By Sunday 
A New Era for Pittsburgh Begins with Key Draft Selections
The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2025 NFL Draft with the 21st overall pick, and this year’s selections could define the franchise’s trajectory for years to come. After a rollercoaster of seasons and lingering uncertainty at critical positions, the front office faces a pivotal moment in shaping the team’s future.
Running a simulation through the Pro Football Focus (PFF) mock draft tool, we explored how Pittsburgh might navigate the first three rounds. The results paint an intriguing picture of the Steelers’ potential blueprint.
Assessing the Steelers’ Biggest Needs
According to PFF, Pittsburgh’s most pressing needs lie at quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive back. The quarterback situation has been in flux since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, and the team has struggled to find a stable successor. Hopes were high when the Steelers brought in veteran Russell Wilson and took a chance on the promising but inconsistent Justin Fields. However, neither move has delivered the expected results, leaving the organization at a crossroads.
Wide receiver is another area of concern. Outside of George Pickens, the depth chart is thin, and even Pickens’ long-term future in Pittsburgh is uncertain. If the Steelers can’t mend fences with the talented but volatile receiver, they may have to prepare for life without him.
Defensively, reinforcements are needed in the secondary. While Pittsburgh’s defensive identity has historically been a strength, the backfield remains a weak spot that opposing offenses have exploited.
With these priorities in mind, let’s break down the Steelers’ top three projected picks from the PFF mock draft.
Round 1, Pick 21: Ashton Jeanty, RB
On pure talent, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty is a home-run pick. He’s a dynamic three-down back who can impact the game in multiple ways—whether pounding the ball between the tackles, breaking away on outside runs, or contributing as a reliable receiving option.
Jeanty’s skill set makes him one of the most complete running backs in this year’s class, and his ability to create explosive plays adds instant firepower to an offense that has lacked consistency. His versatility as both a rusher and pass protector would give the Steelers’ next quarterback a valuable weapon in the backfield.
However, the question isn’t about Jeanty’s ability—it’s about draft value. The running back position has been devalued in recent years, with many teams opting to find productive backs in later rounds rather than spending premium draft capital.
For context, Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins are two other talented running backs projected to be available in later rounds, making the selection of Jeanty at No. 21 a debatable choice. While he brings undeniable talent, Pittsburgh must weigh whether investing a first-round pick in a running back provides the best return compared to other pressing roster needs.
Round 2, Pick 53: Carson Schwesinger, LB
Steelers fans love hard-nosed defensive players, and Carson Schwesinger fits the mold. The linebacker is an aggressive, downhill enforcer who excels at shutting down the run game.
Had he been in the draft two decades ago, Schwesinger would have been a surefire top-five pick. However, with today’s pass-heavy NFL, his value is slightly diminished. While he brings toughness and reliability to the defense, teams now prioritize linebackers who can excel in pass coverage, raising concerns about his adaptability at the next level.
That said, Pittsburgh has long built its identity around defensive physicality, and Schwesinger embodies that tradition. If the Steelers can scheme around his strengths while developing his coverage skills, this could prove to be a solid second-round investment.
Round 3, Pick 85: Elijah Arroyo, TE
Elijah Arroyo offers something the Steelers desperately need—pass-catching upside. While Pat Freiermuth has been a reliable tight end, he hasn’t quite blossomed into a game-changing weapon. Arroyo, a skilled route-runner with excellent hands, has the potential to add a new dimension to Pittsburgh’s aerial attack.
However, there’s a catch—blocking isn’t his strength. The Steelers have long embraced a tough, physical identity, and their tight ends are traditionally expected to contribute in the run game. Arroyo’s lack of blocking prowess may present an initial challenge in Pittsburgh’s system.
Yet, in today’s NFL, pass-catching tight ends are becoming more valuable than ever. If Arroyo can carve out a role as a receiving specialist, his presence could open up the Steelers’ offense, giving their next quarterback an additional weapon over the middle of the field.
Final Thoughts: A Strong But Questionable Draft Class?
While this PFF mock draft presents intriguing prospects, it also raises important questions. The Steelers would undoubtedly be adding talent, but are they making the best use of their draft capital?
Selecting Jeanty in the first round, despite his skill, could be a reach given the depth of this year’s running back class. Schwesinger, while a strong defender, may not be the ideal modern linebacker for today’s game. Arroyo’s receiving skills are enticing, but his limited blocking ability may make his fit in Pittsburgh’s offense a challenge.
Ultimately, the success of this draft class would depend on how well these players develop and how the Steelers address their remaining needs in later rounds. While this mock draft provides an interesting glimpse into possible selections, Pittsburgh’s front office must carefully evaluate each pick to maximize their impact in 2025 and beyond.