With the Steelers' season finished fans are already turning their attention to the offseason, particularly the 2025 NFL Draft. There's a lot of uncertainty surrounding the team’s future, from the question of who will be the starting quarterback to potential coaching changes and the fate of key players like George Pickens.
Many signs suggest that this past season might have been Pickens's final one in black and gold. Entering a contract year and seeking a substantial payday, his potential departure seems increasingly likely. Despite his immense talent, Pickens has struggled to mature into a true professional, and it’s possible that both he and the team could benefit from a fresh start.
This is where the mock draft comes in—looking ahead to how the Steelers might approach the draft post-Pickens trade and how the 2025 draft class could shape the team’s future.
The Steelers will likely target a legitimate WR1 or high-level WR2 in this year’s free agency class. If the Bengals let Tee Higgins walk, I could see Pittsburgh making a strong push to sign him, along with potentially going after Darius Slayton. If this scenario unfolds, it’s clear the Steelers will not be looking to extend George Pickens, and it may be wise for them to move on.
Given the various issues Pickens has caused, rewarding him could introduce unnecessary complications. Pittsburgh needs to focus on what’s best for the team, which could mean trading Pickens. A possible deal could involve sending Pickens and a 7th-round pick to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a 3rd- and 5th-round pick.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 5-round mock draft
Following the trade of George Pickens, the Steelers address their receiving corps by drafting Emeka Egbuka in the first round. A standout from Ohio State, Egbuka is an ideal fit for both the Steelers and Arthur Smith's system.
His refined route-running skills make him a reliable target, while his ability to block in the run game adds an underrated yet valuable dimension to his skill set. Egbuka perfectly embodies the type of pass-catcher the Steelers need to complement their offense and create more balance.
The Steelers should enter the offseason with a lingering sense of frustration after being completely overpowered by the Ravens' offense in their wild card loss, where Baltimore racked up 299 rushing yards. To address this, Pittsburgh must prioritize strengthening their defensive line, and that’s where Texas DT Alfred Collins comes into play.
Moving Keeanu Benton to defensive end, where his pass-rushing ability shines more than his run defense, would allow Collins to step in as a true nose tackle and a force in the run game. With Collins' size and dominance in the trenches, the Steelers' defensive front would become even scarier.
It’s increasingly likely that Najee Harris won’t be returning to the Steelers as he enters free agency. The team declined his fifth-year option, and Harris didn’t have a standout season that would make his return a necessity. Pittsburgh should let him explore the market, and if he’s open to returning on a more affordable deal, it could be worth considering.
However, the Steelers have the opportunity to find a more cost-effective option in a draft brimming with running back talent. Someone like Quinshon Judkins could be a perfect fit alongside Jaylen Warren, bringing the right dynamic to complement Warren in this offensive system.
The Steelers are in urgent need of upgrades in their cornerback room. While Joey Porter Jr. is a solid, average starter, Pittsburgh should explore both free agency and the draft to bring in a legitimate starting corner. Even with the addition of Cory Trice Jr., who has the potential to step into a starting role, he still requires more development.
His injury history raises concerns about his ability to stay healthy for a full season. That said, the Steelers have shown a clear preference for tall, athletic corners with strong man coverage skills, like Trice and Porter. Azareye'h Thomas could be another valuable addition to this mold, further strengthening their cornerback group.
The Steelers need to strengthen their defensive line in the same way they did with the offensive line last year. Shemar Turner could be a great developmental addition, bringing the kind of edge and toughness that characterized the Steelers' defense in years past.
He’s a versatile player, though still inconsistent, but there's no better mentor for him than future Hall of Famer Cameron Heyward. Turner’s combination of size and athleticism makes him too valuable to pass up on.
The Steelers look to continue strengthening their secondary by selecting Jacob Parrish in the fifth round, addressing a key need for a reliable slot corner who excels in man coverage. While Beanie Bishop showed flashes of potential during his rookie season, the team ultimately leaned on Cameron Sutton over him.
Bishop is always around the ball but lacks the consistency to be fully trusted as a starter, making him a valuable depth piece. Parrish, though undersized, is well-suited for the slot role in the NFL and would fill a void left since Mike Hilton's departure, providing the defense with a much-needed boost in that area.
Seth McLaughlin is likely to be drafted much earlier than the 5th round, but his stock may have taken a hit after suffering an Achilles injury in November. The 2024 Rimington Trophy winner would provide valuable depth behind Zach Frazier, especially considering Nate Herbig's uncertain future after a season-ending injury and his status as a free agent.
McLaughlin could offer the Steelers a higher-caliber backup, adding a reliable option in case of injury.