Mocking the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 draft strategy by tiers

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Strategy by round and position, as well as top-available options for 2025…

An integral part of the Steelers’ draft strategy is determining where prospects will likely be drafted, rather than just scouting them in a vacuum. Last year is a good example of this. They could have drafted a center like Graham Barton in the first round but waited until the second and found terrific value with Zach Frazier, who looks the part of a future Pro Bowler.

This mock draft (ish) is a projection of how the Steelers can maximize value round by round. This is not a hedge of my bets. My final mock will drop next week. I think these positions are the most likely targets and the best value. I think ultimately, you’ll see a number of these guys in black and gold.

Round 1, Pick 21:

• Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
• Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
• Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

I’ve been on the Steelers drafting a defensive lineman for roughly four months now, but with each passing day, I’m losing confidence that will be the case. That is a strange feeling, given it’s truly the only position on the roster in dire need of a starter. The cupboard is bare after Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton. But I’m sticking with this tier being addressed with their first selection.

Harmon is the only one of these gentlemen who visited the Steelers for a top 30 visit. He’s an athletic three-tech who burst onto the scene for the Oregon Ducks this past season.

They did meet with Grant at the combine but haven’t shown much interest in Nolen.

Players like Grant or Harmon would allow the Steelers to play consistently in their base alignment, demand double teams – and finally free up the linebackers so they can have more flexibility.

Round 3, Pick 83:

• Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville
• Will Howard, QB, Ohio State
• Kyle McCord, QB, Syracuse

This should get Yinz talking, but I simply can’t ignore the Steelers’ interest in quarterbacks. Either they are going to draft one or are giving off a Snoop Dogg-esque smoke screen.

I think we’re all in agreement. The best value would actually be bypassing this class of quarterbacks for next year’s class, but they aren’t thinking that way.

Shough has been a speculative fast riser, but I won’t be surprised if he has a seismic fall. He’s going to be 26 years old and didn’t put together a strong season until this past year at Louisville.

Howard has the size and mobility the team is likely searching for. They had dinner with him at his pro day.

McCord had a really poor debut campaign at Ohio State – but had an impressive bounce-back season at Syracuse, leading the ACC in passing yards.

If Pittsburgh doesn’t address the position in the third round – I don’t think they will at all.

For what it’s worth, I wouldn’t be a big fan of this selection. But it’s the way I’m leaning.

Round 4, Pick 123:

• Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech
• RJ Harvey, RB, UCF
• Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas
• DJ Giddens, RB, Kansas State

The second tier of running backs is so much better than the second tier of defensive tackles. It feels like the Steelers have done a good job evaluating the opportunity cost here. Why am I so confident in that? Well, all four of these explosive backs jumped on a plane to visit Pittsburgh for a pre-draft workout.

Explosive is the operative word.

Tuten and Blue registered the two fastest 40-yard dash times at the NFL combine. Giddens and Harvey are more well-rounded and have a higher likelihood of being three-down backs.

In any other draft, these guys are probably drafted in rounds two or three.

Round 5, Pick 156:

• Savion Williams, WR, TCU
• Tai Felton, WR, Maryland
• JaCorey Brooks, WR, Louisville

Williams is a unique prospect who will likely be drafted earlier. He looks like he was built in a lab. His tape is incredible, but his production wasn’t all that inspiring. He compiled 60 catches for 611 yards last season, but both were easily his best in his five years.

Felton is an intriguing prospect who has elite speed and can immediately contribute in the slot, with the potential to eventually be a Z receiver.

Someone who should be on the board here is Brooks. I’m calling him as a sleeper pick here. He didn’t meet with the Steelers, but they must be plenty familiar with him given the research they did on his QB Tyler Shough. He was Shough’s go-to guy, posting over 1,000 yards and 9 TDs last season.

Round 6, Pick 185:

• Willie Lampkin, G, North Carolina
• Charles Grant, T/G, William and Mary
• Tyler Cooper, G, Minnesota

The Steelers are going to draft a guard at some point during this draft; while the starters are penciled in, they lost James Daniels to the Miami Dolphins in free agency. Assistant GM Andy Wiedl will continue to address the trenches, as there isn’t a ton of depth up front for the black and gold.

Round 7, Pick 229:

• Smael Mondon Jr., LB, Georgia
• Carson Bruener, LB, Washington
• Jay Higgins, LB, Iowa State

Pittsburgh lost Elandon Roberts this offseason, and Cole Holcomb’s health is still in question.

Mondon is the prize of this group, but the interesting name to watch is Bruener. That name may ring a bell. He’s the son of former Steelers TE Mark Bruener — and we know how much the Steelers love their bloodlines!

Note: No cornerback. I think they are comfortable with that room, considering Cory Trice Jr. and Beanie Bishop are entrenched behind Joey Porter Jr. and the newly acquired Darius Slay. Don’t forget second-year DB Ryan Watts could also be returning to the fray.

What are your thoughts on this draft strategy? Let us know in the comments section!