The Pittsburgh Steelers stayed true to their identity during the 2025 NFL Draft, opting for a meat-and-potatoes approach. Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin refused to get flashy. They addressed the trenches and loaded up on defensive talent while claiming a potential franchise quarterback in Will Howard with the No. 185 pick.
Picks like Derrick Harmon (No. 21), Kaleb Johnson (No. 83), and Jack Sawyer (No. 123) proved that Pittsburgh locked in on rebuilding the foundation: toughness, discipline, and physicality.
But while we were reinforcing the core, our AFC North rivals were hunting for fireworks—and they may have found a few.
Here are five divisional draft picks that Steelers fans (and players) must keep their eyes on as we head toward the 2025 season:
Ranking the top NFL Draft selections of the Pittsburgh Steelers' AFC North rivals
5. Shedeur Sanders, QB Cleveland Browns
Nothing is more dangerous than a talented player with a chip on his shoulder. Shedeur Sanders watched as every team passed him by. Now, the Browns get a motivated, smart, and athletic quarterback with a high pedigree. Tomlin spoke highly of Sanders pre-draft, but now he may have to stop him. Whether or not Shedeur becomes the guy in Cleveland, the fire he brings could light up the division.
4. Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Cincinnati Bengals
With the Steelers giving up 49 sacks last season and investing lightly in the offensive line during the draft, guys like Shemar Stewart are a real concern. The Bengals needed a game-wrecking pass rusher, and they got one. Stewart’s size, first step, and relentless motor make him a problem for any quarterback, especially a young one learning the ropes.
3. Quinshon Judkins, RB, Cleveland Browns
Still healing from that divisional-round loss to Baltimore? Me too. Derrick Henry bulldozed our defense, and Quinshon Judkins might be the next bruiser on the list. The former Ohio State standout is elusive, powerful, and shifty in open space. With Harmon and Yahya Black in the mix, we should be better up front—but Judkins is a real test.
READ MORE: Grading Steelers 2025 draft class among their AFC North rivals
2. Malaki Starks, S, Baltimore Ravens
Steelers fans already know how annoying Kyle Hamilton is. Now add Malaki Starks—an instinctive, aggressive safety out of Georgia—and you’ve got a nightmare in the secondary. If Will Howard or any of our QBs want to thrive, they’ll need to recognize this two-headed monster early and often. Starks might not make every highlight reel, but he’ll be involved.
1. Mike Green, EDGE, Baltimore Ravens
This guy might be the thorn in our side for years. Mike Green has “future Pro Bowler” written all over him. He’s relentless, explosive, and technically sound. The Steelers’ offensive line is still finding its identity. Arthur Smith’s offense cannot hum if our quarterback is eating turf. Green is going to test us—immediately and often.
The Steelers had a gritty draft. They loaded up on trench warriors and found gems on both sides of the ball. But the AFC North got better and more dangerous.
To win this division, Pittsburgh must develop its young talent and be ready to match the speed, intensity, and hunger of these rookies in rival uniforms. The path back to the top will not be easy, but it is possible.
I have witnessed what Tomlin can do with a focused locker room. It's time to prove we can withstand the storm and bring the division crown back to the Steel City.