The Steelers have a lot of holes they need to fill this offseason if they want to improve upon their first-round playoff exit in 2024. Many will point fingers at an offense that struggled down the stretch. Others may blame a defense that was too predictable and too soft against the run. Giving up 299 yards to the Ravens in their playoff loss makes it hard to argue against that last point.
The defensive front very clearly needs help, even with Cam Heyward continuing to best father time and Keeanu Benton emerging as a potential star pass rusher. They need more beef up front to strengthen their run defense and to hopefully find Heyward's heir-apparent. Luckily, this year's draft class has just what they need to secure the future of their defense.
Steelers mock draft round 1: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
The Steelers have been lucky to continue getting elite play from Cam Heyward despite him entering his age-36 season in 2025. Finding a player who can replace him is highly unlikely, but they can at least replace his role as a do-it-all interior defender. Oregon's Derrick Harmon is a great candidate for that role and is rising up draft boards.
He exploded onto the scene as a pass rusher in 2024, racking up five sacks and 55 pressures (according to Pro Football Focus). He was also a very effective run defender even after dropping weight compared to what he was at while at Michigan State. He reminds me a lot of Heyward's former running mate Stephon Tuitt, which should make Steelers fans excited about him potentially being the team's first-round pick. Check out more about Harmon from The Still Curtain Podcast below.
Steelers mock draft round 2: Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State
This mock is meant to secure the future of the Steelers front four on defense, but they also need more potential starters in the secondary to help give the pass rush time to get to the quarterback. Florida State corner Azareye'h Thomas is the exact type of corner that the Steelers have been adding over the last few seasons.
He has the size and length (6'1", over 32-inch arms) and athleticism to succeed in the Steelers defense, and he would give Joey Porter Jr. a running mate that could take some pressure off of him. I like the potential of Cory Trice Jr., but he hasn't played enough snaps to really know who he is as a player thanks to multiple injuries. Thomas could become the number two corner early in his career.
Steelers mock draft round 3: Jamaree Caldwell, NT, Oregon
Oregon's defensive line was one of the best in all of college football in 2024, so why not take two guys from that group? Jamaree Caldwell is a much different player than his teammate Derrick Harmon, but he is great at what he does. He is a short but extremely stout nose tackle type at 6'2" and over 340 lbs. He has more juice than you would expect as a pass rusher, but shorter arms and a lack of pass-rush moves will likely limit his effectiveness.
Where he shines is as a run defender, clogging up running lanes and keeping his linebackers clean to make plays. He, Benton, and Harmon as the interior trio for the foreseeable future once Heyward hangs up his cleats could be one of the best in the NFL.