a rookie.
2025 NFL mock draft Denver Broncos: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Bo Nix had a fantastic rookie campaign as the Denver Broncos quarterback. With that in mind, they could use better options at their receiver position. Denver takes Luther Burden III as an offensive weapon who can play different spots at the position. Burden struggled against premier competition in college, but he should become an impact player at the next level.
2025 NFL mock draft: Steelers move trade back to gain an extra pick
It's the most likely draft in recent memory for Pittsburgh to consider a trade back in the top round. They don't have a second-round pick. Pittsburgh acquiring a mid-round pick in a move-back at some point seems like a guarantee. The Green Bay Packers come calling in this mock draft and are willing to part with their selection in the fourth round. It's not a high pick, but it's good business for the Steelers.
2025 NFL mock draft Green Bay Packers (via Steelers): Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
With a slight run on the receiver position at this point in the mock draft, the Packers make a trade with the Steelers. It didn't cost too much to acquire this pick, and it landed them Emeka Egbuka. He is a stable receiver with tons of production in college. Egbuka might not be a superstar player, but he can play outside and in the slot. His dependability will make him a day-one contributor.
2025 NFL mock draft Los Angeles Chargers: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
You cannot deny the amount of consensus this selection would provide. The Chargers have been connected with the Michigan football program since Jim Harbaugh became their head coach. Colston Loveland remains a top tight end on the board, and Harbaugh would pounce at this opportunity. Loveland would fit into the Chargers' offense, which needs a dependable target.
2025 NFL mock draft Pittsburgh Steelers (via Packers): Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
After moving back, Mike Tomlin finally makes a prospect's dream come true. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Derrick Harmon. Their gaping hole remains along the defensive line. The Steelers must invest in the defensive trenches, similar to what they did with their offensive counterparts. Taking Harmon here settles any problems the fans had with their free-agent signings.
Harmon visited Pittsburgh during the pre-draft process, which is vital for West Coast players. They did something similar for Troy Fautanu last year. The Steelers might've skipped Harmon's pro day, but Omar Khan will take players as long as they visit the organization.
Harmon should be a name to watch as the top round counts down to the Steelers' top choice.
READ MORE: Ranking Steelers' current regime's draft picks from best to worst
2025 NFL mock draft Minnesota Vikings: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
The Minnesota Vikings could use some help on offense, but they decided to address some needs on defense. Malaki Starks is a top prospect who remains on the board, and they could use some help in the secondary. Harrison Smith continues to age. It would be wise to have a young player waiting in the wings. Starks could be a perfect transitional piece for the Vikings' defense.
2025 NFL mock draft: Blockbuster move of the night goes to the New York Giants
We reach the point in the mock draft where the falling quarterback prospects could be in play. Struggling teams with top picks in the second round could consider moving up to take a quarterback. The New York Giants are desperate for success, and they could use a young quarterback to learn behind former Steelers gunslinger Russell Wilson.
2025 NFL mock draft New York Giants (via Texans): Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
They didn't have to pay too much to move into this spot, but the Giants finally took Shedeur Sanders. They want Sanders, but it seems too rich to take him in the top three. New York gets a prospect who might not become a superstar, but he could have a chance to succeed.
A year of learning behind Wilson might be the best outcome awarded to him.
2025 NFL mock draft Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via Rams): Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
After moving back earlier in the mock draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a nice pick with Mykel Williams. The edge rusher out of Georgia has received plenty of pre-draft interest, which leads many to believe he will go in the top round. He has all the tools, but the star edge rusher needs to galvanize his potential and talent. Tampa Bay could get a steal here if Williams develops.
2025 NFL mock draft Baltimore Ravens: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Steelers might've shown interest in Shemar Stewart, but his fit within their defense would be puzzling. The Baltimore Ravens would be a better fit, and that's where he lands in this scenario. His best days of football remain in front of him. Stewart didn't produce eye-popping production at Texas A&M, but he has everything that makes a star pass rusher in the NFL.
2025 NFL mock draft Detroit Lions: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Draft evaluators have concerns about Walter Nolen as the first round nears. He played on five different teams between high school and college. Some are questioning his ability to stick with teams, which has dropped his draft stock. Nolen has too much talent to sink too far in the draft. The Detroit Lions would be a perfect environment where the defensive tackle could thrive.
2025 NFL mock draft Washington Commanders: Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
After a storybook season for the Washington Commanders, they continued that momentum into the offseason. They have added a handful of impact players on offense to keep Jayden Daniels's rookie magic rolling into year two. Washington could use some help on defense, which led to Xavier Watts. The star safety from Notre Dame should help their secondary take a step in the right direction.
2025 NFL mock draft Buffalo Bills: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
Who knows if the Buffalo Bills will ever get over the hump, but they lost some pieces on defense. Trey Amos is a borderline first-round prospect who could develop into a reliable starter at the next level. The Bills just brought back Tre'Davious White. Amos doesn't need to make an immediate impact. Buffalo adds a starting-caliber cornerback who could become more.
2025 NFL mock draft Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Many might scratch their heads at this selection after the Kansas City Chiefs signed Jaylon Moore in free agency. Although Moore should be a solid starter for them, you cannot have enough options protecting Patrick Mahomes. Josh Simmons sitting on the board in the mock draft is unfair. The evil empire gets stronger after taking Simmons.
2025 NFL mock draft Philadelphia Eagles: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
We end this mock draft with the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles.
They just lost Brandon Graham to retirement. They have pieces to replace the defensive standout, but the Eagles love to invest in the trenches. They take Donovan Ezeiruaku with the final pick in the first round. He has insane talent and can share snaps or start if needed.