Like it or not, the Pittsburgh Steelers have spent countless hours entertaining top quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL draft. It is unknown if the franchise would consider a player at the position in the top round, but they are doing their due diligence. They have not scouted the position this closely since they took Kenny Pickett in the first round. It's a weak class of quarterbacks, which could lead to another Pickett debacle.
Talented players are at the position, and the NFL draft has seen plenty of "top" prospects slide up and down draft boards when the event transpires. Pittsburgh hosted Shedeur Sanders for one of their 30 pre-draft visits this spring. Most draft evaluators believe Sanders will go in the top ten picks of the first round, but if he slips to their Steelers' selection, he could be their guy.
This mock draft shows that taking a flyer on someone like Sanders doesn't mean disaster will strike.
Mock draft proves Pittsburgh Steelers taking Shedeur Sanders isn't end of the world
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The Steelers might not have sent their top contingent to Colorado's pro day, but they did have Sanders jet to Pittsburgh for a pre-draft visit. Maybe head coach Mike Tomlin is just checking to see how the young player is for a future reunion. Most pre-draft visitors selected ahead of Pittsburgh are potential future free-agent targets. Make no mistake, there is a lot of interest here.
If Sanders slips to the 21st pick in the upcoming draft, the Steelers must consider taking him. While this prospect deserves criticism for his game, this choice would be of tremendous value at this point. Most mock drafts still have him in the top 15 selections, but there are no guarantees. Sanders has a sinking draft stock, and the Steelers could benefit.
Steelers land a fantastic trade predicated on the LA Rams desperation
With Pittsburgh's pre-draft visitors lined up, they could be willing to make some trades. Not having a second-round pick is dreadful. Khan knows he has to find an extra pick on day three, and he gets that from the Los Angeles Rams. The Steelers take advantage of the Rams' desperation and receive a fourth-round pick in this mock draft.
READ MORE: Steelers QB draft rumors grow louder after latest addition to pre-draft visits
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3 (via Rams): Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M
After moving back with the Rams, Pittsburgh is in good shape the rest of the way. They still need to add a defensive lineman, and Shemar Turner is sitting there. Turner played both off the edge and in the interior during his college career, making him an interesting option for the Steelers.
There appears to be some flexibility for the Black and Gold regarding their need in the trenches. Many believe Keeanu Benton will slide over from the nose tackle position, which should alleviate pressure off any rookie. Turner could play a specific role on defense that the Steelers tried to force DeMarvin Leal to play.
This prospect is raw, but the sky is the limit if they use him properly.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee
Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell are on the roster, so they have capable running backs. Khan spoke highly of Warren, but they need a true bell cow in the backfield. Dylan Sampson had a breakout season in 2024, and he can carry the bulk of touches. Pittsburgh took notice of his eye-boggling production from this past campaign as they invited him as one of their pre-draft visitors.
One of Sampson's biggest concerns entering the NFL is his lack of an all-around game. Another issue is that he only produced massive numbers in a single year. The Steelers seem prepared to have a run-by-committee approach, which should help this pending rookie. Sampson is fantastic value at this pick in the mock draft and would boost their offense.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4 (via Rams): Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State
If the Steelers don't take a quarterback in the first round, maybe they'll select a receiver.
They just added D.K. Metcalf, but they need future options for the position. It would be surprising to see the club refuse to address the position in the NFL draft. They have a clear need, which could have some interesting targets. Kyle Williams has flown under the radar throughout this draft process, and it could land someone a gem later in the event.
This receiver's progression as a player throughout college pops out. He started his career at UNLV before transferring to Washington State for his final two seasons. This past year was his most productive, but you can see his steady growth through his numbers alone. Williams would be a perfect player to stash on the roster.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5: Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
Darius Slay joined the team in free agency and is willing to mentor young players. The Steelers would be wise to use Slay to help Joey Porter Jr. and other young cornerbacks on the roster. They use a pick on Quincy Riley here, who would be another tremendous value selection. He is undersized for the position, but he showed he can play against top competition at the Senior Bowl.
Pittsburgh must have a contingency plan if Slay becomes another version of Patrick Peterson. Having Riley and Cory Trice on the roster will be good fallback options. This prospect out of Louisville could also serve as a special teams ace. Riley has prior return skills to use. His availability could land this rookie a significant role on day one.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 6: Jalen Rivers, OT, Miami
The Steelers re-signed Calvin Anderson as their swing tackle for this upcoming campaign. Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu will be the starters on each side, but the trenches are still barren. The offensive line could use an extra player or two to boost their depth concerns. They take Jalen Rivers to address some problems. You can never have enough depth on the offensive line.
Rivers has proved to be a versatile player during his college career. He has only played on the left side but has starting experience at guard and tackle. He could become a Swiss army knife who could play four positions across the offensive line. Having Anderson back helps their current problem, but taking Rivers here gives them insurance.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Malachi Moore, S, Alabama
The Steelers sent their top decision-makers to the Alabama Pro Day, and you should circle every prospect who participated. It was shocking that Malachi Moore was available at this point in the mock draft. He is a talented safety and would be a perfect way to end the draft. They'll take a safety with how much effort Pittsburgh's spent on the position.
Moore is one of the most decorated safeties at Alabama. He got his last season of college football cut short due to injury, which is why he slipped in the draft. The Steelers would be thrilled to add an experienced safety who has versatility to his game. Moore played all over the secondary and could be a unique role player during his rookie campaign.