As the Pittsburgh Steelers head into the first round of the NFL Draft, they face more uncertainty than usual.
Unlike previous years, it is not obvious which prospects sit at the top of their draft board. In past drafts, players such as Derrick Harmon were widely viewed as natural fits for the team in 2025, and that clarity ultimately led to him being the Steelers’ top selection. This time around, there are far fewer clear‑cut options, leaving the team with a much murkier first‑round outlook.
The Still Curtain staff has offered a range of predictions for whom the Steelers might select in the first round. Some project Pittsburgh trading up to make a splashy addition, while others believe the team will wait and make its pick at No. 21 overall. Either path would present an intriguing strategy for the Steelers, but a trade could dramatically reshape how they approach the rest of the draft.
After reviewing several options for Round 1, it is clear that the Steelers would prefer to add an impact player who can help elevate their offense.
Selecting a wide receiver appears to be the top priority, though reinforcing the trenches remains a possibility. Defensive prospects should not be overlooked either, especially if one slides further than expected. Even so, most mock drafts currently project Pittsburgh selecting an offensive player.
Still Curtain predictions for the Pittsburgh Steelers' first round pick
"The Pittsburgh Steelers will use the first-round pick to improve the offense. I believe they can only do this by adding KC Concepcion to the wide receiver room. He’s a talented route runner that will be available, the 21st pick." - Loyal Ricks Jr. (Steelers take KC Concepcion)
"I went back and forth on this late. There is a growing need for a tackle and receiver is could still be added to. The Steelers have also been all over the secondary during the pre-draft process. However, like Sonny Weaver Jr. in Draft Day, I have my crumbled note of "Vega Ioane, no matter what" in my pocket. He is a plug-and-play starter for the next ten years and keeps the focus on making the trenches better." - Andrew Falce (Steelers take Olaivavega Ioane)
"The Steelers have their eyes on a few legitimate first-round targets. Unfortunately, all three of Makai Lemon, Olaivavega Ioane, and Spencer Fano could be gone before they are on the clock at pick No. 21. With 12 draft picks at their disposal, I have the Steelers trading up in Round 1 to land Lemon, who would be a perfect fit as Pittsburgh's slot receiver." - Tommy Jaggi (Steelers take Makai Lemon)
"This is by far the hardest time I have had deciding where I think the Steelers will go with their first-round pick. The lack of pro-day visits and a small pool of candidates that fit their usual criteria left me stumped. Ultimately, I think this could be the first time we get a bit of a surprise pick, and I am going with Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr. He fits what Mike McCarthy looks for in a versatile slot receiver, and he has some connection on the Steelers coaching staff." - Shayne Kubas (Steelers take Omar Cooper Jr.)
Final prediction if Steelers trade up: Makai Lemon
With 12 draft picks at their disposal, the Steelers have the flexibility to trade up in the first round. While a move into the top 10 seems unlikely, trading into the top 15 remains a realistic possibility if the price is right. In that scenario, the motivation would likely be to target one of the top wide receivers sliding down the board. Makai Lemon would make the most sense in that outcome.
He spent time in Pittsburgh during his pre-draft visit and appears to be a player the organization genuinely values.
That visit reportedly went very well, which could keep him near the top of their draft board. While he could be selected early in the first round and eliminate this scenario, there is also a chance he slips into a range where the Steelers could move up to get him. Lemon would be an excellent foundation for the franchise’s rookie class.
Final prediction if Steelers stay at pick 21: Omar Cooper Jr.
If Pittsburgh is unable to trade up and instead decides to stay at pick 21, the Steelers will have contingency plans in place. While it has been rare for the team to select a player who did not take a pre-draft visit since Omar Khan became general manager. Omar Cooper Jr. has been frequently linked to Pittsburgh in mock drafts, and he could be the player who breaks that recent trend.
There are strong connections between the Steelers organization and the current Indiana football program, which makes Cooper a player the team would feel comfortable selecting. He has been one of the fastest risers during the draft process and could bring a unique and versatile skill set to the offense. If Lemon and other receivers are off the board, Cooper could be the Steelers’ choice.
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