As we prepare to head into the new year, this isn’t the same Steelers team that I was writing about in last month's mock draft. The defense has really fallen off and the offense showed just how dependent they were on George Pickens. They have gone from a potential Super Bowl sleeper to now a likely one and done in the playoffs.
Because of this, my latest mock draft needs to cover a lot of ground. From some questions as to who the defense is so displeased with (you can get my guess in my first-round pick) to solidifying some key positions for both now and the future, this mock draft needs to do a lot. While I hate predicting trades, we are using a little holiday magic to flip that script.
In this mock, with no one great available in the mid-20s, I look to trade back and out of the first round. The Steelers move back to pick 35 and net an additional third and fifth-round pick this year. As always, players were selected through PFF’s mock draft simulator. Without any further ado, Pittsburgh is on the clock.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1: Jahdae Barron, DB, Texas
The Steelers look to add a versatile chess piece with their top pick, nabbing Jahdae Barron in the early second round. He is a classic positionless defender in the mold of Tyrann Mathieu. He is a natural fit at free safety, can play in the box, and could even carve out a career as a slot cornerback.
If no major changes are made in the safety room, then Barron can finally provide a definitive upgrade in the slot. Cameron Sutton has been mediocre and Beanie Bishop has flashed, but Barron would be an every-down option and a major upgrade in coverage. He is also a fierce run defender, so an instant role should present itself there.
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I am also not convinced that Minkah Fitzpatrick will be on this roster next year. His play has slipped in recent years and signs point to him being the name so many players are displeased with. If he is cut, Barron is a natural replacement. He can wear a lot of hats right away, and he could become the long-term free safety for this defense.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 2: Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas
Double dipping with Texas players, and now the team is shifting their focus to improving the offense. We saw just how desolate the offense was without Pickens. Even if he is inked to the mega-deal that will be required to keep him on the team next offseason, a better second option is a must.
Isaiah Bond seems like a perfect fit. He is a smaller and shiftier player, but I don’t think you have to pencil him in as a slot receiver only. He runs sharp routes and has a knack for getting open. Add in his ability with the ball in his hands and you have a dangerous threat. He would be a perfect outside complement to Pickens and could see a Diontae Johnson-like role as a rookie.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
This is the first pick from the trade back, and it seems like a sweet spot to land a developmental defensive lineman. There are a handful of names that make sense in the second and third rounds, but my favorite right now is Derrick Harmon. He has the classic size of 6’5, 310 pounds, and has the length to thrive as an end in this system.
Harmon needs some refinement with his technique though, so he could slip some in a deep defensive line class. That said, he has the power to bull rush as well as the strength to anchor against the run. He can rotate early in his career but has the potential to develop into a quality starter if given the proper time.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida St.
The Steelers have developed quite the type when they draft cornerbacks. They like them long, tall, and with the ability to play press and man coverage. While I will assume that Donte Jackson is back as a fine, albeit, unspectacular second option, a long-term answer is needed. That could be Cory Trice, but he hasn’t proven enough yet as a professional.
Azareye’h Thomas looks like a perfect fit. He has all of the physical traits to be an effective cornerback on this team. The issue for him is the fact that he is extremely raw in coverage which will require a learning curve before he can see the field. That said, he can sit and learn while playing special teams early on and provide another intriguing body in this secondary.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
A Texas three-peat? Quarterback can’t be off the Steelers board this year even if they sign Russell Wilson to a new deal. He is in the back end of his career, and the rest of the room could be turned over this offseason given their expiring contracts. If Quinn Ewers declares and ends up sliding, he is worth the risk here.
Mechanically he is extremely raw as a passer. What he does possess is a big arm and a moxy about him that is hard to ignore. He may not be ready to play right away, but he can serve as a backup and learn under Wilson. If he figures out the mechanical side of things, he could be a viable quarterback. If not, you risk a day-three pick on a player with a lot of potential.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
It seems like a foregone conclusion that Najee Harris will be playing somewhere else in 2025 and more than likely that Jaylen Warren will return as the primary starting running back. Given his strengths, the team will need some complimentary bodies around him to relieve him and provide the offense with some different body types to run.
Jonah Coleman is a versatile back with a thick and stout frame. While not the most explosive runner or fastest, he hits the hole hard and can break a lot of tackles. He would be a great early-down power runner who also provides some help as a pass catcher. You can find great complementary runners on day three of the draft, and Coleman seems like another great option.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5: Kyren Lacy, WR, LSU
If the Steelers were to double-dip at any position next year, wide receiver makes sense. They need a couple of dart throws to see if they can land a viable second option next to Pickens. Kyren Lacy Looks like a good fit on paper, although there are some questions about his overall athletic ability as well as his character.
As a player, it took him a while to thrive, but he has been impressive at LSU for the past few seasons. Given how experienced he is, he is likely close to his ceiling, but that should make him a viable top third or fourth receiver on a team. He also has the ability to play on special teams. He could contribute early, even if his ceiling is capped overall.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Cooper Mays, IOL, Tennessee
Pittsburgh has their center of the future in Zach Frazier, but they are lacking depth behind him. Spencer Anderson has toyed with center work, but it seems like he is destined to be a backup guard and emergency tackle at this point. Using a late-round pick on a potential backup tackle makes a lot of sense.
Cooper Mays is your typical late-round center prospect. He is highly experienced against good competition but has some questions about his frame and athletic build. The goal here isn’t to get an everydown starter, just someone who can hold his own if Frazier were to miss any time with injury.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: DeMonte Capehart, DL, Clemson
For their final pick in the draft, we dip our toe back into the defensive line room. This isn’t the polished prospect that Harmon is though, as DeMonte Capehart has been a rotational player for Clemson and has never really put it all together. That said, he has the size this team covets and some rare athleticism for a player his size.
You are risking your seventh-round pick on a player with traits. If he can learn and develop, he could easily become a fine rotational player. If he doesn’t, you won’t lose much. The line needs an infusion of talent and youth, and Capehart makes as much sense as anyone else in this frame.