As Steelers general manager Omar Khan ramps up for the 2025 NFL draft, the rest of Pittsburgh monitors the team's pre-draft travel. Khan and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin have spent countless flier miles during this time of year. They like boots on the ground at different pro days and dining with potential top picks in the upcoming draft. 2025 has been no different.
It's become common for the franchise to dine with their potential first-round pick and attend their pro day. Last year was the exception, as Troy Fautanu didn't see Tomlin or Khan during his pro-day event. The rules appear to be turning gray under Khan. Their draft process is not as black and white. It could make for some unforeseen drama when the first round arrives.
You can see a clear path for who could be the Steeler's top choice in the pre-draft process.
One of these three players will likely be the Pittsburgh Steelers' top pick in 2025 NFL draft
Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Many have connected the dots between the Steelers and Kenneth Grant. It's no secret that Pittsburgh needs to revamp the defensive line, and Grant would help. They didn't do themselves many favors in free agency, so they must target this need in the draft. Grant can play nose tackle or defensive end at the next level. His versatility will only entice Tomlin more.
While Tomlin and Khan weren't present for Grant's pro day, that was a unique circumstance. Aaron Rodgers was visiting the organization that day, but defensive coordinator Teryl Austin was in attendance. Grant appears to be the early favorite to land in Pittsburgh if he's available by their pick in the first round. He would boost their defensive line when they'd hand in the card.
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Almost every vital decision-maker in Pittsburgh was at Ohio State's pro day.
It would be shocking if the Steelers make it out of the 2025 NFL draft without taking an Ohio State product. Tomlin and Khan were present, but their offensive and defensive coordinators were also there. Your eyes should be on Emeka Egbuka, who had a lot of heat going between him and Pittsburgh after he helped the Buckeyes win a National Championship.
Egbuka produced a good workout at his pro day and should remain in the first-round conversation despite adding D.K. Metcalf. Egbuka projects to be a slot receiver at the next level, but he could play outside if needed. Although many have slowed down on Egbuka to the Steelers in Round 1, their pro-day attendance cements him as a legitimate possibility.
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Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
There were plenty of outstanding prospects at the Ole Miss pro day, so it wasn't surprising to see the Steelers there. Most headlines will cover Jaxson Dart and his upcoming pre-draft visit with Pittsburgh, but don't discount their other prospects. Walter Nolen should get plenty of buzz around the city. He could be another quality fit into the defensive trenches.
Grant might be the early first-round favorite for the Steelers, but Nolen isn't far behind. He has the physical frame that fits the mold of what the defense requires. This defensive lineman remains under 22 years old and can play both nose and defensive tackle. If a scenario arises where Grant and Nolen are available at the Steeler's top pick, who knows which one they would prefer?