The NFL Draft is right around the corner, and with the frenzy of free agency finally settling down, all eyes are now on the next wave of talent entering the league. As pro day visits continue across the country, the Steelers have been leaving behind breadcrumbs—through Top-30 visits, pro day workouts, and private dinners—hinting at which prospects they’re keeping a close eye on, and most of the players selected in this mock draft fit into that criteria.
With that in mind, I’ve put together the most realistic and well-crafted mock draft for Pittsburgh’s 2025 draft class.
The Pittsburgh Steelers trade back and still secure their top first-round target in 7-round mock
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
The Steelers should strongly consider trading back in this year’s draft, as the back end of the first round is loaded with talent. Fortunately, one of their biggest positional needs happens to be among the deepest groups in this class.
After giving up a second-round pick in the trade for DK Metcalf, Pittsburgh would be wise to recoup additional Day 2 selections. This is a draft where accumulating picks should be a priority, especially since they’ll likely be trading away significant draft capital next year to move up for a quarterback.
Despite trading back, the Steelers still land the player they likely targeted all along—Michigan’s Kenneth Grant. An athletic freak with tremendous upside, Grant is a Day 1 contributor who will provide an immediate boost to their run defense.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 2: Tyleik Willaims, DT, Ohio State
In this mock draft, the Steelers are fully committed to bolstering their defensive line and can’t pass up the best player available at pick #60 in the second round.
Tyleik Williams saw his draft stock take a hit after suffering an injury while running the 40-yard dash at his pro day, with the severity still uncertain. However, in this scenario, he slides—giving Pittsburgh a golden opportunity to snag a high-upside talent.
With back-to-back picks spent on defensive linemen, the Steelers are building a dominant front that will make their run defense nearly impenetrable. Once Cameron Heyward retires, their future in the trenches will be in great hands with a young core of Keeanu Benton, Kenneth Grant, and now Tyleik Williams.
Another Steelers trade back to land former National Champion QB
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Will Howard, QB, Ohio State
Who knows what’s going to happen with Aaron Rodgers? Reports are now surfacing that he might not even want to play this year. Regardless of whether he signs with the Steelers or not, Pittsburgh still needs to invest in its quarterback room.
In the third round, they take a calculated gamble on Will Howard—a move that provides them with a potential backup option and, perhaps, even a future starter. Depending on how he performs, Howard could get a shot in 2025, giving the Steelers a chance to evaluate the position before making any big decisions next year.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee
The Steelers finally address the running back position, a move many expected, but they opt to wait until the fourth round.
Sampson, a Top 30 visitor, fits the mold of what Pittsburgh is looking for in their next RB. The team wants to add more explosiveness to the backfield, and he certainly delivers, combining dynamic playmaking ability with sharp instincts.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State
Pittsburgh looks to add depth at cornerback with a versatile player capable of lining up both outside and inside, though his size makes him better suited for a slot role. At Kansas State, he thrived in man coverage, and given Pittsburgh’s preference for man-to-man schemes, this is a perfect fit for the slot.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Jordan Clark, S, Notre Dame
Mike Tomlin won’t be able to resist making this pick, as he gets the opportunity to draft a player with Steelers ties—former safety Ryan Clark’s son, Jordan Clark. At Notre Dame, Jordan showcased his versatility, playing both safety and nickel cornerback. With Pittsburgh in need of depth at safety, Clark’s intriguing skill set makes him a promising addition to the roster.