Mock Draft Monday – Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 Mock Draft: March 17

The Pittsburgh Steelers have transitioned to the offseason the place the pre-draft course of ramps up. Pittsburgh is making an attempt to bolster its roster in hopes of getting a greater likelihood to compete within the postseason subsequent yr. Given their wants and expertise on this draft class, it’s by no means too early to undergo mock draft eventualities and venture gamers the Steelers could also be fascinated about.

ROUND 1 (#21 OVERALL) WALTER NOLEN/DL/OLE MISS

After the Steelers traded for WR DK Metcalf, line of defense grew to become their clear-cut place to focus on in Spherical 1. One identify that Pittsburgh might think about within the first spherical is Ole Miss DL Walter Nolen. He checks in at 6036, 296 kilos, which inserts the scale that Pittsburgh covets in defensive linemen. He lacks perfect arm size at 32 1/2 inches, however he has confirmed to be an efficient go rusher in addition to a disruptive power towards the run.

Nolen can are available in and group up with Cameron Heyward and Keenau Benton to make a formidable trio in the course of Pittsburgh’s protection. He would carry some pass-rush upside because the Steelers look to inject some youth into their defensive entrance.

ROUND 3 (#83 OVERALL) CAM SKATTEBO/RB/ARIZONA STATE

The Steelers signed RB Kenneth Gainwell in free company, however they nonetheless want a bigger-bodied again to assist substitute the lack of Najee Harris to the Los Angeles Chargers. Arizona State RB Cam Skattebo would match the invoice. At 5094, 219 kilos, he’s a stout, dense runner and performs that manner, being a bowling ball who refuses to go down on first contact.

Whereas Skattebo’s lengthy pace is a query mark, he has confirmed to be an explosive participant with the ball in his palms as a runner in addition to a go catcher with 112 receptions for 1,386 yards and eight touchdowns throughout his faculty profession. Pittsburgh loves greater backs who can catch the soccer. Including Skattebo would give them a powerful backfield with Gainwell, Jaylen Warren, and Cordarrelle Patterson.

ROUND 4 (#123 OVERALL) ZY ALEXANDER/CB/LSU

CB Donte Jackson simply left in free company, and whereas Darius Slay signed with the Steelers and Cory Trice Jr. noticed extra enjoying time on the surface final season when Jackson was injured, Pittsburgh might use some reinforcements reverse of Joey Porter Jr. at cornerback.

LSU CB Zy Alexander is constructed like Porter and Trice, standing 6013 and weighing 187 kilos with the size and pace you need in a prototypical exterior nook. He performs properly along with his palms in protection, jamming opposing receivers, and has the athleticism to maintain tempo with them in protection. Alexander has been making performs in protection since his days at Southeast Louisiana earlier than transferring to LSU in 2023. He can compete for snaps as a rookie with potential to tackle a bigger position down the highway.

ROUND 5 (#156 OVERALL) JALEN TRAVIS/OT/IOWA STATE

Proper now, the Steelers’ depth chart at offensive sort out behind Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu seems relatively skinny. Whereas expectations are that they’ll add a veteran in free company, turning to the draft could also be sensible contemplating that Jones is heading into 12 months 4 of his deal in 2026.

Enter Iowa State’s Jalen Travis, who performed each left and proper sort out in faculty. He has nice dimension and size at 6076, 339 kilos with almost 35-inch arms. He’s a succesful run blocker who additionally flashes in go safety however nonetheless must develop completely different intricacies of his sport to be a dependable contributor on the subsequent stage. Travis can compete for the swing sort out position as a rookie with the upside to turn into a starter down the highway.

ROUND 6 (#185 OVERALL) R.J. MICKENS/S/CLEMSON

The Steelers want so as to add to their security room as they lack depth behind Minkah Fitzpatrick and DeShon Elliott. R.J. Mickens could be a top quality possibility to contemplate close to the tip of the draft. The 6000, 199-pounder was a four-year contributor on the Tigers’ protection, producing seven interceptions and 12 go deflections throughout his faculty profession.

Mickens can transfer all around the secondary, having performed in several spots at Clemson. His versatility in addition to his functionality on particular groups might make him intriguing to Pittsburgh close to the tip of the draft.

ROUND 7 (#229 OVERALL) DONT’E THORNTON/WR/TENNESSEE

The Steelers shut out the draft by choosing Tennessee WR Dont’e Thornton, a top/weight/pace specimen they’ve proven curiosity in with WR coach Zach Azzanni attending his Professional Day. Thornton tore it up on the NFL Mix, coming in at 6045, 205 kilos whereas working a 4.30 40-yard sprint and leaping 33 inches within the vertical and 10’6″ within the broad.

Thornton, a big-play risk for the Volunteers, is in-built the same mildew as DK Metcalf and George Pickens. If Pittsburgh had been to maneuver on from Pickens in some unspecified time in the future, Thornton could possibly be a man to usher in who has the same physique kind and play model. He would additionally probably contribute as a possible gunner on particular groups.