The song remained the same in 2024 for Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers. A roster that doesn't look very good when compared to other contenders in the AFC managed to sneak into the playoffs after clawing out 10 victories, only to get trounced by a far superior opponent in the playoffs.
The Steelers will need to head back to the drawing board in the offseason, as impending free agents like Najee Harris could leave a Pittsburgh roster that was already begging for some more skill position talent even more desperate for playmakers outside of George Pickens.
The Steelers need to hit wide receiver and running back early and often in the 2025 NFL Draft. This 3-round mock draft could be a very effective way to beef up the supporting cast while finding great value in the later stages of each round. The path to crushing this draft is very obvious for Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Steelers 3-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 21: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Pickens is a quality receiver, but he can't be the featured option in a high-octane passing game. With rookie Roman Wilson catching as many passes as you and I last season and the likes of Calvin Austin III working their way into prominent roles, the Steelers can't wait to add another pass-catcher for whoever is under center.
Egbuka has some questions about his skill outside of the slot along with injury concerns, but his speed, smooth route-running, and tremendous ball-tracking skill all make him look like a player who could become a No. 1 wide receiver in this league with enough care put into his development. Egbuka may challenge Missouri's Luther Burden III for the WR2 title in this class.
Round 2, Pick 52: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Losing Harris could be a blessing in disguise for the Steelers, as the 2025 class is incredibly deep at running back. Even if the Steelers pass on Ashton Jeanty in the first round, Hampton's power and sublime vision between the tackles will get the Pittsburgh front office interested.
Hampton may not be appealing to those who want a huge stylistic change from Harris, but the former Tar Heel's production (1,500 rushing yards in consecutive seasons) and consistency at churning out yards will make him a firm contender for RB2 who won't escape the second round.
Round 3, Pick 83: Ashton Gillotte, EDGE, Louisville
Under Tomlin, the Steelers have a history of taking "tweener" defensive linemen and turning them into productive rotation players. As Derrick Henry and the Baltimore Ravens showed, Pittsburgh isn't exactly a world-beater when faced with a team that can consistently run the football.
Gillotte may not be the most explosive pass rusher in the world, but he has been capable of setting the edge and disrupting quarterbacks on the back of his pure power. Once he gets a bit more of a technical pass rush plan beyond just using his physical talent, Gillotte will be a perfect Cam Heyward understudy.