With the NFL Combine fast approaching, all 32 NFL teams will have eyes on this year's crop of incoming rookies. With a weaker quarterback class, many teams will be focusing on how the skill players on offense look as they battle for positioning in the rankings. The Steelers should be one of those teams, having needs at running back and wide receiver.
While they have needs on defense as well (particularly at cornerback and the defensive line), the talent at those spots may not line up with where the Steelers are picking in the first few rounds. If that happens, how could they still have a successful first two days of the draft? It may not be as hard to do as you would think.
Steelers mock draft round 1: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden has been a popular mock draft selection for the Steelers so far this draft season, and it's easy to see why. Golden has similar traits to many of the top receivers that the Steelers have had over the past two decades. He has great burst and quickness as a route runner, which allows him to create separation easily. He has strong hands and great awareness when working the sidelines, allowing him to make clutch plays.
Those skills would make him the perfect complement to the talented but inconsistent George Pickens, allowing him to play a more defined role as a deep threat and contested catch target. If the Steelers were to move on from Pickens, Golden would still be an excellent fit as a potential number-one receiver who can handle 8-10 targets per game.
Steelers mock draft round 2: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
In a running back class on its way to being considered among the best in recent memory, Iowa's Kaleb Johnson has a strong case to be one of the 3-5 best prospects in that group. His size (225lbs) and speed make him a load to tackle in the open field, with only Boise State's Ashton Jeanty having a higher yards after contact average (5.25) than his 4.42 mark according to Pro Football Focus.
He is also a perfect fit for Arthur Smith's zone-heavy scheme, with the vision and patience to find rushing lanes. The Steelers lacked explosive runs in 2024 despite running the ball more than almost anyone. Johnson had 28 runs of 15+ yards on 240 carries in 2024, compared to just 17 by the Steelers' entire team on 544 attempts. That number will likely go down at the next level, but he has the potential to be a big-play machine.
Steelers mock draft round 3: Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
Wide receiver Tre Harris out of Ole Miss is one of the more polarizing players in the 2025 class. Some believe his size and strength combined with his elite production (1,030 yards in just eight games) make him one of the top receivers in the draft. Others worry his lack of top-end speed and the gimmicky offense he played in give him major bust potential.
No matter what side of the debate you are on, the Steelers need to take more swings at potential starting wide receivers. George Pickens may not be on the team in the near future, and even if he is they need to have much better depth. Harris has some similarities to Pickens as a spectacular catch artist, so he could be a natural replacement if he is indeed not long for the Steelers roster.