The Pittsburgh Steelers are a very cyclical team, and they don’t deviate from their plans all that often. When it comes to the first round of the draft, there is a very easy set of breadcrumbs to follow to see who they are truly interested in.
Where were Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan during Pro Days? Who was brought in for pre-draft visits? Typically, the names that stick out from that group are your best odds of being the team’s first-round pick.
This year is no exception, and the way the team has functioned leading up to the draft has given us a list of about a dozen names that check off those boxes and make sense in the first round.
Not all prospects are created equal, though.
For a Steelers team struggling with superstar talent, getting this pick right is paramount. Recent first-round picks have been ugly, and it clearly correlates with the struggles Pittsburgh has gone through in recent years.
The following five names are not the ones I think are most likely to be drafted, per se, but instead the ones I think make the most sense for the team. As long as their first-round pick comes from this list, I support the team’s selection.
Ranking the Pittsburgh Steelers five best first round options
5. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
A rumor that has grown some legs in recent weeks, there is a legitimate chance Shedeur Sanders falls on draft night. Once viewed as a top prospect and potential first overall pick, the Sanders hype seems to be significantly muted.
After the Saints, there is no team with a clear need that would likely take him. If he lasts past New Orleans, he could easily tumble down to pick 21.
Would the Steelers be willing to pounce?
They have shown a lot of interest in the quarterback room, so there is logic there. I do have issues with Sanders as a prospect. I think he holds onto the ball far too long, and I’m not impressed with his arm. That said, the only starting option on the roster right now is Mason Rudolph, so taking a swing at quarterback is logical.
While he might not have as high of a ceiling as Jalen Milroe or Jaxson Dart, I genuinely believe he has the better shot at making it as a starting quarterback. Again, I don’t love his tape, but you have to take a swing at quarterback, and if he falls, the opportunity would be too good to pass up.
4. Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Receiver is no longer the biggest need for the Steelers after acquiring DK Metcalf, but passing on Matthew Golden would be a tough decision. While the receiver class as a whole lacks the elite talent from recent years, Golden has a claim as the best receiver in the draft.
He has the elite speed to be your traditional burner on the outside that wins deep, but he also runs sharp routes and can make plays after the catch. He has some mechanical issues that hold him back, but he has the makings of an elite second option or even a low-end primary target.
Pairing him with Metcalf could be deadly. While his rookie season role would be muted with George Pickens around, the writing is on the wall that he won’t be here next year. Golden would be an ideal replacement.
Even better, drafting Golden allows you to trade Pickens on draft night, securing an extra pick on day two to use. While a bit of a luxury, he is my favorite receiver in the class and would be a great fit for this offense.
3. Malaki Starks, DB, Georgia
You can’t deny the fact that the Steelers have invested significant time in getting to know the safety class this year. They have been all over the top prospects and have the top two as eligible to be their first-round pick based on the clues.
While not the most physically imposing player, Malaki Starks would be the best option if this team is dead set on getting a defensive back in the first round. He is one of the safest players in the draft, and his game doesn’t have many holes.
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He can play all over the defense, although his best long-term position would be free safety, and he plays the run and pass well. With Minkah Fitzpatrick at risk of getting cut and DeShon Elliot on the last year of his deal, you could get one of their replacements in Starks.
As a rookie, he could still see snaps in three safety looks as well as competing in the slot competition. Again, he feels like a bit of luxury, but landing the top safety in the class would be fine in my opinion.
2. Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
I have been firmly on board the defensive line draft train, given the Steelers' needs as well as the talent in this draft class, so my top two picks should not be shocking. Derrick Harmon has featured in many of my early mocks, as he profiles as a perfect defensive end for Pittsburgh’s front.
Big, tall, and athletic, his build makes you think of Cameron Heyward. His play style coming out of college is similar as well. Harmon wins with his power right now, and while the pass rush plan will need to improve, he will have a good mentor already on the team.
My issue with him is that I don’t see the elite upside that you might want in a first-round pick. I see a fine starter with the occasional accolade, but I’m not sure he ever becomes more than that.
Even with that considered, this defensive line needs some talent infused in a major way, and Harmon would provide that. He may need some time to develop into a firm starter, but his game is perfect for what this team wants.
1. Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
While Harmon has the natural fit as an end right now, I still find myself gravitating towards Kenneth Grant as the best fit for the defense. He has a clear and defined role as a rookie as well as the potential to develop into an elite starter if he can hit his ceiling.
Grant can instantly serve as a run-down nose tackle for this defense. That allows Keeanu Benton to kick out to defensive end, and it gives this team a competent three-down front. As a rookie, that is likely the ceiling of what he offers you.
If that were it, taking a player like Grant in the first would not be worth it, but he offers you the potential as a pass rusher. A quick first step and violent hands, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Grant develops into a solid pass rusher.
He even has the size to eventually kick out to defensive end if you need him to. I just see more value and potential in him than in Harmon. That said, neither would be a disappointment as a top pick for this defense.