The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a precarious position heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. Their roster has talent, but also glaring holes that need addressing. With the AFC North growing more competitive, Pittsburgh cannot afford to sit idly by and hope the current lineup can contend for a Super Bowl.
The front office, led by Omar Khan, must strategically utilize their draft capital and free agency spending.
One of the biggest misconceptions about roster building is that free agency alone can solve a team’s problems. While signing experienced veterans provides leadership and stability, it does not guarantee long-term success. Veterans may have the knowledge and skills to make an immediate impact.
Youthful players bring the energy and upside necessary for sustained success. That is why investing in the draft to fill key positions—such as wide receiver, running back, and defensive line—while using free agency to secure talent at quarterback and cornerback is the best course of action for Pittsburgh.
With that in mind, here is how the Steelers should utilize the 2025 NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers 3-round mock draft: Matthew Golden is the prize in Round 1
Steelers mock draft Round 1: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
The Steelers have a history of developing elite receivers, and adding Matthew Golden from Texas would continue that tradition. Standing at 6’0” with a blazing 4.3-second 40-yard dash, Golden possesses the speed and athleticism to be a game-changer opposite George Pickens.
Pickens has already established himself as Pittsburgh’s No., but needs a valid secondary threat to prevent defenses from keying in on him.
Golden’s ability to track the ball in the air and make contested catches would give the Steelers one of the best young receiver duos in the league. His explosiveness would also add a much-needed deep threat to an offense without consistent big-play ability.
Given Pittsburgh’s tendency to develop receiver talent, Golden could thrive in their system and become an integral part of the offense for years.
Steelers mock draft Round 2: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
The Steelers have a decision to make regarding Najee Harris’s future, and even if he stays, the team lacks true explosiveness in the backfield. That’s why taking TreVeyon Henderson with the 52nd pick makes perfect sense.
Henderson is a dynamic playmaker with elite acceleration, possessing a rare combination of power and speed that would complement Jaylen Warren’s bruising style.
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At 5’10” and 215 pounds, Henderson has the breakaway ability the Steelers have been missing. His 4.43 speed makes him a threat to score on any play, and his vision allows him to create big gains even when the blocking isn’t perfect.
Adding Henderson would give Pittsburgh a balanced and dangerous rushing attack, taking pressure off the passing game and allowing the offense to be more dynamic.
Steelers mock draft Round 3: Deone Walker, DL, Kentucky
With an aging Cameron Heyward, the Steelers must prioritize strengthening the defensive line. Deone Walker is a physical force who can learn to eventually take over as a cornerstone in Pittsburgh’s front seven. At 6’6” and 330 pounds, Walker has the size and athleticism to dominate in the trenches.
Over three seasons at Kentucky, Walker racked up 97 pressures, 15 sacks, and 70 stops— showing his ability to disrupt offenses. He plays with a relentless motor and versatility to line up in multiple positions along the defensive line.
Pittsburgh’s defensive identity has been built on dominance in the trenches, and Walker fits that mold perfectly. The need for a defensive lineman is not the same as receiver of tailback. I used this to my advantage in my mock draft - exchanging the 83rd pick for the 85th for additional picks.
Day 3 NFL Draft targets: Adding depth and potential starters to the Pittsburgh Steelers
The later rounds are just as crucial, as this is where teams build depth and find potential future starters. Here are where additonal picks come in handy. The Steelers should look to add edge rusher Brandyn Swinson (LSU) and offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin (Ohio State) to bolster their depth at two critical positions.
Swinson would assist and learn behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, ensuring the Steelers have a rotational weapon to contribute. McLaughlin, meanwhile, would give Pittsburgh another young lineman to develop, ensuring the offensive line remains a strength in the years to come.
By following this draft strategy, the Steelers would set themselves up for success. They would secure a legitimate WR2 to complement Pickens, a dynamic running back to add explosion to the backfield, and a defensive lineman who could eventually anchor the front seven.
Additionally, selecting depth pieces at the edge rusher and offensive line ensures the Steelers maintain their physical identity without sacrificing youth.
With these draft selections in place, Omar Khan’s front office would have the flexibility to use free agency to address quarterback and cornerback—two positions that require veteran stability.
This approach balances immediate impact with long-term sustainability, ensuring Pittsburgh remains competitive in the future.
The Steelers cannot afford to fumble this draft. With these selections, they can reinforce their foundation, develop future stars, and continue their tradition of hard-nosed, championship-caliber football.