Earlier next week, the start of a new NFL league year begins, opening a free agency window that will move and shake the NFL landscape quite a bit. Once you enter free agency, you will address the needs of your team and insert some holes on the roster.
Once that first wave is complete, attention returns to the 2025 NFL Draft, with the team having another crack and even dealing with holes in the roster.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have quite a few holes in their roster. In fact, there are too many to deal with by a free agency alone. So the 2025 NFL Draft will once again become a major draft for the Steelers under GM Omar Khan.
Just a few contexts here: I think the Steelers will eventually re-sign QB Justinfield, add cornerbacks like DJ Reed for some pretty money and land one of Jonathan Allen or Milton Williams in free agency due to their relationship with Carl Dunbar and previous interest.
Soon, QB, CB, DL are addressed by free agents, making some clearer about draft needs a little more clear. If you missed my version 1.0 mock draft, you can check it out here.
Without further ado, let’s dive into my pre-free agency mock draft, version 2.0.
Round 1 (21st overall) – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio
analysis: The Steelers have a big need for receivers, but there are some good names in the free agency and trade block locations, but it’s hard to see the Steelers out of the way to spend big or land draft picks. The receiver’s 2025 NFL draft class isn’t as deep as in recent years, but like the Ohio Emeka Egbuka, there are a few good options to target in the first round.
He is a smart, healthy and reliable weapon that can be played with slots and boundaries. He is a willing blocker and would fit very well with the plans of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Egbuka also brings the right attitude to the position as he is focused on doing what is necessary to help his team win, as he is not worried about his goals and production. Along the way, he spent two 1,000-yard seasons in Ohio, and is the program’s greatest reception leader of all time.
The Steelers will have a formal meeting with him at the Combine, and it is likely that he will become a pre-draft visitor, a potential pro-day dinner, and more.
Others thought: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas. Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon. Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Previous selection: Jadae Baron, Texas, DB (version 1.0)
Emeka Egbuka Scouting Report
Round 2 (52nd overall) – Alfred Collins of IDL Texas
analysis: Ideally, the Steelers will sign the first defensive lineman in free agency, whether it’s Jonathan Allen or Milton Williams, without the need for a defensive line position, and will let the Steelers pass in the first round and address the bigger needs. But they can’t wait long after that, so I’ll go here with Alfred Collins from Texas.
The Steelers held a formal meeting with Collins at the Combine, so interest is there. 34 Collins measured at 6055 at 332 pounds with a 5/8 inch arm. He is physically talented for his size and is able to move up and down the lines of trench scrimmage.
Collins profiles as a stout run defender who can bring real juice as a pass rush that could possibly portend a very good nerf in the Steelers 3-4 scheme, and can learn at Cameron Hayward’s feet as part of the next wave of Steelers defensive lineman.
Others thought: Ohio QB, Wil Howard. Omarr Norman-Lott, IDL, Tennessee; Caleb Johnson of RB Iowa
Previous selection: Darius Alexander, DL, Toledo (version 1.0)
Alfred Collins Scout Report
Round 3 (83rd overall) – Devin Neal, RB, Kansas
analysis: The Steelers seem to be set up to walk Najee Harris at his free agency, leading to another Plodding running back name, like Nick Chubb. All the Steelers need at running back is an explosion to pair with Jalen Warren.
Enter Kansas RB Devin Neal. During his stay at Lawrence, Neal averaged 5.7 yards per carry, and was one of the most explosive playmakers in college football in the past few seasons. He also brings good sizes to measure at 5106, 220 pounds. Neil’s entire tape had versatility, burst and speed, which he produced over and over again.
Steelers Depot’s Alex Cozola compared Neil to Dundlesswift in his Kansas Star scouting report.
Others thought: Kyle McCord, QB, Syracuse. RJ Harvey, RB, UCF; Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa
Previous selection: Kyle McCord, QB, Syracuse (version 1.0)
Devin Neal Scouting Report
Round 4 (122nd overall) – Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
analysis: Much of this depends on what the Steelers do in free agency in their quarterback position. If they re-sign Russell Wilson, I believe they will draft QBs much earlier than this. If it’s Justin Fields, I think they’ll go on the third day in that position. Needless to say, I think it will be Justin Fields.
Ewers held a formal meeting with the Steelers at the Combine, saying they expect the Steelers to be on his pro day as well. He’s only 22 years old and is in the NFL, so Ewers is old to his size. He was the first notable nil player to spend time in Ohio and Texas. He is also one of the most revived QBs ever.
During his Texas career, Ewers pitched 9,128 yards, 68 TDs and 24 INTs. This includes 2024’s 3,472 yards, 31 TDs, and 12 INTS seasons, leading Texas to the College Football Playoffs semi-finals. He played with oblique injuries all season, but still played pretty well on tape.
He is a talented QB with excellent arms and also brings some mobility and toughness. However, he needs some extra time to develop and can benefit from sitting behind the field and learning from Arthur Smith and Tom Earth.
Others considered: Zyon Alexander, CB, LSU; Rylie Mills, IDL, Notre Dame; Nor Williams, CB, California
Previous selection: Tory Horton, WR, Colorado (version 1.0)
Quinn Ewers Scouting Report
Round 5 (163rd overall) – JJ Peg, IDL, Olemis
analysis: One of the most interesting players in the 2025 NFL Draft class, Ole Miss IDL JJ Pegues brings an absurd amount of versatility. Pegues, a former TE converted to DL, served as a short yardback for the Rebels in 2024, rushing for seven touchdowns.
He had a best test day at the NFL Scouting Combine, closing a 5.15 40-yard dash and a 27.5-inch vertical jump. These were disappointing numbers considering the athletic ability he showed throughout the season. Despite the insufficient number of tests, the Steelers’ interest is there as they had a formal meeting with Peg at the Combine.
Peg was able to play up and down the line of scrimmage, and he flashed his ability to become a destructive pass rush and stout run defender. He needs to answer some of the efforts questions that remain on his tape, but he is a clay ball with very undeveloped possibilities.
Others include Zeek Biggers, IDL, Georgia Tech; Upton Stout, DB, West Kentucky. Junior Taffna, IDL, Yuta
Previous selection: Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech (version 1.0)
JJ Pegs Scouting Report
Round 7 (225th overall) – Craigwoodson, S. California
analysis: The safety behind Minka Fitzpatrick and Deshon Elliott is a huge need for the Steelers quietly. Damontae Kazee is a free agent and Miles Killebrew is the ace of a special team. Pittsburgh needs that third safety to allow defense and coordinator Terrill Austin to move Fitzpatrick and Elliott.
Craig Woodson is a name you should know. He has history with News Tealers defensive back coach Gerald Alexander, who can play the game hard and move around defensively. Last season, in California, Woodson recorded two INTs with 70 tackles, 2.5 tackles losses and nine passes defended.
Woodson can handle special team roles whenever necessary. With his history with Alexander, along with his versatility and physicality, Woodson will be an interesting addition to the safety group.
Others thought: Theo Wease Jr., Missouri. Aubrey Burks, S, West Virginia. Malachi Moore, S, Alabama
Previous selection: Nazil Stackhouse, DL, Georgia (version 1.o)
Craig Woodson Scouting Report
Round 7 (231st overall) – Xavier Trus, OL, Georgia
analysis: With Dan Moore Jr. and James Daniels walking through free agency and veteran interior depth lineman Nate Harbig also appearing on the open market, allowing the Steelers to use some versatility from an offensive depth perspective. Although it is possible that Herbig will be re-signed to reinforce the depth, players like Xavier Truss can provide depth for the full trench.
It’s not a bad idea to go back to the Georgia pipeline. In his four seasons at Georgia, Truss began 42 games in 2022, including 14 innings at left guard. The Rhode Island native is a former four-star recruit who won All-SEC honors in 2023 and 2024 with right tackle. Throughout his tenure, he was a valuable piece for the Bulldogs, giving depth to the entire offensive line and successfully dealing with various responsibilities in a dominant program.
He also participated in the Tosachi Shrine Bowl. The Steelers could see him on Georgia Pro Day on March 12th. Measured at 6071, 309 combined with a 33-inch arm. He is more suited to guard, but can handle both tackle positions if necessary.
Others considered: Joshua Gray of Oregon OG. Shamari Simmons, DB, Arizona. Carson Bruner, Washington LB
Previous selection: Carson Bruner, LB, Washington (version 1.0)
