The Steelers made their interests clear during Senior Bowl Week. As Pittsburgh's brass arrived in Mobile, head coach Mike Tomlin, general manager Omar Khan, and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin quickly made their way to the defensive line group... and that's pretty much where they remained for the week.
This doesn't mean Pittsburgh will go in this direction with their top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This team has no shortage of needs. Art Rooney II admitted that stopping the run will be a priority, but wide receiver remains a serious issue that will need to be addressed—especially if George Pickens isn't fitting with the program.
Fortunately, the board could fall Pittsburgh's way this year, based on their biggest needs. In my latest three-round Steelers mock draft, the front office revives a stagnant offense as Pittsburgh lands a polarizing defensive lineman on Day 2.
Steelers mock draft Round 1: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
In 2024, George Pickens proved he's a player you can't rely on from game to game—even if his flashes are elite. Next to him, we knew WR2 was going to be the Achilles heel of this team, and it was. Van Jefferson was despicable, while Mike Williams didn't come close to living up to expectations in a last-ditch effort to improve the position before the deadline.
But help is on the way. If you haven't watched Matthew Golden tape yet, you don't know what you're missing. Golden is an extremely natural wide receiver with a terrific feel for the game and outstanding ball skills. It's as if the Steelers were given another chance to land Jordan Addison in the NFL Draft.
Golden is polished enough to be the team's go-to wide receiver from his rookie season. His ability to get open and win consistently at the catch point makes him one of the most underrated players in this year's draft.
Steelers mock draft Round 2: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
We are getting set for free agency, and it's possible the Steelers could have an entirely new running back room in 2024. Najee Harris posted his fourth straight 1,000-yard season, but Pittsburgh isn't going to bring back a running back who averages 3.9 yards per carry on an expensive deal.
Meanwhile, Cordarrelle Patterson could be a cap casualty, while Jaylen Warren—a restricted free agent—isn't an every-down back. The Steelers are likely to slap a second-round tender on Warren before free agency, but his presence won't be enough.
Thanks to a strong running back class in 2025, landing a well-rounded prospect like Kaleb Johnson in the second round isn't out of the question. Johnson has a phenomenal blend of size, power, and long speed to be a quality all-purpose back at the next level.
Steelers mock draft Round 3: Deone Walker, DL, Kentucky
After getting run on for 299 yards in the playoff game against the Ravens, it's clear that adding defensive line talent is a priority. Cameron Heyward turns 36 years old this offseason and, despite an excellent season, he could be on his last legs. Outside of Heyward and Keeanu Benton, the rest of the DL group needs an overhaul.
Deone Walker was one of the most polarizing players from the 2025 Senior Bowl this year. Scouts were mesmerized by his remarkable size and impressive foot quickness, but Walker had an up-and-down showing and left Mobile early.
The Steelers will gladly take advantage of his slip in the NFL Draft. At 6'7 1/4'' and 340 pounds with a 7'0 1/2'' wingspan, Walker has unmatched size and untapped potential.