On the eve of the 2025 NFL Draft, ESPN analyst Peter Schrager released his one and only mock draft. If you've been following Schrager's mocks closely over the years, you know what that when he drops his only mock, fans listen. This year, Schrager's selection for the Pittsburgh Steelers will have fans on the edge of their seats.
Schrager always conducts his mock drafts based on what he's hearing from sources around the league. This isn't a 'what he would do' mock or a mock draft that simply fills major needs for all 32 teams. The respected ESPN voice is hearing things... and fans should listen.
With the 21st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Schrager has the Pittsburgh Steelers selecting Shedeur Sanders, quarterback from Colorado.
There's a reason the Steelers suddenly have the highest odds in the league to select the polarizing quarterback, and it's more than just pre-draft noise. There's truth to this, and Schrager knows it.
Schrager has Pittsburgh passing on defensive tackles Derrick Harmon, Kenneth Grant, and Walter Nolen. Interestingly, Schrager has Harmon and Nolen falling out of the first round entirely. This would check out with the recent whispers that Harmon has medical concerns, and there are concerns about Nolen's character.
Pittsburgh Steelers should brace themselves for impact with QB Shedeur Sanders in the NFL Draft
If you are among the Steelers fans begging the team to take a swing on Shedeur Sanders, you're going to love Peter Schager's mock draft. But if you're not, you might want to prepare yourself as if this will be the selection by Pittsburgh in the first round.
Back in February, mocking Sanders to the Steelers wouldn't have made sense, as there was still talk that he could go No. 2 to the Cleveland Browns or No. 3 to the New York Giants. However, there are rumors that both of those teams like other quarterbacks better in this class.
Meanwhile, many believed Sanders wouldn't get past the New Orleans Saints with the 9th overall pick in the draft, but the Saints reportedly aren't high on this quarterback class, and they seem poised to go in a different direction in Round 1. If Sanders makes it past New Orleans, the slide could ensue with no end in sight.
Schrager's mock draft creates an interesting scenario where both Sanders and Derrick Harmon are on the board when the Steelers are on the clock. These may be the two most likely candidates at this spot. However, if Pittsburgh has a first-round grade on both players, you'd have to think quarterback would trump the interior defender.
At the very least, this mock draft would inspire hope for the future for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Shedeur Sanders might not be the transcendent player they were hoping for, but this team needs to take swings on quarterbacks until they find one who can get them back to championship form. Brace yourself! This could be the pick when the Steelers are on the clock on Thursday night.