For the first time this offseason, I’m publishing the Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 Mock Draft. My predictions about who the organization will draft next month. With the NFL Combine, the first wave of free agency, and partial professional day and pre-draft visits known, it’s more clear about which positions and players the team will target. This version offers it too often to players who want to stick to the needs of their teams, but are not mentioned because of Pittsburgh.
Round 1 – 21st overall: Tyleik Williams/NT Ohio State – 6027, 334 lbs
analysis: The defensive line is where the majority of Steeler’s first round projections are focused, and for good reason after last year’s run defense was troubling. There are several common names, including Kenneth Grant and Derrick Harmon.
What if those guys are gone and they still want to go to the defensive line? Williams is a player who was oc-raped towards the end of the first round. He has been a productive Buckeyes player who has combined just under 100 tackles, 28 career tackles, losses and 11.5 sacks over the past two years. He knocked down 10 passes.
Williams can take over the nose tackle, and Keene Benton can move to defensive positions, hopefully strengthening his running defense.
Tyleik Williams Scouting Report
Others considered: DL Walter Nolen, S Nick Emmanwori, RB Omarion Hampton
Round 3-83: Andrew Mukuba/s Texas – 5112, 186 lbs
analysis: Cornerbacks looked like the Steelers’ position to draft this offseason, but they may still be. However, adding Darius’ Slay and Brandon Ecole reduced the position group’s troubled.
For the safety group, they added Juan Thornhill, but as we pointed out, the Steelers are definitely still looking at safety positions that include top names such as Nick Emanwai and Malachi Starks.
Mukuba really opened up his game, including transferring from Clemson to Texas for the final season and leading the SEC in intercept. He is truly versatile with multiple coverage as slots, boxes and deep safety. He is most impressive in his role as a robber. His soccer IQ is very high, he is a good tackler and is very physical when splitting the passes.
Andrew Mukuba Scouting Report
Others considered: QB Will Howard, OT Charles Grant, OT Emery Jones
Round 4 – 123rd overall: Anthony Belton/OT NC State – 6060, 336 lbs
analysis: The Steelers have committed to building offensive lines in recent seasons. That should continue this year. The depth behind two young tackles, Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu, is truly lacking.
Plus, they don’t know how Jones manages the NFL left tackle spot, or whether he’s completely healthy from his injuries in 2024.
Enter Belton, a giant human of good length. The three-year starter at Wolfpack’s left tackle is said to have a nasty attitude, an appearance in the run game and have a good punch for pass protection. He can become a swing tackle in the event of an injury, providing the depth he needs.
Anthony Belton Scouting Report
Others considered: RB Bhayshul Tuten, WR Kyle Williams, DL Elijah Roberts
Round 5-156: Kyle McCord/QB Syracuse – 6030, 218 lbs
Analysis: Steelers Quarterback Room…I don’t have much to say about that. Let’s just say there’s space for new members. This draft isn’t full of top-end talent. The Steelers have been mentioned in almost every draftable quarterback, and they’ve been in contact with some of them so far.
A name not often mentioned is McCord. McCord, a move from Ohio State, was allowed to blossom in his final season at Syracuse. “But Tom! Pittsburgh game! He’s terrible!” You are absolutely right. 3 5 intercepts returned For touchdowns. An absolute nightmare. How can anyone come back from it?
Well, after that game he led the team to a 5-1 record, completing 69.5% of passes for 2,300 yards and 15 touchdowns on one intercept. He reads defenses well, takes out the ball quickly and accurately, and has a stoic attitude. It’s not too high or too low. At worst, he becomes an effective backup and spot starter.
Kyle McCord Scouting Report
Others considered: RB Ollie Gordon, OT Hollis Pierce, RB Dylan Sampson
Round 6 – 185th: Vernon Broughton/DL Texas – 6050, 311 lbs
Analysis: The 299 yards Baltimore is charging in the playoffs is still burning, so I double-dipped on the defensive line and soaked by chance with the University of Texas players.
Broughton moved around the Longhorns’ defensive front to make it worthwhile versatility. The Steelers love length on the edge of their defensive play, while Broughton has a 35-inch arm.
The team has added several players in recent weeks, but none of them actually moved the needle. He is another block eater who can chock the inside of a defense. He has excellent mental processing to read and adjust the strength of various blocks and plays. Handling double teams. Pass rush requires work, but the third day pick always requires some improvement.
Vernon Broughton Scout Report
Others considered: OT Jalen Rivers, RB Jaydon Blue, TE Jackson Hawes
Round 7 – 229th: Firmafa/RB Clemson – 6005, 234 lbs
analysis: Analysis: One of the deepest groups in the draft is the running back. We don’t expect the Steelers to wait until the seventh round, but there are only a lot of draft picks.
Kenneth Gainwell was added this offseason. He’s smaller than Jalen Warren, so he needs some bulk in the backfield.
Insert the muffer into 234 lbs. He will be a backfield banger with experience in gap and zone running schemes. He runs behind the pads and is difficult to get off. He could be a grinder for a short yard, goal line (28 TD for Clemson), and a four-minute offense.
Phil Mafah Scouting Report
Others considered: DL Thor Griffith, S Dante Trader Jr., OT Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson
