It might not have been pretty for the Pittsburgh Steelers up to this point in their schedule, but they are 2-0 heading into their home opener this week. They will host the LA Chargers in Week 3 of the regular season, which could affect playoff implications when the weeks begin to come to a close. There are plenty of ways the remaining season could go for the Steelers.
One thing is for sure, the black and gold have plenty of needs when the 2025 NFL Draft rolls around. Wide receiver has become a sore spot for Pittsburgh as George Pickens tries to do everything on his own. The offense remains stale and too reliant on an effective run game. They don't trust their quarterback Justin Fields to make throws, and this mock draft will hopefully help calm their issues.
Steelers mock draft round 1: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Going out and addressing the need at wide receiver might be the best course of action in the first round of this mock draft. The Steelers take Emeka Egbuka out of Ohio State with their top pick. He had a down year last season, but with Marvin Harrison Jr. now in the NFL, Egbuka should be able to put up great production to catch the eyes of NFL scouts. He remains in the first-round conversation.
Steelers mock draft round 2: Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
He might have been hurt this past weekend, but Quinn Ewers has a lot of great qualities that the Steelers and other NFL clubs look for in a franchise quarterback. Ewers has started plenty of games and has produced in big-time moments. As long as he can stay healthy and remain productive with the new switch into the SEC, then he would be a terrific pick for Pittsburgh here.
Steelers mock draft round 3: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
With Dan Moore Jr. scheduled to hit free agency this offseason and the future of Broderick Jones currently in flux, the Steelers need to draft another offensive tackle. Preferably they would take a swing tackle guy, but Aireontae Ersey is a great selection here. He has a ton of starting experience at left tackle and is someone who can provide an upgrade at depth and a backup plan if Jones falters.
Steelers mock draft round 4: Mansoor Delane, CB, Virginia Tech
Great developmental cornerback here for the Steelers who could play on day one if needed. Mansoor Delane is still very young as his 21st birthday won't hit until December. He will be a nice teachable prospect coming out of school, and Delane already has two interceptions on the young season. The Steelers could use help at cornerback, especially with Donte Jackson scheduled to be a free agent after the year.
Steelers mock draft round 5: Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
Going with another wide receiver in this mock draft for the Steelers as they need help both in a starting spot and depth positions too. Jaylin Noel is the pick here as he can challenge for the starting slot role on day one plus he has done some return work in the past. Noel's numbers at Iowa State have only gotten better with each passing season, and it looks like 2024 could be his best year yet.
Steelers mock draft round 5: Joey Slackman, DT, Florida
Adding depth to the trenches for the Steelers with this pick. Joey Slackman has a wrestling background and is a quality athlete overall. That is something Pittsburgh and Mike Tomlin will enjoy in the draft process. Add in the fact that he is the perfect size to fit into the Steeler's defense, and Slackman should be able to make a quick push to make the roster and beat some veteran guys.
Steelers mock draft round 7: Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech
Tahj Brooks is one of the most experienced running backs scheduled to be in the 2025 NFL Draft. His production last season was top-tier, but many will wonder if that is from the level of play he competes against. The Steelers will need a running back to help out Jaylen Warren next year, and getting Brooks at this point in the mock draft is terrific. You'd like to see him show more of an all-around game in his final college season.
Steelers mock draft round 7: Noah Fifita, QB, Arizona
Noah Fifita is going to be one of the younger quarterbacks potentially coming out of the draft this fall. The Steelers could retool their quarterback room if Justin Fields and Russell Wilson fail. Fifita is a small guy for the position, but you cannot deny his ability to make plays. He burst onto the scene last year, and he could jump up draft boards if he produces a big season for Arizona.