After several months of putting our noses to the grindstone, it’s hard to believe that the NFL draft is almost upon us. Tomorrow is the opening night of the draft and, barring a trade back, we should finally get to learn which player will be the first new Steeler selected.
Both of us have contributed heavily to BTSC’s draft coverage this year, so we can think of no better way to put a bow on this draft cycle than one last mega article.
We’ve got a combined ranking of each player who scheduled a pre-draft visit with the Steelers, a list of “My Guys” at nearly every position, and a final mock draft from each of us.
We appreciate you all for following along and all the great feedback we’ve gotten these past few months. We know this article is dense, so feel free to save the link and read it in sections as needed.
Tomorrow night, Read & React will be hosting the NFL Draft open thread, and we hope to see you there. Until then, we hope you enjoy this Draft’s Eve Extravaganza.
Steelers pre-draft visit big board
Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images
We compiled the names of the 34 prospects the Steelers have met with for top-30 and local visits into a big board — players like Jalen Milroe, Malaki Starks, Ashton Jeanty (duh) and others are almost certainly on the Steelers’ real-life board, but we’re sticking with pre-draft visits to keep the scope manageable.
We’ll be keeping our analysis brief in this exercise, but nearly every player on the list has a more in-depth breakdown elsewhere on BTSC. You can click on the players’ names to be taken to those articles.
For the rankings, both Ryan and Ryland made separate big boards, and the average of the two is what you’ll see in this article. Since there are countless predictive big boards out there, we decided to go in a different direction, ranking players by how we think they make sense for Pittsburgh. This board is our opinion, not the order we actually think the players will be drafted this weekend.
Without further ado, let's get into the kinda-big board:
1. Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon (Both: 1)
RB: Harmon is the complete package on the defensive line: great size and eye-catching quickness off the line of scrimmage, and he’s a great fit in the Steelers’ scheme. The big knock on his scouting profile is the number of missed tackles, but that’s something you can live with when you’re talking about one of the most disruptive defenders in college football. He fits a need for the Steelers, and he could easily be the best player available at pick 21.
2. Matthew Golden, WR, Texas (RB: 2, RP: 3)
RP: Golden would be the perfect complement to vertical threats D.K. Metcalf and George Pickens. Golden can win vertically as well, but the Steelers could see huge dividends by deploying him as a possession receiver on intermediate and underneath routes while Metcalf or Pickens take the top off of any given play. I just don’t think he lasts all the way to pick 21.
3. Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina (RB: 4, RP: 2)
RB: Hampton became the consensus RB2 behind Ashton Jeanty as draft season went on, and it’s easy to see why. He’s a big, bruising, decisive runner with impressive leg drive, but he also possesses high-end short-area burst, even if his long speed isn’t among the best in this class. Hampton fits best in a gap scheme. Picking him in the first round would be a bit rich for my taste, but he’s a surefire starter and a standout in this deep running back class.
4. Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss (RB: 3, RP: 6)
RP: Trey Amos is a physical press corner who is most comfortable in zone. At 6’1, 195 pounds with 31 1/4” arms and 4.43 speed, Amos is one of the more appealing physical packages in this class, with plenty of Day 1 buzz the closer we get to the draft. He’s not as effective in off coverage at this stage of development, and he could stand to improve as a tackler, but watch his footwork, movement in transition and mirroring skills, and his coverage abilities become apparent. Amos only allowed a 43.1% completion rate in his career, and less than 19% on targets that traveled 20-plus yards in the air.
Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
5. Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State (RB: 7, RP: 4)
RB: Higgins is a tall, lanky receiver who defies the stereotype with impressive “wiggle” and burst for his build. He’s a sure-handed, quarterback’s-best-friend type who has enough contested catch acumen and athleticism to hold his own on the boundary, even if he doesn’t have the standout speed or physicality to be a true NFL WR1. He’s a great Day 2 target for a team looking for a reliable power slot with inside/outside versatility.
6. Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo (RB: 5, RP: 8)
RP: Alexander was one of the biggest risers during the draft cycle after being one of the stars of Senior Bowl week and a strong showing at the NFL Combine that included running a sub-5.00 40-time at over 300 pounds. Alexander has one of the better-developed pass-rushing plans in the class, but could still improve against the run. He should start his career as a rotational rusher and could become an every-down player if he can get better against the run. Alexander is expected to go in the second round, so he might be out of the Steelers' reach unless they acquire additional picks.
7. Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina (RB: 6, RP: 9)
RB: Much has been made of Emmanwori’s absurd athleticism — he has a perfect 10.0 RAS, after all — but he still looks a little stiff in coverage and his demeanor doesn’t match his size as a box safety. The upside is off the charts, but Emmanwori has a lot of work to do to live up to his current late Day 1/early Day 2 projection.
T-8. Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State (RB: 9, RP: 10)
RP: Once threatening to be a late first-round pick, questions about Thomas’ speed (4.58 40-time at his pro day) could have him tumbling to the late second, or even the third round. A sticky press-man corner standing 6’2 with long arms, Thomas’ misfortune could be a boon for the Steelers if he makes it to pick 83.
T-8. Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State (RB: 14, RP: 5)
RB: Noel is a compactly built deep threat with blazing, 4.39 speed. He’s a nuanced route-runner downfield with more contested catch ability than you’d expect from a 5’10 receiver with sub-30” arms. He was primarily a slot/motion receiver in college and he’s still developing as a quick-game target. He has the quickness to develop into a more complete player and his toughness is off the charts, giving him a strong Day 2 grade.
10. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State (RB: 13, RP: 7)
RP: TreVeyon Henderson was never a bell cow back in college, but if the Steelers are looking to find a 1B to Jaylen Warren’s 1A on the depth chart, Henderson provides an exciting possibility. The comparisons to Jahmyr Gibbs are a little rich for me, but Henderson is a big play waiting to happen as both a runner and pass catcher, and he’s way ahead as a pass blocker than most prospects coming out of college. Henderson is likely out of the Steelers' grasp, though, unless they trade back into the second or overdraft him in the first.
11. Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M (RB: 8, RP: 14)
RB: Part of me wanted to rank Stewart lower here. He’s more athlete than football player at this point, who recorded just 4.5 sacks over his college career. However, he’s another 10.0 RAS who had absolutely dominant flashes on tape — the ideal power and quickness combination you want in a modern edge defender. Those are the type of traits you draft in the first round, regardless of production concerns. What complicates things for the Steelers is that Stewart isn’t a perfect fit in the Pittsburgh defense, and there isn’t a need at edge rusher in the first place.
12. Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa (RB: 12, RP: 11)
RP: As far as scheme fits go, Johnson is a perfect match for Arthur Smith’s wide zone rushing attack. Johnson isn’t the fastest back, but a 4.57 40-time isn’t terrible when you consider he’s 224 pounds. What Johnson does have is excellent vision that allows him to set up blocks as he reaches the second level. Johnson should go off the board somewhere between the late-second and mid-third round.
T-13. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado (RB: 10, RP: 19)
RB: Sanders was a productive passer who helped elevate both the Jackson State and Colorado football programs with his toughness and accuracy over the middle. However, he lacks the ideal mobility and arm strength of a star quarterback in the NFL, plus he has an ugly habit of drifting in the pocket. Sanders’ modest ceiling means he’s a Day 2 quarterback who will probably still be drafted in the first round due to demand at the position. He has what it takes to be a solid starter in the NFL, but he’s a questionable fit for Pittsburgh’s vertical passing game.
Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images
T-13. Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee (RB: 16, RP: 13)
RP: Sampson is one of the younger prospects in the draft as he won’t turn 21 until September. He only had one season as the Volunteers lead back, but he made the most of it with 1,491 rushing yards, 22 touchdowns and the award for SEC Offensive Player of the Year. Sampson’s vision and sense of timing are some of the most impressive in the class. At just 200 pounds, there are questions about whether Sampson could/should have a leadback role, but if the Steelers are embracing a committee approach, Sampson would be an electric piece of that puzzle.
T-13. Tyler Shough, QB, Texas Tech (RB: 17, RP: 12)
RB: Shough is my QB2 in this draft class if we’re strictly talking about 2024 tape. He has a live arm and better-than-expected athleticism, also going through reads well and showing some anticipatory throws on tape. The problem is he’s had just one productive season through an injury-bitten seven(!)-year college career, and his poise in the pocket can take a nose dive when he’s under pressure. He made enough “wow” throws last year to place him among the draft’s top passers, but I wouldn’t take him until the third round at the absolute earliest.
16. Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State (RB: 15, RP: 16)
RP: Farmer’s biggest selling points are his 35” arms and the flashes he’s put on tape as a sudden penetrator. Beyond that, much of Farmer’s appeal will rely on his future development. The highlights are jaw-dropping, but the lowlights are tough to stomach. He’ll need to focus on pad level and adding more counter moves to his pass rush plan. Farmer’s frame and potential seem appealing enough to teams to place him squarely in third-round consideration.
17. Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Oregon (RB: 19, RP: 15)
RB: Caldwell is a massive nose tackle who has some juice as a pass-rusher even if he’s at his best clogging lanes in the run game. He’s still developing his hand-usage and shorter arms are a noticeable limitation, but his high-energy style of play and good mobility at 332 pounds give him some upside to develop into more than just an early-down space-eater. He’s a late Day 2/early Day 3 talent who could drop a bit due to a deep class at his position.
18. Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss (RB: 11, RP: 24)
RP: Opinions on Jaxson Dart are going to vary dramatically depending on who you ask. I don’t have a first-round grade on any of the quarterbacks after Cam Ward, which is reflected in my relatively low ranking. I question how well Dart sees the field post-snap, especially against zone coverages. His physical tools are good, but not exceptional in my opinion. If there is one area I’ll praise Dart, he’s willing to stand in the face of pressure and deliver a throw knowing he’s about to get knocked in the dirt. Dart has one of the widest ranges of draft outcomes, but the Steelers would likely have to take him in the first round if he’s their guy.
Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images
19. D.J. Giddens, RB, Kansas State (Both: 18)
RB: Giddens feels like an oft-forgotten name in the upper half of this deep running back class. It might be because he doesn’t have a blatantly obvious standout trait: good size but not a power back; good speed but not a home-run hitter; good movement skills but not a developed receiver. However, Giddens has the physical traits to be a good NFL starter, and his vision and contact balance aren’t talked about enough. He’s one of many very talented running backs who should go in the third round range.
20. Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech (RB: 20, RP: 17)
RP: Short and compact, Bhayshul Tuten packages bottle rocket speed with better tackle-breaking ability than you might expect for a running back of his size. Tuten is best in an outside zone scheme, making his fit a good one for Arthur Smith’s tendencies. Being related to former Steeler Isaac Redman could also be a mark in his favor, knowing how much the Steelers love NFL bloodlines and personal connections to the organization. Tuten will need to clean up his ball security — nine career fumbles — and develop in pass pro, but Tuten offers explosive speed at a level the Steelers haven’t had at running back since the days of Fast Willie Parker.
21. Wyatt Milum, OL, West Virginia (RB: 21, RP: 23)
RB: Milum is the lone offensive lineman on this list, but he’s a fun player to watch. An absolutely road-grading left tackle at WVU, he’ll fit best at guard in the NFL, where his shorter arms and lack of elite movement skills won’t hamper him. Once on the inside, Milum has serviceable athleticism for any scheme — don’t forget he won more than he lost against Abdul Carter in 2024 — and a contagious demeanor as a run-blocker. He has a strong anchor and good football IQ in pass protection, as well. Assuming he can handle the switch to guard, Milum could go as early as the second round.
Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
22. J.J. Pegues, DT, Ole Miss (RB: 23, RP: 21)
RP: To put it quite frankly, guys that are 6’2 and 309 are not supposed to move like THAT. Pegues is twitchy as hell, with a spin move that will leave your jaw on the floor. He has elite change-of-direction skills for someone of his size. So much so, the Rebels decided to give him a crack at being a short-yardage back, and he responded by turning 21 carries into 69 yards and 7 rushing touchdowns while converting 18 of those attempts into first downs or touchdowns. Move over, Travis Hunter, there’s a new two-way sheriff in town. But don’t let that distract you from the fact that Pegues is also a position versatile player on the defensive line. For as brilliant as the flashes are, consistency will determine how high his ceiling can go. He’s currently projected as an early Day 3 pick.
23. Justin Walley, CB, Minnesota (RB: 24, RP: 26)
RB: If you like cornerbacks who look forward to runs on their side of the field, do yourself a favor and check out Walley’s tape. He’s a heat-seeking missile in run support who can play a little out of control at times, but it’s a lot of fun to watch. Walley is fairly polished in coverage with 4.4 speed, good quickness, and great ball skills with seven career interceptions. He’s more grabby than fluid in coverage, and at 5’10, 190 pounds he might fit best in the slot in the NFL, but he has outside/inside versatility and will likely outperform his current Day 3 projection.
24. Kyle McCord, QB, Syracuse (RB: 31, RP: 22)
RP: Pitt Panther fans likely have the “ick” after McCord threw five interceptions against them in 2024, but he’s usually much safer with the ball when looking at his full body of work. As far as scheme fits go, McCord makes a ton of sense as a quarterback who loves attacking defenses vertically, just like the Steelers. He isn’t the most athletic runner, but McCord has more than enough functional mobility to buy time behind the line and for the occasional scramble. McCord’s arm isn’t elite, but he’s shown an ability to access every area of the field and led the nation in passing in 2024. McCord should still be on the board on Day 3 and is my preference in that range, should the Steelers wait that long to take a quarterback.
25. Savion Williams, WR, TCU (RB: 22, RP: 32)
RB: Williams is yet another athletic freak who is still finding his role on the football field. He has elite athleticism for his 6’4, 222-pound frame at wide receiver (sub-4.5 40-yard dash), but his route-running is still a work in progress and his hands are wildly inconsistent. Williams was most reliable as a wildcat running back at TCU, where he was able to use his size and explosiveness to average 6.3 yards per carry on 51 rushes. He could fit into a Cordarrelle Patterson-esque role in the NFL. Currently, Williams is a Day 3 wide receiver when it comes to his current profile, but his insane physical traits make him a near-certain Day 2 selection.
T-26. R.J. Harvey, RB, UCF (RB: 25, RP: 20)
RP: After a slow start to his career thanks to a position change and injury, R.J. Harvey turned himself into one of the most productive backs in the country over the past two college football seasons. Totalling 3,788 rushing yards (6.6 YPC), 722 receiving yards and 43 touchdowns for his career, Harvey fits well in the Steelers' outside zone scheme and is a weapon in the passing game. Harvey’s size, versatility and contact balance remind me of Jaylen Warren’s game, but Harvey’s short-area burst isn’t quite as good as Warren’s, despite a quicker 40-time.
Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images
T-26. Yahya Black, DT, Iowa (RB: 30, RP: 25)
RB: Black is one of the more straightforward evaluations at nose tackle in this year’s draft. He’s big, immovable, and his 35” arms give him the gravitational pull of a black hole when runners try a gap he’s defending. However, Black doesn’t have much athletic upside and will almost certainly be relegated to an early-down role at the NFL level. He doesn’t get to the quarterback quickly. He’s a bit of a one-trick pony, even if it’s a good trick; I have a hard time seeing him go earlier than the sixth round.
28. Ollie Gordon II, RB, Oklahoma State (RB: 29, RP: 27)
RP: Gordon was a college star in 2023, but his 2024 performance regressed just as the Cowboys did as a whole. Gordon is a big and powerful back, but he’ll remind Steelers fans of Najee Harris. Godon needs a runway to get going and becomes less effective the more he needs to change directions. Gordon is a player who I think can produce in the right system, I’m just not certain the Steelers are that team.
29. Jared Harrison-Hunte, DT, SMU (RB: 27, RP: 30)
RB: If Harrison-Hunte was a few years younger and a few pounds heavier, he’d be a more popular name in this year’s defensive line class. He ran a 4.86-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine at 290 pounds, and that explosiveness shows up on tape. He’s not awful against the run either with OK play strength and a perpetually hot motor. He’ll be 25 his rookie season, but there’s a lot of upside here if he can bulk up and improve his consistency. I think Harrison-Hunte could be a mid-Day 3 steal.
30. Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas (RB: 26, RP: 33)
RP: I get the appeal of Jaydon Blue’s athleticism, but he’s a classic case of a player who is a better athlete than a football player at this point in his development. Blue’s movement skills shine when he’s in space, but he’s not an inside runner, and he’s not breaking any tackles. At sub-200 pounds, he’ll likely only ever be a change-of-pace back, like a super-charged Kenneth Gainwell, but less dependable. Blue fumbled roughly every 30 touches in college. I knock Blue’s 7 fumbles more harshly than a prospect like Tuten because Tuten’s fumbles came spread across 687 career touches. Blue’s came on just 270.
31. Elijah Roberts, DE, SMU (RB: 28, RP: 31)
RB: Roberts is the classic “tweener” on the defensive line — a big, standup pass-rusher who won with power far more than speed in college. His best bet is bulking up to play in the interior at the NFL level, as he lacks the ideal fluidity and quickness of a modern edge defender. His ideal fit is in a 4-3, further complicating the Steelers’ interest in him. But a wicked bull rush and 17.5 sacks over the last two seasons might be worth a flier if Roberts falls into the later rounds.
Photo by Ryan Hunt/Getty Images
T-32. Donovan McMillon, S, Pitt (RB: 32, RP: 29)
RP: McMillon is a slightly undersized safety (203 pounds) who would likely serve best as a box safety at the next level. He’s a tackling machine who’s racked up 220 combined tackles since 2023. McMillon tested well at his pro day, including a reported 4.48 40-time, but his play speed doesn’t necessarily match up with his testing scores. McMillon is athletic enough to warrant some interest as an UDFA, should he go undrafted.
T-32. Gavin Bartholomew, TE, Pitt (RB: 33, RP: 28)
RB: Bartholomew doesn’t have many standout traits, but he also has a solid all-around, versatile profile, making him a ready-made next man up in the NFL. His effort as a blocker, both in-line and as an H-back, fits well in Arthur Smith’s tight end-heavy scheme. He’s a serviceable pass-catcher as well — if Pittsburgh wants a challenger for Connor Heward in the seventh round, Bartholomew wouldn't be a bad pick.
34. Ben Sauls, K, Pitt (Both: 34)
RP: This one is pretty self-explanatory, so I won’t waste your time here. The Steelers are set at kicker for 2025 with Chris Boswell signed through 2026. Barring an injury to Boswell, Sauls would be a training camp invite and practice squad player at best. That puts him at the bottom of our board.
Who are some prospects who would make your “My Guys” list?
Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Both of us have spent months hard at work studying this draft class. Spend enough time doing that and you’re going to develop some favorites. The following is a short list of players whose games we have come to admire.
Quarterback
RB: Kurtis Rourke, Tyler Shough
Rourke is a ruthlessly efficient field general with a good-enough arm who played through a partially-torn ACL in 2024. He still managed a nearly 70% completion rate and was accurate and smart over the middle of the field. He’s a favorite of mine if the Steelers wait until their last two picks to nab a signal-caller.
RP: Jalen Milroe, Kyle McCord
Milroe needs to work on cleaning up his throwing mechanics so he can be more consistent, but he possesses the highest ceiling in this quarterback class and is more comfortable reading from the pocket than I think most fans realize. McCord remains one of my favorite options on Day 3 as his playstyle meshes well with Arthur Smith’s tendencies.
Running back
RP: Damien Martinez, Bhayshul Tuten, Jordan James
I’ve shared plenty on Martinez and Tuten, so I’ll shine a little love on Jordan James. James isn’t the fastest or biggest, but he’s a pile mover with more agility than long speed and a nose for the end zone.
RB: Damien Martinez, Dylan Sampson
I’ve been a fan of Martinez since his Oregon State days — he’s a smooth-moving, big back who would be the perfect compliment to the Steelers’ running back room of Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. As for Sampson, he plays so much tougher than his listed size and is somehow one of the fastest running backs in this class AND one of the best in short yardage.
Wide receiver
RB: Jimmy Horn Jr., Jayden Higgins, Jack Bech, Emeka Egbuka
Horn is a late-round sleeper I came to appreciate when watching Shedeur Sanders at Colorado. He’s small, even diminutive, but with excellent movement skills and easy acceleration. On the other hand, Higgins, Bech, and Egbuka all fit the mold of reliable power slots who can contribute instantly to a lot of offenses. Don’t overthink Egbuka in this class — he blew me away with how NFL-ready he is.
RP: Matthew Golden, Tory Horton, Kyle Williams, Daniel Jackson
Tory Horton is a player who would not shock me in the slightest if he goes higher than his ADP in mock drafts would indicate. Daniel Jackson, Kyle Williams, and Matthew Golden are my three favorite route runners and separators in this draft.
Offensive line
RP: Donovan Jackson, Aireontae Ersery, Jalen Travis
Donovan Jackson is one of the players I’m most confident will be a stud in the NFL for 10-plus years if he remains healthy. Ersery and Travis are two massive tackles who I believe will continue to get better in the league.
RB: Joshua Gray, Ozzy Trapilo, Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson
Gray was a left tackle for four years at Oregon State before making the switch to guard in his fifth and final season. He played well on the inside, where he’ll be in the NFL, showing off his versatility (some projections even see him as a center). He’s an experienced player with solid athleticism, strong leg drive, and fantastic grip strength. He’s a great pick for O-line depth-needy teams on Day 3.
Tight end
RP: Luke Lachey, CJ Dippre
Tight end is not something I’d consider a huge need for the Steelers, but Arthur Smith loves the position, so I wouldn’t rule it out completely. Dippre shocked many with his athletic testing, and both he and Lachey are experienced blockers thanks to playing at Alabama and Iowa, respectively. Both should be available on Day 3.
Defensive line
RP: Derrick Harmon, TJ Sanders, Alfred Collins, Ty Robinson
ICYMI: TJ Sanders profile up on @btsteelcurtain
I remain convinced he's a player we'll look back on in a few years and wonder why he didn't get more buzz. Played all along the line, high motor, did more with less pass rush opps than some others in classhttps://t.co/PuwRQRNSHw
— Ryan Parish (@RyanParishmedia) March 28, 2025
I’m going to be so mad when he ends up an Eagle.
RB: Walter Nolen, Derrick Harmon, Jamaree Caldwell, Jared Harrison-Hunte
Nolen has stretches of tape where he looks like a top-10 pick. And if it wasn’t for some unclear character concerns, I think we’d see him get mocked that high more often. I know he’s not an ideal fit for what Pittsburgh does on defense, but he’s a high-effort player with all-world upside. DT2 or 3 for me.
Cornerback
RB: Azareye’h Thomas, Trey Amos, Jacob Parrish
I should care about Thomas’ testing but I don’t. His coverage tape is that good even if the run support is not.
RP: Jahdae Barron, Jacob Parrish, Cobee Bryant, Nohl Williams
Jahdae Barron was one of my early favorites in this draft cycle, but he could be long gone before the Steelers pick. Cobee Bryant is my favorite pest in the class and Nohl Williams is one of the most physical corners available.
Safety
RP: Jonas Sanker, Craig Woodson
Both of these guys can hit, and their above-the-shoulders traits are being undervalued by the draft community. Sanker is built like your traditional box safety, but is rangier than you’d expect. Woodson has great change-of-direction ability and has a knack for breaking up passes.
RB: Kevin Winston Jr., Andrew Mukuba
Winston is an athletic, rangy angel of death in the secondary. Mukuba fits a similar profile; he’s a bit smaller and plays a bit crazier.
Final Mock Drafts
We can’t conclude draft season without fitting in one last mock draft! The following are Ryan and Ryland’s final mock drafts (each with a different draft simulator). These mocks are what THEY would do — while at the mercy of the simulator — not predictions of what the Steelers will do. Drafters are limited to one trade in their draft.
RB: Here’s my Pro Football Network haul:
Summary: I traded down from No. 21 with Derrick Harmon, Walter Nolen, and Kenneth Grant still on the board. I knew I might miss out on Harmon (and unfortunately did), but that was a risk I was willing to take to gain a Day 2 pick in a draft that is strongest in the middle rounds.
I still ended up with Nolen, who I think is in the same tier as Harmon at defensive tackle, and was able to pair him with J.J. Pegues, his former D-line mate and an exciting developmental nose tackle.
With my extra Day 2 pick, I grabbed Jayden Higgins, a potential George Pickens lite down the road, but an even more exciting big slot to fit into three-wide receiver sets with Pickens and D.K. Metcalf in 2025.
Parrish is a talented cover corner who immediately bolsters depth in both the slot and on the outside, and he could challenge for a starting spot as well. I already gave my thoughts on Martinez’s fit earlier — I think he’s the perfect complement to Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. And while he looks like a power back, he had great production during his two years in Oregon State’s zone-heavy scheme.
I think tight end is a sleeper need for the Steelers on Day 3, given Arthur Smith’s heavy usage of the position, and I like Mitchell Evans as a blocker with some receiving ability. I didn’t like the value at quarterback in this draft (I guess we hope Aaron Rodgers signs?) but I grabbed an athletic FCS quarterback in North Dakota State’s Cam Miller for a fun, kinda-high-upside option at QB3 with the team’s last pick.
RP:
Summary: When the Steelers were on the clock in this simulation, they found themselves in a decent spot. Several prospects they’ve shown interest in were still on the board (Harmon, Golden, Hampton, Amos and Shedeur Sanders) and multiple teams were calling to make a trade. Harmon is still the apple of my eye, so making sure not to trade behind Baltimore was top of mind as I accepted the Rams' offer to move back, gain a third, and move up 29 spots later on in the draft. I got luckier than Ryland and Harmon was still waiting for us at pick 26, so the gamble paid off.
With two third-round picks now in hand, the Steelers are able to shore up both sides of the ball. Pittsburgh has put off investing in a nickel cornerback for far too long. Parrish is one of the stickier covers in the class, with inside and outside versatility. He would be an immediate upgrade to the defense.
Next, we turn to the offense. The Steelers are a team that wants to run the ball at a high volume. That makes the running back position more valuable to them than it might be to other teams. I don’t think it’s the most likely outcome, but there’s a non-zero chance they turn in Omarion Hampton’s name tomorrow night depending on how the board shakes out. I didn’t go that route here, but Damien Martinez is a player whose game I enjoy a ton and reminds me of James Conner. He also happens to be the last of the running backs on the board who I think could shoulder the lead back role in Week 1, if needed.
By coincidence, Ryland and I both ended up taking Martinez and Parrish, though we got there by different routes.
In the fourth round, the Steelers pick up one of the most Steeler-coded players in the draft in Ty Robinson and pick a quarterback in McCord who fits their vertical passing game proclivities.
We’ll close this thing out by taking massive Iowa State offensive tackle Jalen Travis and the uber athletic safety from Nevada, Kitan Crawford. Travis stands 6’8 and 339 pounds with 34 7/8” arms and experience in zone running schemes. He’s not a fully polished prospect, but that size is intriguing this late in the draft. Crawford is smaller than your prototypical safety at 5’11, 202 pounds and 31” arms, but he makes up for it with smooth hips and explosive athleticism. Crawford should be a special teams star right away, and could develop into a starting safety or play as a big nickel.
Thanks for following along with BTSC’s pre-draft coverage in 2025. Join in on Steelers R&R by sharing your takes on this week’s topics. What are your thoughts on Pittsburgh’s pre-draft visits? Your “My Guys” list? Want to do one final mock draft? Let us know in the comments! Feel free to pitch future questions in the comment section or on Twitter/X: tag @_Ryland_B or @RyanParishMedia.
Source link
