The city of Pittsburgh is eagerly awaiting to see who the Steelers will take with their top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. It's always exciting for NFL fans to see young prospects join their favorite teams in real time. Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan has six picks to use in the selection process, but there are plenty of holes to fill. He cannot afford to miss on his picks.
In their pre-draft press conference, head coach Mike Tomlin and Khan reiterated their excitement for this draft class. The hot rumor remains circulating about Shedeur Sanders, which has popped up in the week leading up to the NFL Draft. If they can select the Colorado quarterback, they might feel inclined to do so. They are desperate to land a franchise quarterback.
If they select Sanders, it could force their draft class into a tailspin. They need to add some players in the trenches and a running back. If they fail to address any of those glaring needs, it could create an unfixable problem. Pittsburgh might be able to skip the running back need early in the process if they need to focus elsewhere.
Some free agents could help them if they can't address the need.
Pittsburgh Steelers could consider J.K. Dobbins if they don't draft a RB
Khan and Tomlin continue to wait on Aaron Rodgers regarding his decision to join the team. He might be the most reported free agent in Steelers history, but other fish are still in the open waters of free agency. After Pittsburgh hosted nine running backs as pre-draft visitors, it seems unlikely they would neglect the position in the early rounds.
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You don't know how the draft will shake out, and not having a second-round choice could force them into a bad situation regarding their need for a running back. Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell are on the roster, but they could use another dynamic piece. Failing to add a top prospect at the position in the draft could have them turn to free agent J.K. Dobbins as a final option.
The Steelers have over $31 million to work with in cap space heading into the NFL Draft. There is plenty of spending change left. Rodgers would eat much of that cap space despite claiming he would play for cheap. The good news is that Dobbins would be a cheap free-agent addition.
Spotrac's website has his next contract projection set at $4 million on a one-year deal.
Dobbins would be a perfect fallback option for the Steelers if they can't address the position in the draft. He is still young and is used to playing in a duo. He might not solve your running back concerns, but he could delay the need until next year. Pittsburgh has plenty of needs, which could lead to Dobbins being a perfect find as a free agent.