With the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2024 NFL season officially having come to a close, their spot in the 2025 NFL Draft is officially locked in. The Steelers will be picking 21st in the draft order after their 10-7 finish and first-round exit in the playoffs.
Though compensatory picks have yet to be awarded, here’s a look at the Steelers’ projected picks by round as it stands to close out the Divisional Round, per Tankathon. Keep in mind that the position of these picks may shift given that some of the teams whose picks the Steelers hold are still in playoff contention.
Steelers 2025 draft picks
Round 1, Pick No. 21
Round 2, Pick No. 52
Round 3, Pick No. 83
Round 4, Pick No. 121
Round 5, Pick No. 161
Round 6 — None
Round 7, Picks No. 223, 229, 245
Steelers draft pick notes
Thanks to plenty of wizardry from Steelers GM Omar Khan, there are a few trades to be aware of when assessing Pittsburgh’s collection of draft picks in 2025. Here are a few considerations worth noting:
The Steelers owned both their own 2025 fifth-round pick, as well as a fifth-round pick acquired from the Los Angeles Rams acquired in the Kevin Dotson trade. The Steelers traded one of these picks to acquire WR Mike Williams from the New York Jets, but it’s unclear which of the two draft picks were involved in the trade.
The Steelers sent a conditional sixth-round pick to acquire QB Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears that would escalate to a fourth-round pick if he played more than 51% of offensive snaps in 2024. Fields played 36.14% of offensive snaps, so the pick will be a sixth-rounder.
The Steelers acquired a sixth-rounder from the Houston Texans in the trade of Kendrick Green.
It’s unclear which of the sixth-round picks (Steelers, Texans) that the Rams and Bears received in their respective trades.
In 2022, the Steelers traded a 2025 conditional sixth-round pick for William Jackson III and a 2025 seventh-round pick. Though it hasn’t explicitly been acknowledged that the conditions of the pick were not met, it would appear that is the case, as the Steelers traded away two sixth-round picks since, including one to the LA Rams and the aforementioned sixth-rounder sent for QB Justin Fields.
The Steelers acquired two seventh-round picks from the Philadelphia Eagles in the Kenny Pickett trade — the two most favorable of the Broncos, Eagles, Falcons and Saints picks.
The Steelers sent a conditional seventh-round pick to the Minnesota Vikings in 2022 for OL Jesse Davis. It’s unclear if the conditions of the trade were met, so the team may or may not own its draft pick.
The Steelers sent a seventh-round pick to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for LB Preston Smith. It’s unclear what draft pick was sent for Smith.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2024 season is over, and they enter 2025 with more questions than answers and a whole slew of pending free agents whose departure (or re-signings) could shape the future of what’s to come.
Here are four pending free agents the Steelers should consider bringing back in the 2025 NFL season.
QB Justin Fields
At one point this season, it looked like the Steelers would almost surely bring back Russell Wilson on a long-term contract. However, a five-game skid to close out the season should, at the very least, give the organization some pause when it comes to a potential second contract. Justin Fields, however, seems to have gained momentum as the team’s potential starter in 2025, having gone 4-2 in his short stint as QB1 prior to Wilson’s return from injury.
Fields brings a ton of athleticism that enables him to extend plays (and create) with his legs, while also having the ability to pass from the pocket — a true dual threat that offers a similar skillset that we once saw from Wilson in his prime.
The Steelers spent his first year with the team adjusting some of his mechanics (particularly in regard to his footwork) to help get back to his roots, and he’s now got a year under his belt in Arthur Smith’s run-friendly offense. With the right offensive system (and the right weapons in place), Fields could be a fairly low-cost option with long-term upside. At just 25 years old, the former first-round pick posted a career-best 93.3 NFL passer rating, 9% sack rate, 0.1% INT rate and 42.9% successful pass rate per Pro Football Reference.
The Pittsburgh Steelers passed on Najee Harris’ fifth-year option, citing the fact that it wasn’t yet clear what direction the offense was heading, Harris said himself. It is worth wondering if the potential to re-sign backup Jaylen Warren wasn’t also a factor in the equation, though. Warren, a third-year former UDFA out of Oklahoma State, dealt with some injuries throughout his 2024 campaign that forced him to miss three games altogether (and likely affected his overall efficiency to some degree). Over the past two seasons, however, Warren’s 31% missed forced tackle rate is tied to lead all RBs (min. 250 rush attempts), averaging 4.8 yards per carry (9th) and 3.5 yards after contact per rush attempt (6th). He may not be the type of workhorse that Harris has been, but the 2025 NFL Draft class is rich and deep at running back, and Warren is a very affordable complement for this roster that very much values running the football.
ILB Elandon Roberts
The Steelers made some splash plays at ILB over the past year, signing Patrick Queen to a three-year, $41 million deal that made him the highest-paid free agent in team history, as well as drafting rookie Payton Wilson out of NC State — arguably the best inside linebacker in the 2024 draft class, though health concerns saw him fall down draft boards. Still, with Cole Holcomb a potential cap casualty heading into 2025, Roberts should be considered a priority to retain for what he offers in terms of depth and his abilities as a run defender. Despite playing his fewest defensive snaps since the 2020 season, Roberts notches 10 pressures — the second most he’s ever had in a season — and was the team’s highest-graded run defender per PFF, credited with the fifth-most defensive stops all season.
WR Ben Skowronek
There were plenty of flaws in all phases of gameplay for the Steelers in 2024, but a consistent bright spot was the contributions of Danny Smith’s special teams — and Ben Skowronek was a big part of that. Though he totaled just 69 receiving yards over 10 games this year, he made several key plays on special teams, including the recovery of a muffed punt against the Cleveland Browns in Week 14.
Despite playing just 11 total games in 2024, Skowronek tied for the second-most tackles on special teams and earned the Steelers’ fifth-highest special teams grade on the year per PFF.
Which Steelers free agents would you like to prioritize re-signing in 2025? Check out the full list of Steelers free agents here!
The Los Angeles Rams nearly completed a late comeback against the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round of the NFC playoffs. However, the Eagles held on for a six-point win to eliminate the Rams from the postseason.
That in mind, it was the post-game comments from head coach Sean McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford that caught the attention of many. McVay expressed how proud he is of Stafford, and Stafford himself was asked about his future, to which he said he feels like he’s got more football left in him.
Stafford has a potential out in his contract this offseason, which is making fans wonder if this past Sunday was his last game in a Rams uniform. With that in mind, should he become available, the Steelers should sprint to acquire him.
This is much different than going after a Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers. Stafford’s play hasn’t shown any signs of falling off, and he’s coming off another very good year, finishing 11th in success rate and with a passer rating north of 93. Even though Stafford will be 37 when the 2025 season kicks off, he is still one of the 10-12 best quarterbacks in football. Bringing him in, and getting real weapons to put around him would make the Steelers instantly better.
Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a play during the second half of an NFL football wild card playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland.
More awards pour in for the Steelers’ best.
It’s awards season for the NFL’s best, and three Steelers just received another accolade following impressive regular season performances.
Unsurprisingly, all three also made the PFWA’s All-AFC team.
Heyward and Boswell are not surprising inclusions. Both made the AP’s All-Pro first team this season, with Heyward having an eight-sack season at age 35 as one of the NFL’s top interior linemen. Boswell went an incredible 41/44 on field goal attempts in the regular season.
Watt, who finished outside of the NFL’s top five in sacks for his first full season since 2018, was a bit more surprising to see on the list as he was not an AP first-team All-Pro. Still, he was undoubtedly one of the NFL’s top edge rushers, finishing second in the league in tackles for loss and first in forced fumbles.
The PFWA separates outside linebackers from defensive ends on its ballot, meaning Watt and Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto were named the best at their position. At defensive end, Myles Garrett and Trey Hendrickson were the picks.
Chris Jones joined Heyward as the picks for interior defensive line.
This year’s PFWA honors further add to the impressive Steelers careers of Heyward, Watt, and Boswell.
Ward should be a familiar name to Steelers fans. He’s been part of over 15 roster moves since first signing with the team in May of 2024. Ward spent time on the Steelers’ practice squad and active roster over the season, appearing in four games. He rushed five times for 22 yards over that span, adding 59 special teams snaps.
The 27-year-old running back will now stay with the Steelers through the 2025 offseason. Given his experience with the team, he could be a name to keep an eye on if the Steelers shuffle their running back room entering the new season.
Ward has recorded 143 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown over his time in the NFL, but more importantly, he’s an experienced special teamer who’s also returned a few kicks over his five-year career.
The Steelers now have 81 players on the team between the active roster, reserve/future contracts, and reserve/injured list. Cole Holcomb remains on the PUP list while Markus Golden is still on the reserve/retired list heading into the new league year.
Having played out the first three seasons of his rookie contract, George Pickensis eligible for an extension. In spite of that fact – and his status as a potential 2026 free agent – his Steelers future remains a notable point of discussion and uncertainty.
Entering the draft, Pickens was regarded as one of the most talented prospects at the receiver position. Character concerns played a role in his drop to the second round, but expectations remained relatively high for his rookie campaign. Serving as a No. 2 option to Diontae Johnson, Pickens posted 801 yards on an average of 15.4 per reception in 2022. During the following season he took over as Pittsburgh’s top option in the passing game, leading the league with an 18.1 yards per catch average and recording a 63-1,140-5 statline.
Johnson was traded away last offseason, but that move and the decision to release Allen Robinsonleft the Steelers short on established wideouts. Efforts to make a major addition by trade (in particular Brandon Aiyukduring the summer and Christian Kirkahead of the deadline) did not result in a deal being made. Pickens therefore remained the top catalyst on offense for the Steelers, a unit which struggled mightily down the stretch. Part of Pittsburgh’s five-game losing streak (counting the wild-card round) to close out the campaign included Pickens’ missed time due to a hamstring injury, but even upon return he had an inconsistent showing.
While sorting out the quarterback position is an obvious priority for the Steelers this offseason, adding at the WR spot is another. Acquiring a new No. 1 option through free agency, trade or the draft would be challenging for general manager Omar Khan, but doing so could open the door to moving on from Pickens. As Mark Kaboly of the Pat McAfee Show notes, trading away the 23-year-old is an option the team may be prepared to explore if a major pickup were to be made this spring.
Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilsonare recent midround receiver draftees, but further investment will be needed moving forward. As Kaboly adds, selecting a wideout in the first round of April’s draft would not come as a surprise; that would of course be particularly true if Pickens were to be dealt. Finding a suitor willing to acquire and extend the Georgia product could be difficult, though.
Pickens is in line for a second contract any time between now and next offseason, and the top of the receiver market sits at $35MM per year. Matching Justin Jefferson’s compensation (or that which Ja’Marr Chase is in line to receive soon) would be a stretch, but Pickens could easily join the list of receivers (which currently sits at 23) making $20MM or more on average per year on an extension. He comfortably led Pittsburgh in receiving in 2024 and will be expected to continue as one of the league’s premier deep threats and contested catch specialists on the Steelers or another team moving forward.
Head coach Mike Tomlin – who will remain in place as Pittsburgh’s head coach for 2025 – has a reputation of maximizing the potential of wideouts carrying off-the-field and attitude concerns. That has been the case so far with Pickens, although earlier this year Tomlin admitted in a post-game press conference his team’s WR1 needs to “grow up.” The sentiment regarding Pickens around the league will (along with financial considerations) be a key factor in determining his potential trade market.
Of course, the Steelers have the option of keeping Pickens in place for at least one more season. A franchise tag could also be used to retain him for the 2026 season if no long-term commitment is made, although by that point it will be clearer if team and player wish to continue their relationship. Should the Steelers open extension talks in the near future, the likelihood of a trade would obviously decrease. In the event negotiations are put on hold or do not progress as planned, however, the possibility of making a deal will no doubt be raised in Pickens’ case.
Who’s ready for some more playoff football??? The Rams are headed to Philly for a Divisional Round showdown! And if Saturday’s NFC matchup taught us anything, it’s that you just never know what’s in store.
What are your predictions for tonight’s game? Join your fellow Steelers fans in the comments as we sit back and watch some more playoff football.
Final Friendly Classico 77 until the winter season starts. It’ll be chilly, and the field we play at is on top of a hill that has its own weather pattern, so it could be snowing or sunny, I’ve seen both on the same day. See everyone around 1 pm pt.
Give us your thoughts about the NFL and your day so far, prior to the games beginning.
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
There won’t be a shortage of players from these blue bloods in the 2025 NFL Draft
Now that the Pittsburgh Steelers season is over, we can turn our attention to the 2025 NFL Draft — a critical one for the black and gold considering the holes on the roster and their current Super Bowl window with stars like T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward. Heyward, of course, is an Ohio State graduate, and the Buckeyes will be looking to win their ninth National Championship when they take on Notre Dame on Monday, in Atlanta.
The Buckeyes are currently an 8.5-point favorite because they are loaded with talent, and there are more than a few prospects that Pittsburgh should have high on their draft boards. The Fighting Irish do not lack star power either, especially in their secondary, which is a critical spot for Pittsburgh to upgrade.
Here are five dudes worth watching on Monday night’s College Football !
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Egbuka is already the most popular name in Steelers’ circles due to their lack of production from the receiver position, and their natural obsession with Ohio State prospects. George Pickens’ name has also been thrown around in trade rumors, which would leave their cupboard entirely bare — assuming they don’t re-sign WR Van Jefferson and hybrid RB/WR Cordarrelle Patterson.
The best thing about Egbuka is that he can be an immediate contributor from day one. He’s not the fastest or the tallest wideout, but he’s an elite route runner and one of the most polished players in the draft. He has an incredibly low floor. He has snagged 70 passes for 896 yards and 6 TDs this season. I think he’s a three-level set receiver, in that he can be used in the screen game, intermediate passing game, and even the occasional moon-ball.
He’s projected to go behind Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan and Missouri WR Luther Burden III, making it feasible for him to drop to pick 21.
Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State
The Steelers are likely set at tackle next season, with Broderick Jones manning the left side while Troy Fautanu returns from injury to anchor the right side. Jackson played guard until this season when injuries to the Ohio State front thrust him into the starting left tackle spot. He did not miss a beat, allowing just two sacks in 2024. He played a flawless semi-final against Texas.
Donovan Jackson vs Texas in 38 pass pro snaps at LT:
Jackson’s versatility makes him a candidate to slide in at guard, his natural position and is a feasible replacement for James Daniels, who likely will command too much on the open market for the black and gold’s liking.
Jackson has great length at 6’4, 225 lbs., and a high football IQ, and would pair nicely with Mason McCormack to hold down the interior for the next decade.
He projects as a late first or early second round pick.
Josh Simmons is another Buckeye lineman who will be drafted early, but his future is at tackle.
Treyveon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
We’re on a serious Ohio State kick here, but once more, they are loaded with offensive talent.
The four-year-back has plenty of tread on his tires, which is generally not something NFL GMs and scouts look for in a running back. But it also speaks to his high level of talent. To command a blue-blood program’s backfield for four years is impressive. Henderson has scampered for over 900 yards and double-digit TDs in his last two seasons.
His explosiveness was on full display in Ohio State’s semi-final win over the Texas Longhorns, turning a screen into a house call:
Exactly how TreVeyon Henderson will slide into an NFL offense right away.
He’s a legitimate weapon in both the pass and run game and profiles as a mid-round pick, so he won’t break the bank.
Xavier Watts, DB, Notre Dame
Watts is the most talented player on the Irish roster, and that was on full display this season as he won the Bronco Nagurski Trophy, given to college football’s best defensive player.
He’s arguably the most versatile defender in the entire class, having played linebacker, nickel corner, safety, and even some wide receiver! His wideout chops helped lead the country in interceptions this season, as the ball-hawk snatched seven picks. At any moment he can flip a game on its head.
Although his future might be at safety, I don’t care if the Steelers have Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott. Watts is a Swiss army knife that can be utilized to help with one very important thing – win football games.
Howard Cross III, DL, Notre Dame
Defensive line is another position the Steelers must address this offseason, as I’d anticipate Larry Ogunjobi hitting the open market. Cross, a natural 3-tech, might ultimately fit best in a 4-3 defensive scheme – but there’s no doubt he’s a really good player. He’s a bit undersized but he has a high motor and big time burst. He’s also a former state champion wrestler – and the Steelers struck gold with another undersized wrestler last season in C Zach Frazier.
Cross III projects as a mid-round selection and would be a high-character player on the defensive unit.
Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Pro Football Focus ranked 123 cornerbacks who logged at least 180+ coverage snaps throughout the regular season, into the first round of the playoffs. Cam Sutton was 120th and Donte Jackson was 119th.
Most of us have pegged wideout as the Steelers’ biggest hole, but defensive back, outside of Joey Porter Jr., needs a major overhaul.
Morrison is a projected first-round pick (if he declares) and one of the most talented players in the country, but unfortunately, he will miss the National Championship due to injury. You can’t watch him in this game but take some time to watch his highlights from this past season!
