With the 2025 NFL draft fast approaching, the Pittsburgh Steelers desperately need more young, cheap talent. Finding depth players and even starters on Day 3 of the draft is the most cost-effective way to build a roster.
The Steelers have done a good job of that in recent years, finding players like Nick Herbig, Mason McCormick, Dan Moore Jr., and Calvin Austin III all in the fourth round alone. Even seventh-rounders like Cory Trice Jr. and Spencer Anderson have been quality depth.
With no second-rounder after the DK Metcalf trade, hitting on a few late-round picks will be even more important for Pittsburgh this season. Here are a few draft sleepers that the Steelers could target.
Draft sleepers Pittsburgh Steelers should target on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft
Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
Louisville cornerback Quincy Riley had an up-and-down college career, spending six seasons split between Middle Tennessee State and the Cardinals. He emerged as a potential NFL prospect after a strong 2023 campaign, finishing with three interceptions and 10 pass deflections.
2024 was a down year for him in comparison, struggling with injuries and not being as sound in coverage. That down season, though, could make him a buy-low candidate in a weaker corner class.
With the signing of Darius Slay, the Steelers should have the starting spot opposite of Joey Porter Jr. taken care of for 2025. What about 2026 and beyond? Riley could compete with players like Cory Trice Jr. and other potential draft picks for playing time once Slay is gone.
Jamaree Caldwell, NT, Oregon
Calling a prospect who played on one of the best teams in college football a sleeper may be a stretch, but Oregon nose tackle Jamaree Caldwell is being overlooked in a stacked defensive line class.
Caldwell is a short but heavy interior defender who would help solve the Steelers' run defense issues they faced down the stretch of last season. He also has some pass-rush potential, with 9 sacks in his college career.
He may not be the future Cam Heyward replacement they are surely looking for, but he would be a valuable addition to a shallow defensive line group in 2025.
Read More: Steelers' most frequently-mocked first-round pick is not who you'd expect
Even if the Steelers use their first-round pick to address the position, Caldwell would best be served as a true rotational defender. He played significant snaps for Oregon but should primarily play on early downs at the next level.
KeAndre Lambert-Smith, WR, Auburn
The Steelers made a huge addition to their receiving room already this offseason with the DK Metcalf trade, and barring a trade of George Pickens, are likely done making big moves at receiver.
Instead, finding more potential depth pieces who have more upside than the Van Jefferson's and Scotty Miller's of the world makes more sense. With Roman Wilson a complete unknown and Calvin Austin best suited as a gadget/slot option, finding more outside receiver depth in particular should be a priority.
Auburn's KeAndre Lambert-Smith fits the bill as a late-round pick who could be an excellent backup to both Metcalf and Pickens. Like those two, he thrives as a vertical threat with his blazing 4.37 speed and ball-tracking ability. He is still unrefined as a route runner and lacks ideal size, but he could be a quality outside receiver one day for cheap.
Raheim Sanders, RB, South Carolina
The Steelers need more running back depth now that Najee Harris has moved on after four frustrating years as the team's lead runner. Jaylen Warren will presumably take over that role for at least 2025, but he will need a new contract after this season and has had durability issues throughout his three-year career.
The Steelers' second-round pick was a popular running back spot for much of draft season, but the Seattle Seahawks own that pick after the Metcalf trade.
Instead of selecting one of the consensus top backs in the class, Pittsburgh could choose to take a flyer on one of the many talented Day 3 prospects.
One of the more intriguing options is South Carolina's Raheim Sanders. He exploded onto the scene in 2022 with a 1,466-yard, 10-touchdown season for Arkansas before injuries limited him to just 62 carries in 2023.
He bounced back in 2024 with 881 yards and 11 touchdowns for South Carolina, parlaying that production into a combine invite where he impressed with his combination of size and speed. He would be a great complement to Warren in 2025 and maybe even be his replacement moving forward.