Month: January 2025

Live updates of the Steelers 2024-25 NFL regular season schedule. Check out their complete schedule and results for the season. All times are Eastern Time.

The Pittsburgh Steelers finished the 2024-25 NFL regular season with a record of 10-7. They finished in second place in the AFC North. The Steelers lost to the Cincinnati Bengals 19-17 in Week 18.

Let #MockDraftSZN commence!

The 2024 NFL regular season is in the books, and that means one thing — it’s NFL mock draft season! …Even if the Pittsburgh Steelers do have one more win in them against the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round.

If the season ended today, the Steelers would hold the No. 22 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, set for Thursday, April 26 through Saturday, April 26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Naturally, given some of the team’s recent struggles on offense and in the secondary (take one look at the Bengals’ opening drive in Week 18 and you’ll see them pretty quickly), certain trends have begun to emerge in Steelers mock drafts. The most popular positional selections in this roundup have been at wide receiver and cornerback.

The exception? One certain mock draft that had the Steelers selecting … a first-round running back?! Say what?

Here’s a look at the latest Steelers picks from NFL mock drafts coming out of Week 18 and more on the fit of these prospective draft prospects in Pittsburgh.

Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

BR Scouting Department of Bleacher Report

The Pittsburgh Steelers value the running back position. They should continue to do so, especially if Russell Wilson returns as the starting quarterback.

The Steelers brand is built on a tough ground-and-pound rushing attack complemented by a ferocious defense. While the game has changed over the years and Ben Roethlisberger’s career redirected the franchise’s trajectory, a back-to-basics approach will allow Pittsburgh to compete for years to come in an always competitive AFC North.

Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty is a work horse capable of being the offensive focal point.

“Both Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are on expiring contracts after this season,” Parson said. “Expectations are Wilson will be re-signed, thus selecting Ashton Jeanty gives them an extremely talented running back on a cheaper contract.

“Wilson throws a great moon (deep) ball, while Jeanty provides the quarterback with a strong play-action run-fake to force false steps by the defense. Jeanty is a disciplined runner with elite contact balance and a low center of gravity to become the face of the Steelers offense.”

Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

Trevor Sikkema of PFF

Morrison hasn’t been a part of Notre Dame’s deep playoff run due to a hip injury, but he’s a fluid, fearless man coverage cornerback — something the Steelers have been searching for in their past few secondary draft picks.

Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports

This may sound rich but, at times, Jahdae Barron flashes in a way that reminds me of Brian Branch; he’s one of the smartest players on the field, he’s always around the ball, and if you need a play, he consistently shows up. He can line up in the box, in the slot or outside, is an effective blitzer off the edge, and is an asset in the run game.

Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

Gavino Borquez of Newsweek

The Steelers could draft a wide receiver, but history suggests that’s unlikely. Instead, they make their secondary a lot better with the selection of Barron, who can play free safety, in the box, and as a slot cornerback, where he may be best suited, given Cameron Sutton’s struggles. Barron’s lockdown coverage skills and physicality as a run defender would be a welcomed addition.

Luther Burden, WR, Missouri

Kyle Crabbs of The 33rd Team

Pittsburgh’s regular season ended with a fizzle on Saturday night. The Steelers will have the opportunity to right their wrongs in the postseason, but their offense was, frankly, a mess down the stretch. Russell Wilson regressed, and his play only reinforced his reputation as a “touchdown to check-down “ passer. And with the Steelers dancing in the postseason again, their options to upgrade the quarterback may be limited.

If that means more Russell Wilson in 2024, the Steelers should find a talent who can create with the ball in his hands at receiver or win vertically over the top to go opposite George Pickens. Luther Burden is best in those two areas, making him a sensible fit.

Luther Burden, WR, Missouri

Rob Rang of Fox Sports

When operating at their best, the Steelers can score on anyone. Its offense is far too reliant on big-play wideout George Pickens, however. At a power-packed 5-11, 210 pounds, Burden is at his best after the catch, offering Deebo Samuel-like versatility to an offense that needs weapons.

Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Thor Nystrom of Fantasy Life

Egbuka doesn’t profile as a flashy alpha WR1 at the next level, but instead an ultra-reliable No. 2. Egbuka is one of the best in the nation at immediately denoting zone coverage and finding the open area. He would make a great compliment across from George Pickens.

Which of these picks would be your favorite selection for the Steelers at pick 22?