Fans might be changing course to the 2025 NFL Draft now, but the Steelers have been hard at work. They have been sending scouts out to watch college football in person. Their draft board is not set yet, but they will start making tough decisions about the future of the club. Roster decisions and free agency will shape how Pittsburgh approaches the draft.
Mock drafts are always a fun exercise to gauge where needs are for the Steelers. Those holes will have some resolutions between now and the conclusion of their free agency cycle. If any remain, you should expect the organization to target the draft to fix those problems. It might not be the best crop of rookies heading into the NFL, but some players can help.
Steelers mock draft round 1: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
If you want a cornerback, pick the position early. The Steelers struggled at outside corner, but their weakest link remained inside. Neither Cam Sutton nor Beanie Bishop proved to be reliable choices. Jahdae Brown is a Swiss army knife in the secondary and can play multiple positions. He's a perfect piece for the Steelers to deploy.
Steelers mock draft round 2: Jack Bech, WR, TCU
It has been a rough time for Jack Bech since the tragic passing of his brother, Martin Bech. He will now move forward, honoring his brother's life.
Jack remains a quality receiver flying under the radar early into the pre-draft process. He exploded onto the scene after his first three college campaigns that provided frustrating results. The fourth-year player produced 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns this past season. Add that he is a quality blocker, and he could be a perfect addition to the Steelers.
Steelers mock draft round 3: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
He has small hands, so plenty of Pittsburgh faithful will have Kenny Pickett flashbacks. Jalen Milroe is a much better athlete than Pickett ever was. The Alabama product must find growth and consistency in his game at the next level. Milroe has a strong arm and good mobility, but he must find ways of finding a consistent throwing mechanic to develop into a starter.
READ MORE: Steelers hit offensive trifecta in groundbreaking 3-round Mock Draft
Steelers mock draft round 4: Luke Kandra, OG, Cincinnati
Don't be surprised if the Steelers try to add an offensive lineman or two this offseason.
Depth across the trenches is slim right now, and their starting options are unproven for the most part. Luke Kandra is a good value with this selection, as Omar Khan still needs to add picks to the line. Mason McCormick and Zach Frazier showed plenty of good things, but they need competition behind them. Kandra is a nasty guard who should be able to become a versatile depth piece.
Steelers mock draft round 5: Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech
Expectation from Pittsburgh remains that Najee Harris will depart in free agency. They must infuse another duo partner with Jaylen Warren. Lucky for them, this upcoming draft is filled with talented running backs. Mike Tomlin wants a faster option to replace Harris. Bhayshul Tuten enters the picture. He can do it all and shows a terrific burst of speed.
Steelers mock draft round 7: Ty Robinson, DT, Nebraska
I didn't forget about the defensive line, desperate for a youth movement.
Shockingly, Ty Robinson slipped to the seventh round in this mock draft simulation. He is a terrific get-here and could become a solid rotational player at the next level. There are too many uncertainties up front for their defense, so expect them to attack the position in the draft. Robinson is the perfect type of prospect who Pittsburgh is searching for at the position.
Steelers mock draft round 7: Jordan Phillips, NT, Maryland
As I said, we didn't forget about the defensive line. It is ripe with talent.
Jordan Phillips had a great week at the East-West Shrine Bowl and should be climbing draft boards. He didn't project to get drafted by some, but tides have started to turn. Phillips projects to be a nose tackle at the next level, which will sink any hope of getting selected with a top pick. He has terrific movement for a big man and would be of tremendous value here.
Steelers mock draft round 7: Jordan Clark, DB, Notre Dame
Here is where the son of the Steelers legend enters the mock draft.
Son of Ryan Clark, Jordan Clark is a possible undrafted free agent. He could alter his stock, but you better believe Mike Tomlin has him circled on the draft board. Clark might not be a star in the making, but he has position versatility. He started games at cornerback and safety during his college career. That should give him a chance at the roster come training camp.