NFL free agency has quieted down, and now all eyes are on the upcoming NFL Draft. With the draft just around the corner, teams have filled some holes through free agency—but as always, the Pittsburgh Steelers are known for addressing their biggest needs on draft day. This year will be no different.
Despite a few depth signings, the Steelers' roster still needs help after losing a couple of starters in free agency. Here are the biggest roster needs the Steelers are likely to target in the NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers must address these needs during the 2025 NFL draft
All signs point to the Pittsburgh Steelers targeting a DL early
Ever since last season ended with a humiliating playoff loss to the Ravens, where Baltimore rushed for nearly 300 yards, one of the Steelers' biggest priorities has been strengthening the defensive line.
With Larry Ogunjobi being released and no major impact free agent signings made, it’s clear from their focus at the Senior Bowl and other pro day visits that the defensive line is a position they’ll likely address in the first round. The Steelers need a starter here and could very well add another defensive lineman later in the draft as well.
Overhauling the QB room once again
For yet another consecutive year, the Steelers' quarterback room is undergoing a complete overhaul. As of now, the only QBs on the roster are Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson.
All eyes are still on Aaron Rodgers and whether he’ll finally decide to sign with Pittsburgh, but regardless of what happens there, it’s likely the Steelers will select a quarterback late on Day 2 or early Day 3 of the draft. They need to take as many swings at the position as possible.
Steelers shouldn’t stop building the WR room
The Steelers made an uncharacteristic move by trading a second-round pick and handing out a massive extension when they acquired D.K. Metcalf. That deal all but confirmed that George Pickens likely won’t be getting a long-term contract—and who knows if he’ll even be on the roster in a few weeks.
One way or another, whether through a trade or free agency next year, it seems his time in Pittsburgh is winding down.
The Steelers need to keep building out the wide receiver room. They drafted Roman Wilson last year, but injuries kept him off the field, and it’s still unclear what he can become. With both Pickens and Calvin Austin III set to hit free agency next offseason, it would be smart to stay ahead of the curve.
After fielding one of the weakest receiving corps in the league last season, Pittsburgh needs to keep adding talent and give the offense as many weapons as possible.