The Pittsburgh Steelers seem to be putting all their eggs in the Aaron Rodgers basket, as they continue to give him time to decide whether or not he wants to be the team's next starting quarterback.
All signs still point to the former MVP choosing to rock the black and gold in 2025. If that does indeed come to fruition, the Steelers have a lot of work to do to maximize his effectiveness.
The 2025 NFL draft is almost here, and that is how Pittsburgh can still add major talent to the roster. While the team clearly has it's focus on making 2025 as successful as possible, they need to have an eye on 2026 beyond as well.
With that in mind, there are three prospects that stand out as must-adds in the draft if Rodgers finally signs.
Pittsburgh Steelers must add immediate help with a swing for the future in the 2025 NFL draft
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Even after trading for D.K. Metcalf this offseason, the Steelers should not be done adding firepower to the offense. Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka is one of the safest prospects in the 2025 NFL draft thanks to his advanced route running and consistent high level of play at the college level.
He would have an immediate impact in the slot, but he has enough athleticism to play outside at times if the team doesn't extend George Pickens long term. Rodgers has always loved high-IQ slot receivers who consistently make the right adjustments. Egbuka is easily the best player who fits that mold in the draft.
Egbuka would help the team now, but he would be a building block for the future as well.
Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
The last QB that the Steelers selected high in the NFL draft was Kenny Pickett, and fans of the team know how that worked out. Where Pittsburgh went wrong deserves a separate article (and probably a documentary), but the short answer was what traits they prioritized.
Pickett had plenty of experience, showed flashes of brilliance in clutch moments, and had the grittiness that is often a hallmark of the Steelers. Unfortunately, he never had the requisite talent to be a starting QB.
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Alabama's Jalen Milroe, however, has every physical trait imaginable. He is powerfully built, an incredible athlete, and has one of the strongest arms in the class.
He has many flaws that may end up holding him back in the NFL, but all of them are theoretically fixable with the right coaching. He would get to sit behind Rodgers and would hopefully be ready to compete to be the starter in 2026.
Brashard Smith, RB, SMU
If you haven't heard SMU running back Brashard Smith's name before, I don't blame you. The 2025 RB class is as deep as maybe any this century, so it's easy for a more role-specific player like SMith to be overlooked.
Smith was incredibly productive for the Mustangs in 2024, rushing for 1,326 yards and 14 touchdowns. It isn't his rushing ability that makes him a must-add for the Steelers, however.
Smith originally was a wide receiver recruit for Miami, but he never developed into a starter. SMU chose to move him to running back, but his prowess in the passing game is still where he can make an impact in the NFL.
Aaron Rodgers loved throwing to his backs in 2024, with over 100 targets. Jaylen Warren is a good receiver in his own right, but Smith is more dynamic as a route runner and straight-line athlete. He could play a significant role in 2025 while continuing to develop as runner for the future.