Pavelle: Steelers 2025 Mock Draft 3.0
Women and gents, I’ve an issue. I’ve dedicated to do a number of extra mocks earlier than the draft, and they’re imagined to illustrate many various approaches. However I discover myself completely satisfied that Pittsburgh goes to focus on a DT in Spherical 1! Derrick Harmon 40%, Kenneth Grant 30%, Walter Nolen or Mason Graham 20%, and The Subject 10%. And but right here I’m, decided to not choose a DT on this mock as a result of I need to see what may occur. So please bear with me, and let’s see how issues prove.
WHAT COULD MOVE ME OFF THE DEFENSIVE TACKLE OPTIONS?
It took some effort, however I’ve lastly discovered a path that works. You didn’t comprehend it, however:
- Kenneth Grant is about to interrupt his leg whereas bungee leaping on a wire rated for under 500 lbs.;
- Derrick Harmon will bust each of his wrists whereas unicycling on ice;
- Walter Nolen goes to be caught in a compromising place with some life-sized Vladimir Putin dolls; and
- Mason Graham will probably be picked within the high 10 like he deserves.
Wrists heal up, proper? So perhaps… nah. Not in Spherical 1. So I’ve acquired to go in one other path. How about now we have some enjoyable and choose…
Spherical 1 (#21 total) – RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State. 5-9, 215 lbs. Born Dec. 2, 2003 (21 years outdated)
Let’s get all of the arguments out of the best way up entrance. By no means choose a RB within the 1st! By no means let a steal move you by. RBs are the cherry on the sundae, so wait till your QB is in place! Bettis was right here earlier than Roethlisberger, so why not Jeanty first and the QB subsequent yr? Penn State stopped him. Yeah, by having 9 and 10 males within the field all evening! He’ll by no means fall that far! After all not, however you’re going to complain about odds after what you simply learn above?
Have enjoyable on the talk in the event you should, however it’s essential to know there’s one other issue at play. An occasion that can justify this Spherical 1 choose all by itself. Coming quickly to an AFC metropolis close to you:
As soon as upon a quick approaching time, a sure mob of irate reporters wait earlier than the stage like piranha who’ve caught the scent of blood. Ashton Jeanty simply went off for 259 yards with 412 damaged tackles, they usually demand a proof! The downcast coordinator steps to the rostrum, and…
COACH: [Shaking his head in dejected awe] “What can I say? Logic and proportion have fallen sloppy useless.”
REPORTERS: “Was it the gamers’ fault or yours?! Have you ever taught them find out how to sort out?! What is going to you inform them?! How will you play your chess items higher the subsequent time as a way to save your job?!”
COACH: “The lads on the chessboard would stand up and inform me the place to go. The white knight is already speaking backwards! Go ask Alice. I believe she’ll know.”
That press convention is formally on my bucket checklist, and I plan to look at each one of many three trillion hits that can ensue. In order that’s the choose. Finish of debate. [N.B. Anyone who ruins it for the millennials loses.]
P.S. Lest you suppose I’m excessive, the sport in query regarded form of like this. I don’t watch highlights. It’s simply not my factor. However I simply known as my spouse over to look at, similar to I confirmed related tape of Barry Sanders himself to my youngsters. Ashton Jeanty is a particular, particular expertise.
| RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise St. (Junior). 5-8½, 211 lbs. with 29¼” arms and 9¼” arms. Born Dec. 2, 2003 (21 years outdated). [Mtg. at Combine] A participant with this stage of ability at a “excessive worth” place can be a top-3 lock. He’d be the assured #1 choose if he performed QB. And nobody, wherever, would query that. Take into account a number of Alex Kozora Stats Of The Bizarre earlier than you assume that I’m exaggerating. Jeanty ran for two,601 yards in 2024, which is simply 27 yards behind Barry Sanders’ hitherto unapproachable document. He would have damaged the document if Penn State hadn’t performed with 9-10 males within the field for a lot of the bowl sport. Nearly 2,000 (1,970) of these yards got here after contact – which is 250 greater than the entire yards for some other again within the nation. I.N.S.A.N.E. Alongside the best way, Jeanty set the all-time NCAA document for damaged tackles (164). He additionally scored 29 touchdowns, together with 5 (5!) that got here on runs of 70+ yards (tying a LaDainian Tomlinson document). Jeanty carried his staff to the 2024 CFB playoffs singlehandedly. And in 2023 he led the nation in RB receiving yards, so that’s coated too. Past all of which, he’s by all accounts an exquisite, hard-working, devoted younger man and perfect teammate. Steven Pavelka’s Depot scouting profile ends with top-10 grade, saying Jeanty “is really an incredible athlete [who] treats each play as if he’s Marshawn Lynch in prime Beast Quake type.” One may ask for an additional 10 lbs., however OTOH Jeanty is constructed like a miniature tank, has by no means been injured, and runs a lot more durable than his measurement. It isn’t an issue. Backside line: this prospect has an ideal stability of belongings for the within/outside-zone scheme that Pittsburgh seemingly needs to construct: elite imaginative and prescient, fast ft, persistence to comply with the blocking coupled with sudden burst when he turns up discipline, historic ranges of contact stability, potent receiving chops, and a “prepared and aggressive” method to move safety. The one factor he is perhaps lacking is track-star pace, nevertheless it’s not like anybody caught him from behind on these 70+ yard scoring runs. In case you want extra testimony, right here is Kyle Crabbs’ thirty third Crew scouting profile (“a common prospect who affords the power to win between the tackles, outdoors the numbers, and within the passing sport”). Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com scouting profile (“the last word yardage creator, with the expertise and ability set to succeed impartial of the standard of his blocking”). The PFN scouting profile (“Jeanty has an innate potential to make himself untouchable for defenders and is among the most elusive and slippier backs I’ve ever scouted”). Why go on? |
Additionally thought-about: CB Jahdae Barron
Spherical 2 – Despatched To Seattle In DK Metcalf Commerce
Spherical 3 (#83 total) – DT Ty Robinson, Nebraska (RS Senior). 6-5⅛, 288 lbs. with 32¼” arms and 10” arms. Born Could 3, 2001 (23 years outdated).
I’m not glad. The Steelers have a defensive-line kind: tall, lengthy, in a position to each penetrate on passing downs, and in a position to 2-gap when they’re in base on working downs. There have been whole years when nobody match these specs. This yr there are a number of, however after Derrick Harmon (and arguably Kenneth Grant) all of them have some vital flaws, and people with lesser flaws ought to all be gone earlier than this choose. Right here is my whole checklist of potential Spherical 1-3 defensive tackles, with those that don’t match the Steelers profile crossed out for illustration:
- Early Spherical 1 – Mason Graham. A 4-3 defensive sort out so good that I’d swap the protection round to suit his expertise.
- Spherical 1 – Derrick Harmon. An ideal match.
- Spherical 1 – Kenneth Grant. A match if he is usually a 3-down participant with move speeding expertise. T/b/d.
- Spherical 2 – Shemar Turner. A bodily match, however his anchor wants work.
- Spherical 2 – T.J. Sanders. A bodily match, however very uncooked.
- Spherical 2 – Darius Alexander. An ideal match, however turns 25 in August.
- Spherical 1 – Walter Nolen. An excellent 4-3 man with very brief arms.
- Spherical 2 – Tyleik Williams. An excellent nostril sort out with 32” arms.
- Spherical 2 – Omarr Norman-Lott. A number of inches too brief, extra of a 4-3 man.
- Spherical 2 – Jordan Burch. A 4-3 edge rusher. 20-30 lbs. too mild.
- Spherical 3 – Alfred Collins. An excellent bodily match with little or no move rush.
- Spherical 3 – Joshua Farmer. An excellent bodily match with average move rush and sputtery motor.
- Spherical 2-3 – Rylie Mills. Brief arms, December harm.
- Spherical 2-3 – Ty Robinson. Brief arms.
You see the issue? Spectacular as that checklist is, there isn’t a particularly fascinating goal after Spherical 2. Right here within the third I’ve two males who look proper however undertaking as two-down gamers, and two three-round gamers who don’t match the prototype. Look forward to Spherical 4 and it solely will get worse. [Sigh] Time to pinch my nostril, squint, and do what I’ve to. It’s solely size, proper? Given these 4 decisions I’m going to go together with Ty Robinson. Two-down run stuffers are simple to search out later within the draft than move rushers who can function inside, and I’d relatively say “whoa” than “sic ‘em.”
| DT Ty Robinson, Nebraska (RS Senior). 6-5⅛, 288 lbs. with 32¼” arms and 10” arms. Born Could 3, 2001 (23 years outdated). 98th-percentile RAS, with the burden (fairly fixable) dragging the end result down by so much. Coloration Pittsburgh intrigued, as a result of he has one thing inside spitting distance of the size it appears for, a really fast go off the road, and the form of enjoying model that requires each reviewer to make use of the phrase “violent”. The problems come right down to the flip aspect of all that size – hassle dropping his middle of gravity and total pad stage – collectively together with his comparatively superior age, and a extreme lack of sophistication in terms of the DT craft. A reputable goal in Day 2 who can be a lot increased on the board in a yr that didn’t have choices nearer to the best. Count on Robinson’s inventory to maneuver up or down noticeably as the method strikes ahead. This goes to the early January Draft Community scouting profile, which notes that Robinson has pass-rush chops along with his run-stuffing prowess however suffers from critical pad-level points. “Robinson possesses… the bodily instruments NFL defenses covet in a DL. With a number of fine-tuned changes—bettering his pad stage and growing a extra detailed pass-rush technique—Robinson has the potential to be a well-rounded and extremely impactful contributor on the subsequent stage, excelling towards each the run and the move.” Jim Hester’s Depot scouting report (sturdy Spherical 3 grade) ends with a comp to “Steelers nice Aaron Smith [as] a tall man with lots of energy and measurement who performs excessive at occasions and doesn’t have the best size however is aware of find out how to win with power, violence, motor, and intelligence. [Robinson’s] potential to get to the quarterback and create vital strain took an enormous leap this previous yr.” Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com scouting profile (Spherical 3 grade) says Robinson is a “bully with a roughshod enjoying model that forces blockers to match his physicality… constructed for the trenches with the flexibility to play in odd and even fronts…. He’s highly effective to set edges however lacks size to regulate and shortly shed NFL blockers. He’s an effort rusher [who]… won’t be a star, however his effort, power and demeanor may make him a productive professional for years to return.” |
Additionally thought-about: DT Joshua Farmer
Spherical 4 (#123 total) – T/G Charles Grant, William & Mary (Senior). 6-4⅞, 311 lbs. with 33¾” arms and 10¼” arms.
I meant to choose a QB right here as the subsequent Mason Rudolph kind, and had three targets: Jaxson Dart, Will Howard, and Tyler Shough. I most likely would have gone with any of the three, however let’s assume they’re gone so I can spotlight one other side of the draft.
This class has a paucity of Spherical 1 offensive tackles, however there’s a cluster of superb prospects within the center rounds. If we all know one factor about Khan/Weidl, it’s this: they put a lot of worth on increase the trenches. Dan Moore Jr.’s departure has left an apparent roster gap for a younger prospect to fill the developmental sort out pipeline whereas doubling as a backup guard. You possibly can not describe Charles Grant any higher, and the Steelers have proven the curiosity you may anticipate.
| T/G Charles Grant, William & Mary (Senior). 6-4⅞, 311 lbs. with 33¾” arms and 10¼” arms. [Mtg. at Combine, Tomlin alma mater, Assistant OL Coach at Pro Day] Grant is strictly the form of prospect to search for if you need a mid-round, high-ceiling piece to finish the Steelers’ offensive line: a extremely athletic swing sort out who may very well be even higher if he provides some grown-man power and strikes inside to protect whereas he adjusts to the brand new stage of expertise he’ll be going through. Tom Mead’s Depot scouting report (fringe-Spherical 3 grade) describes Grant as a extremely athletic small-school sort out, who was greater and higher than his FCS competitors however might want to add some bulk and extra refined approach as a way to make the bounce as much as the NFL stage. Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com scouting profile (sturdy Spherical 3 grade) says that Grant is a “extremely constant performer with elite size and higher approach than many prospects coming from a better stage of competitors. Grant performed with each urgency and positioning in William & Mary’s zone-heavy method, however he wants so as to add bulk and enhance his pad stage to play with the drive and anchor wanted as a professional. The previous highschool wrestler makes use of a bag of methods together with his safety method and possesses ample core power to soak up a speed-to-power move rush. He may develop right into a stable professional as both a guard or sort out if he cleans up points with hand utilization.” Brandon Thorn’s knowledgeable scouting profile (sturdy Spherical 3 grade) could be very related in virtually all the small print. “Grant has a lean, muscular construct with stable arm size, play power and superb athletic potential…A really athletic, expert zone-run blocker with superb physicality, effort and pressure to stay on blocks as soon as latched…A free, twitchy mover with the vary and redirect expertise to reflect and shield his edges with a very good understanding of find out how to play lengthy.” And so forth. |
Additionally thought-about: CB Benjamin Morrison, OT Cameron Williams.
Spherical 5 (#156 total) – QB Brady Cook dinner, Missouri (Senior). 6-2⅛, 214 lbs. with 9¼” arms. Born Oct. 12, 2001 (23 years outdated).
It’s Spherical 5 and there’s been only one defensive choose. I actually wish to stability issues between each side of the ball. Alas, the outlet at QB is simply too large. Brady Cook dinner initiatives as a profession backup, however that’s all I need at this level within the draft.
| QB Brady Cook dinner, Missouri (Senior). 6-2⅛, 214 lbs. with 9¼” arms. Born Oct. 12, 2001 (23 years outdated). [Mtg. twice as of Jan. 25] There’s so much to love about this younger man. He’d be within the Spherical-1 dialog if a magic wand arrived to present him with a cannon arm. Alas, what he’s acquired is an ‘I suppose it would do’ arm. Plus character, intelligence, work ethic, expertise, first rate mechanics, okay accuracy, and good mobility. Make that “superb mobility,” although he’s much less “working menace” than a pocket passer who could make a protection pay when he escapes. Feels like a super prospect for a staff like Pittsburgh that desires so as to add some developmental depth. The NFL Draft Buzz scouting profile makes some extent of emphasizing his soccer IQ, decision-making, management, and roughness, but in addition says he “lacks elite bodily instruments [which limits] his ceiling as a playmaker.” Exterior of his “elite wheels” that’s. Josh Carney’s Depot scouting report (Spherical 5 grade) says, “General, I got here away liking Cook dinner’s tape greater than I anticipated. It felt like… after an incredible 2023 season he didn’t have the kind of yr many anticipated in 2024. Accidents have been part of that regardless of having actually good weapons round him. However the tape reveals a man who is hard as nails, will stand in there and ship, and may present a wrinkle within the designed-QB run, in addition to from a scrambling perspective…He confirmed ample arm power…however on tape the deep ball actually lacked…He additionally seemingly needed to see guys open earlier than throwing, relatively than throwing with anticipation…Nonetheless, there’s a very good basis to work with in terms of Cook dinner as that athletic, powerful quarterback who can work within the fast passing sport, can throw on the transfer and has nice management.” |
Additionally thought-about: DB Jason Walley, DB Nohl Williams, DB Marcus Harris, and DB Alijah Huzzie.
Spherical 6 (#185 total) – NT Yahya Black, Iowa (RS Senior). 6-5¾, 336 lbs. with wonderful 35” arms and large 10¼” arms. Born April 21, 2002 (22 years outdated).
Pittsburgh will as soon as once more face the Ravens and Derrick Henry in 2025, a job that plainly requires a dominant presence in the midst of its defensive position. It wouldn’t harm towards another groups too now that speeding assaults have as soon as once more entered the NFL. Two-down run stuffers aren’t precisely uncommon, however Black initiatives as an excellent one and the staff has proven curiosity. Spherical 6 is honest worth, so there it’s. If Black by some means will get picked earlier than #185, sub in Alabama’s Nazir Stackhouse or Texas’ Vernon Broughton.
| NT Yahya Black, Iowa (RS Senior). 6-5¾, 336 lbs. with wonderful 35” arms and large 10¼” arms. Born April 21, 2002 (22 years outdated). [Mtg. at Senior Bowl, Visit] A protracted, highly effective centerpiece for the center of the protection who comes fairly near wanting like a daily individual however simply occurs to be 340 lbs. One of many higher Day-3 choices for a staff that desires a 2-down anchor within the middle of the road. This goes to a Senior Bowl interview with Steeler Depot’s Ross McCorkle. This handsome, if Giants-oriented scouting profile (fringe-2nd grade) sums it up nicely: “Black will shortly earn snaps on early downs and make affect performs as a sensible run defender who eats area and dictates on the line of scrimmage… He’s a priceless asset however lacks the juice and athletic potential to be an affect participant in passing conditions.” Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com scouting profile (late-round grade) agrees that Black has very stable 2-down potential, however says he “lacks snap quickness and vary, so he’s rather more space-eater than playmaker.” Zierlein additionally notes an inconsistent pad stage (a significant however predictable downside) and “below-average stability [that makes Black] find yourself on the bottom too usually.” |
Additionally thought-about DT Vernon Broughton and DT Nazir Stackhouse
Spherical 7 (#229 total) – C/G Jackson Slater, Sacramento St. (Senior). 6-3, 311 lbs. with 32” arms and 10” arms.
When doubtful, put money into the offensive line. Nate Herbig’s departure leaves room for a devoted IOL backup with middle/guard flexibility. Slater comes from a small college, and a West Coast college at that. Insult to harm from a Steelers POV. Nonetheless, all of the scouting reviews undertaking him as a super match for this function. And, you realize… Andy Weidl.
| C/G Jackson Slater, Sacramento St. (Senior). 6-3, 311 lbs. with 32” arms and 10” arms. An intriguing prospect who actually may very well be a Steelers goal someplace down within the 4-6 vary. Slater is an effective, sensible, basically sound soccer participant who occurs to be a guard. The phrase earlier within the course of mainly went to the LOC: ‘Certain, he’s good towards youngsters who will probably be promoting insurance coverage in a number of years, however how will he do towards the large boys?’ Enter the Senior Bowl. Slater performed lots of middle and proved to be one of the crucial efficient blockers there even within the one-on-ones that tilt in favor of the protection. After that individuals began to query his athleticism. Enter the Mix the place he compiled a 93rd-percentile RAS held again solely by his top. I nonetheless suppose he’s more likely to battle towards grown NFL males, however so do all rookies and the projection as a long-term contributor and potential starter appears sound. This goes to Jonathan Heitritter’s Depot scouting report (Spherical-4 grade). Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com scouting profile (Spherical 6 grade) says, “Slater performs with good core power and [is]…well-schooled however may lack the specified foot quickness…as soon as he makes the bounce in competitors. Slater is clean in his units and makes use of impartial arms…Proving he has place flexibility at guard and middle will assist, however Slater seems to have a restricted ceiling.” Brandon Thorn’s scouting profile (Spherical-6 grade) agrees that Slater initiatives greatest as a middle who “may carve out a backup function with spot starter potential inside a zone-based run scheme.” Pittsburgh may use a real C/G alternative for Nate Herbig (gone to Washington) and supposedly needs to maneuver extra towards a zone-based run scheme, so the match appears to be wonderful. |
Additionally thought-about: Too many to checklist.
CONCLUSION
I want I may have discovered a Spherical-1 defensive sort out prospect, however destiny clearly had different plans. Have you ever ever seen such a bizarre line of unlikely occasions? [Shakes head in awe]. The truth that we needed to go in one other path actually reveals too. It’s very onerous to see any actually good options being there outdoors of Spherical 2, which compelled me to choose a prospect who doesn’t fairly match. Main suckage. Apart from that I believe the draft got here out very nicely.
Ashton Jeanty is psychedelically good; a lot in order that it obviates the traditional hesitation to choose a Spherical 1 RB. Ty Robinson isn’t the form of lineman I hoped to get this yr, however he’s an excellent participant who will improve the unit. And after that I don’t see how anybody may complain. Each choose from Spherical 4-7 affords super worth that pushes towards the sting of being a real steal, and the last word end result will probably be an entire rebuild of the trenches outdoors of that elusive Inheritor to Cam.
- ROUND 1: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise St.
- [ROUND 2: [DK Metcalf]
- ROUND 3: DT Ty Robinson, Nebraska
- ROUND 4: T/G Charles Grant, William & Mary
- ROUND 5: QB Brady Cook dinner, Missouri
- ROUND 6: NT Yahya Black, Iowa
- ROUND 7: C/G Jackson Slater, Sacramento St.
WTH was Derrick Harmon considering?! Unicycles and frozen ponds will not be an incredible mixture. How would that even work?
