It's not pretty when you research the Steelers' top picks over the past four years. Other than maybe Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones having a chance to turn things around, Pittsburgh has struggled with their first-round picks. When you draft a boom-or-bust prospect, more times than not, most of them will become busts. It takes a special player with that evaluation to become a star.
A handful of NFL draft prospects in the 2025 event could be considered boom-or-bust players. They could either develop into something or be out of the NFL quicker than they joined. The Steelers are normally smarter than taking giant risks, but ever since Omar Khan became their general manager, they are not afraid to make some gambles.
Pittsburgh must be careful not to risk too much in the upcoming draft.
Steelers must be careful when considering any of these draft prospects
Savion Williams, WR, TCU
The Steelers will include Savion Williams as one of their pre-draft visitors. That is a vital milestone as a possible selection for Pittsburgh. D.K. Metcalf and George Pickens are still on the team, but things could change within the year. Pickens and Calvin Austin III are pending free agents after the upcoming season, so they need some upcoming players behind them.
Williams has immense upside coming out of TCU. He is a freak athlete who stands at 6'5 and weighs 225 pounds. He would be a perfect option to store behind Pickens and Metcalf and learn the ropes for a season. The issue with Williams is his lack of quality production at TCU. You would draft this receiver because of his potential based on his athleticism, but that's not good for business.
If the Steelers wish to take a receiver, they should have better bets than Williams.
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
As the pre-draft process progresses, it is alarming how much the Steelers have expressed interest in the safety position. They have Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott under contract this year, but Pittsburgh could be interested in possible replacements. Nick Emmanwori would be a shocking first-round pick, but it's understandable why they like this prospect.
None of the Steelers top brass were present for Emmanwori's pro day, but Pittsburgh's secondary coach helped him through drills. This safety has an elite blend of size and athleticism for the position. He can play different roles in the secondary and give the team a nice boost at the position. Emmanwori would be a shocking pick in Round 1, but he would also be a massive gamble.
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Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
We have reached the apex of concerned Steelers fans everywhere. Jalen Milroe cannot be Pittsburgh's top choice in the upcoming draft. It would be more palatable if the Alabama product was available in the third round. Even that would be a risk. Milroe has never been able to take Alabama over the jump, and that has produced concerns over the quarterback.
He is an athletic player, which will entice Mike Tomlin to consider him, but Milroe has too many question marks around him to be a first-round talent. He has a strong arm, and his mobility is an elite trait, but he cannot be your first choice. He is a boom-or-bust candidate. If Milroe can find a way to become accurate and read defense more precisely, he could become a star.