Steelers land Russell Wilson's replacement in 2025 NFL Mock Draft

With the Steelers firmly in the driver's seat for a playoff spot following the 2024 regular season, the last thing we want to do is think about where Pittsburgh will be selecting in next April's draft. But just like the year flew by, so will time fly until the 2025 NFL Draft rolls around.

The 2024 season has exposed both the good and the bad with the Steelers' roster. While there's a lot to look forward to, there's also room for major improvement at positions that either lack talent, a long-term answer, or both.

Based on Pittsburgh's current record and where they land in the NFL standings, we will assume for now that the Steelers will be picking late, let's call it 26th in each round. In my first three-round mock draft ahead of the 2025 draft, I have the Steelers taking a swing to rebuild the foundation of their team.

Round 1: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

If the choice were solely up to Mike Tomlin, the Steelers might just stream quarterbacks until he retires. Though Russell Wilson and Justin Fields had something to offer this year, both players have expiring contracts in the offseason, and neither screams 'franchise quarterback.'

You can only stream veterans for so long before taking another stab at a franchise signal-caller. With their first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, I have Pittsburgh rolling the dice on Miami QB Cam Ward.

Ward is listed at 6'2'' and 223 pounds, but will likely come in smaller at the NFL Combine (a la Caleb Williams). Still, size shouldn't be an issue, as Pittsburgh has a 5'11'', 206-pound Russell Wilson at the helm.

Ward, a fifth-year senior with loads of college experience, has a live arm and can maneuver well within the pocket. He's a natural thrower with the ability to improvise with the football -- making him a perfect fit in today's NFL.

Round 2: Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami

If the Steelers are going to take Miami's pro-ready quarterback, why not grab the top wide receiver from the Hurricanes as well? Xavier Restrepo doesn't have ideal height and length at 5'10'', but he's a natural football player and a feisty competitor who excels at getting open and catching the football.

This selection in the second round would be intriguing for Pittsburgh, as Restrepo spent the past five seasons with Cam Ward at Miami. Restrepo combined for over 2,000 receiving yards in his final two seasons.

Meanwhile, the Steelers need to find a receiver opposite George Pickens who can be a go-to target in the offense. This is arguably Pittsburgh's biggest roster need heading into 2025, and they need to find a quality receiver early in the draft.

Steelers mock draft round 3: Jordan Burch, DL, Oregon

Players like Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt don't grow on trees, but when you find one, they offer tremendous value to the defense. Pittsburgh has been feeling the loss of Tuitt when it comes to run defense and Heyward will turn 36 years old next offseason.

Enter Jordan Burch. At 6'6'' and 298 pounds, Burch has a remarkably rare frame for the position to go with strength and length to hold up at the point of attack. Burch lacked production at Oregon in his five-year college career, but he has the athleticism and tools to develop into a three-down defensive lineman who never has to leave the field.

Burch isn't a finished product, but his upside makes him a worthwhile investment in the third round. The Steelers need more depth along the defensive line and they need to be proactive in preparation of Heyward's looming retirement.