Outside of quarterback (which remains a glaring issue with no answer in sight) the top two positional needs for the Pittsburgh Steelers are easy to see: wide receiver and interior defender. Mike Tomlin's team had tremendous trouble moving the ball through the air consistently in 2024, while Pittsburgh's run defense hit new lows late in the season and into the playoffs.
Because of the lack of quarterback talent in the 2025 NFL Draft—and with the Steelers in win-now mode—most draft analysts expect the front office to turn their card in for a receiver or defensive lineman with the 21st overall pick this year.
But the latest mock draft from CBS Sports has the Steelers going in a direction we haven't seen until now.
Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports recently comprised his latest mock draft. With a flood of defensive line talent already off the board before Pittsburgh's first pick, Sullivan has the Steelers taking the best player available (BPA) approach and running to the podium for Michigan cornerback, Will Johnson.
Steelers' BPA approach would prove effective in 2025 draft
The Steelers must find a wide receiver who can produce opposite George Pickens and another defensive lineman to help their struggling run defense. But if you get an opportunity like this, you take it.
Will Johnson is currently CBS' 5th overall prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, and snatching a potential blue-chip player at a money-five position at pick 21 is the definition of a steal. Listed at 6'2'' and 202 pounds, Johnson possesses the size and traits the Steelers look for at the cornerback position. The Michigan product is a smooth player with outstanding ball skills (nine interceptions in three seasons).
Johnson isn't a perfect prospect. He has inconsistencies in man coverage and a high missed tackle rate over the past two seasons. However, the 21-year-old cornerback has the tools to be a CB1 in the NFL and his game closely resembles Cowboys All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs.
There aren't many players who would deter the Steelers from selecting a wide receiver or defensive lineman in the first round of the draft, but this is one of them. Cornerback is still a pressing need for this team that is getting overlooked.
Entering the 2025 offseason, veteran CB Donte Jackson is a free agent. Meanwhile, Joey Porter Jr. had a sophomore slump in 2024 and the depth on the roster is poor. If the season started today, the Steelers would likely be looking at Porter Jr. and Cory Trice Jr. starting as the boundary cornerbacks with the undrafted Beanie Bishop Jr. as the nickel CB.
Adding Johnson to the mix would drastically improve the cornerback room, and we can't discount the Pittsburgh Steelers from taking the BPA approach in the NFL Draft if the board falls like this.