The Steelers may have fallen to the Eagles 27-13, but they still managed to clinch a playoff spot thanks to a Colts loss to the Broncos. While much of the buzz is about the Steelers’ path to the playoffs and their potential seeding, it’s never too early to think ahead.
With the postseason just a couple of weeks away, let’s take a sneak peek at the 2025 NFL Draft and explore some potential future Steelers in this early mock draft.
Steelers mock draft Round 1: Walter Nolen, DL
Under the leadership of Omar Khan and Andy Weidl, the Steelers have demonstrated a clear focus on strengthening the trenches, as evidenced by their first-round selections of tackles Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu in the last two drafts.
This year, the attention shifts to the defensive line. While Cameron Heyward is enjoying a career-best season, he's not getting any younger, even after signing a new extension. Meanwhile, Larry Ogunjobi is set to hit free agency next year.
Addressing this now is crucial, and Walter Nolen could be the perfect candidate to step into the role of Heyward’s eventual successor. By playing limited snaps initially, Nolen would have the invaluable opportunity to develop under Heyward’s guidance. Building for the future starts now, and with Keeanu Benton emerging as a cornerstone for Pittsburgh’s defensive line, it's time to find the next piece to complement him.
Steelers mock draft Round 2: Kaleb Johnson, RB
The Steelers decided not to pick up Najee Harris's fifth-year option, signaling that this might be his final season in Pittsburgh. Enter Kaleb Johnson, who had a breakout year with the Iowa Hawkeyes, amassing 1,537 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. Johnson is an excellent fit for Arthur Smith's zone run scheme, offering the vision, versatility, and durability required to be a reliable three-down back.
Steelers mock draft Round 3: Tai Felton, WR
Omar Khan's approach to the wide receiver room this season has left much to be desired, but there’s hope he’ll learn from these missteps to ensure the Steelers offense is fully equipped with the weapons it needs. This offseason, expect the Steelers to be aggressive in pursuing a top-tier WR in free agency to complement George Pickens. However, landing just one solid running mate for Pickens won’t be enough—this position group needs a complete overhaul.
Last year, the Steelers drafted Roman Wilson, but his rookie season was derailed by injuries, effectively serving as a redshirt year. Meanwhile, Calvin Austin has shown improvement and carved out a role as a dependable contributor, but he’s unlikely to be the type of player the team can consistently rely on as a primary option.
It also wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Steelers continue their trend of drafting players from Maryland. One intriguing prospect is a polished route runner with excellent yards-after-catch ability, traits that helped him lead the Big Ten in both receptions and receiving yards.
Steelers mock draft Round 4: Zy Alexander, CB
Cornerback depth has been a persistent issue for the Steelers, and it’s an area that must improve next season. With Donte Jackson entering free agency this offseason—and boasting 5 interceptions so far this year—there’s a strong chance another team may overpay for his services. If the Steelers can retain him on a one-year deal, it would be a smart move, but they must prepare for the possibility that he walks. In either case, securing a solid, starting-caliber cornerback is essential.
Joey Porter Jr. has struggled with consistency in his sophomore season, showing signs of regression, while Cory Trice Jr. has been plagued by injuries and has barely seen the field. This leaves Pittsburgh in need of another dependable option at outside corner.
One intriguing prospect is LSU’s Zy Alexander, who has been dominant this season. With excellent size and a knack for creating turnovers—13 career interceptions—he’s proven himself as a playmaker. Starting his college career at the FCS level before transferring to LSU, Alexander is a developmental player with the potential to grow into a starting role. However, don’t be surprised if he’s drafted earlier than the fourth round, given his impressive performance this year.
Steelers mock draft Round 5: Marcus Mbow, OL
One player likely to be off the board well before the 5th round is Marcus Mbow from Purdue. The Steelers have consistently shown a preference for versatile, physical, and athletic offensive linemen. Mbow fits that mold perfectly, having started games at both right tackle and guard.
With Dan Moore set to hit free agency after this season, the Steelers will undoubtedly want to solidify their offensive line depth. After drafting tackles in the first round in back-to-back years, they’ll likely hope Broderick Jones improves at his natural position of left tackle. Once Troy Fautanu returns next year to man the right tackle spot, the line could take shape.
If Mbow somehow slips to the 5th round, the Steelers should waste no time calling in that pick. Securing a talented player like Mbow as a depth piece for the offensive line would be a huge win.
Steelers mock draft Round 6: Jacob Parrish, CB
As I mentioned before, the Steelers need to continue adding depth at the cornerback position. With Beanie Bishop taking the majority of snaps as the slot cornerback this season as an undrafted rookie, the team needs to hope he continues to improve. However, they also need another reliable slot option in case of injury. Jacob Parrish from Kansas State, for example, is a better on-ball man coverage player than Bishop. It’s always beneficial to have depth, especially in the slot.
Steelers mock draft Round 7: Jonah Monheim, IOL
A versatile offensive lineman who has experience playing all five positions along the line. Having players who can fill multiple roles is invaluable, especially after a season plagued by injuries. Building solid depth is essential, and this player provides exactly that.
Steelers mock draft round 7: Tyreem Powell, LB
Selected the best player available with the Steelers' final pick in the 7th round, focusing on potential special teams contributions and added depth to the linebacker group. With impressive size, length, and athleticism, he presents an intriguing developmental project with the potential to grow into a reliable contributor.