Now that the Senior Bowl has come and gone, the Steelers will continue their pre-draft process. This event is something many in Pittsburgh should be paying close attention to. The Steelers might not have disclosed all their draft intentions during this event, but they did give away some clues. They don't shy away from getting up close to the practices and events during the week.
Mike Tomlin started off the list of top executives at the Senior Bowl representing the team. He might be in hot water in the city, but he remains one of the star-striking individuals for college athletes going into the draft. Tomlin has always been a long-time fixture at the event, and Pittsburgh has seen some benefits with his up-close mentality.
Steelers fans may not be thrilled with their team's draft plans in 2025. Here are five prospects Pittsburgh could have circled on their draft board after the Senior Bowl.
Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
Many are starting to write off Jalen Milroe after a terrible week at the Senior Bowl. He has smaller hands than Kenny Pickett and routinely produced poor practices. Some thought he could be a gamer, but he failed to do much good during the game. Milroe saw his draft stock fall off a cliff, and it could mean landing on day three of the draft.
Few prospects had more to gain from this event than Milroe. He failed to have a good showing, and he will probably slip into day three of the event. Pittsburgh still needs a quarterback or two on the roster, even if they re-sign Justin Fields or Russell Wilson. Not all hope has evaporated for Milroe, but the Alabama product will need at least a few years of development to have a shot in the NFL.
Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
When Tomlin gives any prospect one-on-one time, you better circle their name. Walter Nolen got plenty of time from Tomlin at the Senior Bowl. The long-time Steelers coach seemed infatuated by the star defensive tackle. Pittsburgh invested countless times at the event scouting the defensive linemen in attendance, which is an obvious tell.
Fans might not love it but expect the Steelers to take a defensive lineman high in the draft.
Even though he failed to participate in the entire week of events, Nolen saw his draft stock rise. Some compared his solid week of work to Aaron Donald when he was coming out of the draft and wreaking havoc in the Senior Bowl. Most draft evaluators have Nolen going anywhere from Round 1 to some point early on day 2.
Devin Neal, RB, Kansas
With Najee Harris about to hit free agency, most should assume there will be a replacement in mind. They could always sign someone in free agency, but it will be cheaper to draft someone instead. It's a loaded group of running back prospects coming out as rookies. The Steelers could find a quality replacement for Harris at any point in the draft.
One rusher who fell under the radar during the Senior Bowl was Devin Neal. Some might have made more progress in their draft stock, but Neal produced quality work. He is a strong runner who has burst and can provide what Pittsburgh wants. His blend of all-around play with high-end production will make him an attractive player between rounds three and four.
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Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
When Tomlin goes out of his way to consistently pay close attention to this positional group, you listen. Nolen got time from the Steelers, but don't dismiss Deone Walker. Not only did Tomlin and Teryl Austin monitor Walker, but Pittsburgh's head coach was talking with him.
The big defensive tackle went out and stacked dominant performances.
It is unfair to witness a big disrupter like Walker move with the size he carries. Just off size alone, Walker compares close to the mountain of a person that Dan McCullers was. He was an imposing force with his stature, but Walker is a much better athlete. If Walker is available with the Steelers second-round pick, you might as well write him down.
Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon
A handful of receivers deserve some praise for their Senior Bowl performances. Tez Johnson might have enjoyed the best week of the bunch. He won almost every rep that he saw throughout the week. No one could guard him. Arthur Smith got a close view of the receivers at the event, and you better believe he took notice of this Oregon product.
The biggest knock against Johnson is his lack of size. He is around the same height and weight as Calvin Austin III. Johnson might be the more polished player, comparing him to Austin when he was in the draft process. Many project him to go on day two of the draft, which would be the spot where the Steelers attack the position.