The Pittsburgh Steelers play in one of the toughest divisions in football. The AFC North is always a tight race to find the winner at the end of the season. One of the main reasons why the division remains close is that the four teams hold similar philosophies. They want a tough football team that isn't afraid to enter a bar fight when division games are on the line.
Even the four organizations have similar draft strategies. It's not uncommon for the Steelers to lose top draft targets to one of their AFC North foes. Watch each club's 30 pre-draft visits going into the event. Some might be one of Pittsburgh's pre-draft visitors, and that could lead to other teams stealing their potential top targets.
Losing a prospect to a division rival could haunt the Steelers for years to come.
Pittsburgh Steelers should be scared of AFC North rival stealing draft prospects
Cincinnati Bengals: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
Taking a safety early in the draft might be a luxury Pittsburgh cannot afford this year. They still have Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott under contract through this season. The Steelers have spent countless hours scouting different safety prospects in the draft. It's irrelevant if they take a safety early or late; it would be shocking if they didn't address the position during the upcoming event.
Nick Emmanwori has seen plenty of pre-draft interest from the Steelers. They had their position coach, Gerald Alexander, put Emmanwori through drills at his pro day, and they hosted him for a visit. The Cincinnati Bengals have expressed plenty of interest, and he could be their top choice. If the Steelers refuse to add a safety in the top round, Emmanwori could stay in the AFC North.
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Cleveland Browns: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
It's no secret that the Steelers need to add a running back during the 2025 NFL draft. They have hosted seven prospects at the position during the pre-draft process. Quinshon Judkins could be another love interest of Pittsburgh's that flutters away. The Ohio State product would be a perfect fit with the Steelers, but the Cleveland Browns could use a player like him even more.
Judkins played in a solid duo with the Buckeyes. He and TreVeyon Henderson appear to be day two locks during the draft. Pittsburgh might not have hosted either running back for a visit, but they sent their big-time decision-makers to the Ohio State pro day.
The Browns need someone to replace Nick Chubb, and someone like Judkins could solve their problems.
Baltimore Ravens: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Pittsburgh must find a solution to its problems in the defensive trenches. If they fail to replace Larry Ogunjobi, they could struggle to defend against the run. They have hosted countless defensive linemen, so they will address the need at some point during the draft. They have even brought in edge-type players who could become defensive tackles if they gain weight.
Shemar Stewart is light, but he could become everything they hoped DeMarvin Leal would be. Stewart has gained interest from the Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens. He would fit in Baltimore's defense better than Pittsburgh's. They know how to use unique players like Stewart. The Steelers would be wise to stay away, but he could be a problem against them with the Ravens.