Now that the Steelers are officially out of the playoffs, there is nothing left to do but look ahead. You can watch the playoffs all you want, but Pittsburgh's beloved football team will not be making a reappearance on a football field until Training Camp in July. I
t is shaping up to be another busy offseason with plenty of big-time decisions needing to be made between now and March.
Free agency is an important part of team building in football, and it is something the Steelers have been more aggressive in. They will also look at the trade market and see who might be available. Other than that, the draft has always been the story of the team-building process in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers build through the draft, and this seven-round mock draft played out pretty well for a team in desperate need of a spark in 2025.
Mock trade! Steelers accepts a deal to move back with the Packers
We kick off this mock draft with a trade-back on night one of the event. It is historically uncommon for the Steelers to move back in Round 1, but Omar Khan hates that they don't have a sixth-round pick, plus they gave up a fifth for Mike Williams at the trade deadline. Green Bay gives a quality offer of an extra fourth-round selection for Pittsburgh to move back three spots. A nice move by Khan.
Steelers mock draft round 1: Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford
Taking a receiver is important early in this draft if they can't land a significant upgrade beforehand. Taking Elic Ayomanor here is a little rich, but they already moved back and he won't be there with their second pick. This prospect is Canadian and someone who has good size and athleticism. Ayomanor is a young prospect coming out of Stanford who should continue to grow as a dynamic playmaker.
Steelers mock draft round 2: Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee
Unless Najee Harris is willing to take a hometown discount, he will be gone in free agency. Jaylen Warren needs a new deal, but he should return. Dylan Sampson would be a nice replacement to join the Steelers as their premiere running back. He burst onto the scene this year and became a top weapon for Tennessee's offense. He should have no problem adjusting to the NFL as a rookie.
Steelers mock draft round 3: Ty Hamilton, DT, Ohio State
Cam Heyward was terrific for the Steelers this season, but he can't keep that up forever. They have Keeanu Benton in place, but they need to invest in some quality prospects upfront. Pittsburgh has Ty Hamilton land in their lap towards the end of day two of this mock draft. Hamilton continues to increase his production with the more snaps he gets, so he should only get better from here.
READ MORE: 5 Steelers players who won't be back next year
Steelers mock draft round 4: Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke
Rumor has it that the Steelers would love to have Donte Jackson re-sign with the team, but we will see if that happens. They could still draft a cornerback high, and that is what they do here with Chandler Rivers out of Duke. He has always been a fairly productive cornerback during his first couple of years at Duke, but this past season saw Rivers become one of the best in his conference.
Steelers mock draft round 4 (Via Packers): Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
Many are wondering if Russell Wilson or Justin Fields will return as the Steelers quarterback next season. Both may return, but even if that happens, they still need another player at the position. It seems wise to take a quarterback around this point if Pittsburgh can find good value. Jalen Milroe was expected to be a top prospect going into this year, but his play dropped his stock.
Steelers mock draft round 5: Emery Jones Jr., OT, LSU
One of the youngest draft prospects this year is Emery Jones Jr. He won't turn 21 years old until March 5. He has plenty of raw skills that could make him interesting for the Steelers at this point in the draft. Jones has only played on the right side, so that could complicate things since Pittsburgh needs a swing tackle. They could use a young developmental piece behind their starters.
Steelers mock draft round 7: Samuel Brown, WR, Miami
It might be best for Samuel Brown to return to college for another season, but if he leaves for the NFL, then he is a good gamble here. His production increased when he transferred from West Virginia to Houston. He became a star there. Brown transferred to Miami after that, but he didn't see quality production follow him. He has talent and the ability to make people miss.
Steelers mock draft round 7: Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas
Rounding out this mock draft for the Steelers is Cobee Bryant out of Kansas. He has good length to be a cornerback in the NFL, but he needs to add weight to his frame. His coverage skills are good, but his best attribute is causing turnovers. He had ten interceptions during his college career, with one of those returned for a touchdown. Bryant needs to add weight and work on his tackling ability.