The Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty to think about after an exciting NFL Combine showing from the 2025 NFL draft class. There were plenty of speedy offensive players to get excited about, with both the receivers and running backs showing off their wheels in the 40-yard dash and drills. The defensive linemen also showed out, with plenty of impressive athletes of great size.
With needs at receiver, running back, and interior defensive line, Omar Khan must have been very happy to see the way those positions tested and performed in drills. Many schools had players representing them at all three of those spots, but the University of Texas had one of the most impressive trios of the group.
In this 3-round mock draft, the Steelers head south to find playmakers and a potential answer to their run defense woes.
Pittsburgh Steelers add three impressive Texas Longhorns in 3-round NFL mock draft
Steelers mock draft Round 1: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Despite it being far from the most important test at the NFL Combine, the 40-yard dash has always been one of the most hyped events. People love watching these world-class athletes try and best each other in a test of speed.
Nobody did a better job of wowing the crowd with their speed than Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden. His teammate Isaiah Bond was the one who was supposed to run sub 4.3, but it was Golden's 4.29 forty that ended up as the best mark among all offensive players at the combine.
The potential first-round pick isn't just fast. He has all the skills that the Steelers are lacking in their receiver group. Sharp route running, run after catch ability, and elite ball skills are just some of the skills he displayed in a strong final collegiate season. Golden would immediately slot in as the Steelers' starter opposite of George Pickens.
Steelers mock draft Round 2: Alfred Collins, DT, Texas
The Steelers need more size and strength in the middle of their defense, and few players offer more of it than Texas defensive lineman Alfred Collins. Standing at 6'6" and 332 pounds, Collins has the bulk and power to be a true nose tackle while possessing enough athleticism to play all over the defensive line.
The Texas standout took some time to become a real contributor in college, but he broke out in his final season and became one of the best run defenders in college football. Collins may never be a real difference-maker as a pass rusher, but he will occasionally show promise in that area.
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Run defense has become more important in recent years, and the Steelers struggled in that area during their five-game losing streak to finish 2024. Collins would improve that immediately while taking pressure off of the aging Cam Heyward and the ascending Keeanu Benton.
Steelers mock draft Round 3: Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas
The Steelers have a major need at running back with the expected departure of Najee Harris in free agency. Luckily, this draft class is brimming with talent at the position. The very top of the class may come off the board before the Steelers are willing to take one, but the middle rounds will still have plenty of impactful prospects to choose from.
One player who offers the explosiveness missing from the Steelers' offense is Texas running back Jaydon Blue.
Blue was never a full-time starter while at Texas, but he was a consistent contributor over the past two seasons as both a runner and receiver. The explosive runner set a career-high in yards from scrimmage with 1,093 and touchdowns with 14. He also showed out at the NFL Combine with an impressive 4.38 forty.
Blue has issues with ball security (seven career fumbles on just 215 attempts) and is rather small at just 5'9" and 196 pounds, but his explosiveness would make him a welcome addition to a Steelers offense in need of some more juice.