I have gone back and forth as to who I want the Pittsburgh Steelers to select in the first round. Unlike years past, the team can seemingly go in a variety of different directions, and every fan seems to have a unique perspective as to what position and player makes the most sense.
I, for one, started the offseason hot on the receiver trail. Naturally, with D.K. Metcalf in the fold, that interest has waned. The team is doing there due diligence on safety which has to be noted. They are also looking into the quarterbacks, which seems like a mistake in the first round at least.
However, the most logical and long-standing first-round target has been the defensive line. Even before Larry Ogunobi was cut, the team had a reason to want a first-round lineman.
Narrowing in on the position, three names have been logical targets based on where they are projected to go: Walter Nolan, Derrick Harmon, and Kenneth Grant. While each has their pros, one name finally sticks out as the best choice for the Steelers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers need to go with Kenneth Grant with its first-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft
Grant has officially taken the top spot in terms of who I hope the team takes in the first round. While taking a conventional nose tackle that early comes with risks, he provides this defense with the most flexibility.
While I think Nolan is the best prospect of the three, his fit in a defense like this is questionable. His tape makes him seem like a better fit for a 4-3 defense. While those lines are blurred in the modern NFL, he seems like a player who could underachieve in this system.
Harmon, on the other hand, is a perfect fit for what this team wants in their defensive ends. He has the size and length to stay at end and broke out at Oregon last year. He plays the run well and finally showed some pass-rush juice last year.
My issue is that I don’t see the elite traits that would make him a dynamic defender long-term. I’m fine with a very good starter in the first round, and I think Harmon can be that, but he doesn’t have the ceiling that Grant has.
Add in the usual struggles a rookie defensive lineman will go through and I feel like Grant makes the most sense for this defense. His year one role is there in the middle of the defense, and as he grows he can step into more roles.
Nose tackle isn’t as difficult a spot to play as a starter. While dynamic ones will need some time to perfect rules, Grant can at least take up space and disrupt the run game early on. That was what he was best at in school.
This would allow Keeanu Benton to kick out to end, a fit that feels more natural for him. Not only does it allow Benton to move to a more natural position, but it also puts the rookie in Grant in the best spot to succeed as a rookie.
While I would agree that spending a first-round pick on a run-plugging nose tackle isn’t worth it, Grant has the potential to be so much more. While he will need some time to improve the nuances of the game, he could eventually play end or turn into an elite run and pass defender from the nose tackle position.
There is risk with Grant, arguably more risk than Harmon, but he puts the defense in the best position to succeed right away. He also has the potential to be an elite defender if he can be developed properly. While we can go in a variety of different routes in the first round, Grant has to be my favorite option right now at pick 21.