The Steelers would like to emulate the Philadelphia Eagles and their trench warfare. With Andy Weidl still holding the assistant general manager spot in Pittsburgh, they have the right guy in place. He used to control the draft board in Philadelphia as they built their dominant fronts in Philly under his guidance.
Omar Khan and Weidl have formed a solid duo with the Steelers. They have tried to rebuild the offensive line while adding small investments along the defensive front. Keeanu Benton was their highest draft choice along the defensive line to date. Fans should expect a continued youth movement in the trenches when the draft hits.
This mock draft had a perfect situation arise where Pittsburgh's retooling up front ends in a hurry.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 1: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
Trying to find a level of consistency keeps holding back Tyleik Williams. He has shown elite bursts during his time at Ohio State, but he hasn't been able to maintain his momentum. That caused his draft stock to dip, but he is worthy of a top pick. Going to a place where he can become a rotational player and learn behind Cam Heyward should only help his game.
Williams will be 21 years old as a rookie. He should only get better as he ages. The Buckeye has also accumulated starting experience and accolades in the collegiate ranks. Pittsburgh would have a safe selection here by taking Williams. His ceiling is sky high, and Mike Tomlin will love his potential to develop into a star.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 2: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Williams was the top pick in this mock draft, but the Steelers should consider double-dipping in the draft. With a strong defensive line class, they would be foolish not to. With how this simulation landed, they selected Derrick Harmon in Round 2. He's fantastic value at this juncture. He should be able to slide into the rotation and play on day one.
Harmon would be an out-of-bounds pick as Pittsburgh strays away from taking West Coast players. Harmon started his college career at Michigan State before going to Oregon for his final season. You can look at that situation as a way of looking past the "no West Coast" rule. Harmon would be a terrific get, and the defensive line is finally youthful and has a promising future.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 3: Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas
Another defensive player to end day two of this mock draft will surely make fans mad.
Pittsburgh wants their offense fixed, but keep free agency in mind. They haven't selected a receiver yet since they will probably sign or trade for an upgrade. In the meantime, they must add someone before the draft or take someone to compete with Cory Trice at training camp.
The Steelers like Trice, but Cobee Bryant here is too good to pass up. He had a terrific week at the East-West Shrine Bowl. Bryant might've been the most dominant player there. He has a lanky frame, which could scare teams away. You cannot deny his production at Kansas and how he's competed his entire career up to this point.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 4: Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
Fans can finally exhale as the Steelers take a receiver in the mock draft in Round 4. Jaylin Noel is one part of the Iowa State duo of receivers in this draft. Both Cyclones will probably go anywhere from rounds three through five. Both are two different types of players, and Noel is a twitchy route runner who can shred the middle of the field.
He isn't a massive target downfield, but he looks similar to Antonio Brown. Noel has a strong route tree and should use that to his advantage in the NFL. The Steelers could use a better outside receiver, but they will probably sign a player for that job. Noel could eventually transition to the outside with his level of talent.
READ MORE: Steelers Mock 2025 Offseason: Pittsburgh does everything to fix putrid offense
Steelers Mock Draft Round 5: Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia
Since they addressed their defensive needs early, expect the offense to get some love. With rumors out there that Pittsburgh could re-sign Najee Harris, they might not take a running back at all. That would be a mistake, as this crop of oncoming rookies is littered with talent. Even taking someone on day three could produce a starter.
Trevor Etienne makes too much sense for the Steelers in the mock draft. He has NFL bloodlines. His brother is Jaguars running back Travis Etienne, who Pittsburgh showed plenty of pre-draft interest in. Etienne was used as a platoon back in college and never produced a massive campaign. He would be a nice fit with the Steelers as an explosive running back.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Orande Gadsden II, TE, Syracuse
With Arthur Smith returning as the Steelers offensive coordinator for year two, he would like to implement his scheme more. He loves tight ends, and more importantly, he enjoys watching them block. Addressing this need later in the mock draft could be tricky to find a solid blocking tight end. Instead, the Steelers decided to add a tight end with immense upside.
Orande Gadsden II converted from receiver to tight end. He has become a reliable threat during his collegiate career, but Gadsden must improve as a blocker. If he accomplishes that, he could become a diamond in the rough. Tomlin will also love that Gadsden's father also played in the NFL. He could have a huge payoff if you gamble with taking him here.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Hollin Pierce, OT, Rutgers
Since Weidl left the Eagles front office to join the Steelers, Philadelphia has continued to invest in the trenches. If you continuously invest in draft picks along the offensive and defensive lines, prospects will eventually become solid starters. Pittsburgh's assistant general manager keeps that rolling here, especially with their two young tackles entering make-or-break campaigns.
Hollin Pierce is the selection here, and his monstrous size will remind many of when Dawand Jones was coming out of college. Harnessing his frame could bring a solid NFL player along the offensive line. Pierce has played at left tackle during his time at Rutgers, but he will try both tackle spots. They could even check out what he can provide at guard.
Steelers Mock Draft Round 7: Malachi Moore, S, Alabama
Providing an answer to the depth at safety is something the Steelers must accomplish. Hopefully, they can sign a player or two before the draft to put this on the back burner. Otherwise, it could rear its ugly head. They could go with different names here, but Malachi Moore out of Alabama might be best. He is a versatile player who should be able to play special teams.
The Crimson Tide product can play multiple positions in the secondary like free and strong safety, plus the slot when called upon. His 64 games of experience during his collegiate career will only help his quick transition to the NFL. Moore might not be a flashy playmaker at safety, but he is rarely out of position and can help your depth on the roster.