By Josh 
Steelers Adjust Draft Strategy After Senior and Shrine Bowls
With the Senior and East-West Shrine Bowls in the books, the pre-draft process now shifts from game tape to the NFL Combine and pro days. Teams will use this time to evaluate prospects and gain deeper insights into the incoming rookie class. The Pittsburgh Steelers were active at both events, signaling potential focus areas for their roster improvement.
Predicting draft priorities this early is challenging, especially with free agency looming. The Steelers are expected to be aggressive in the market, and their signings could significantly influence their draft approach. As roster needs evolve, future mock drafts may see key adjustments.
Steelers Trade Down with Ravens in Round 1
Steelers Receive:
- Pick 27
- Pick 91
- Pick 135
Ravens Receive:
- Pick 21
- Pick 225
As the Steelers approached their first-round pick, an unexpected trade offer came from the Baltimore Ravens. With top targets off the board, Pittsburgh opted to trade down, securing additional draft capital in the process.
Steelers Mock Draft Picks
Round 1 (via Ravens) – Jack Bech, WR, TCU
Trading back cost the Steelers some preferred options, but they still land Jack Bech, a talented receiver from TCU. While selecting him in the first round might be a slight reach, Bech had an impressive Senior Bowl performance. The Steelers are expected to pursue a top receiver in free agency, but Bech provides a solid contingency plan.
Round 2 – Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
Pittsburgh continues reinforcing its secondary with Azareye’h Thomas, who excelled in coverage at the Senior Bowl. With uncertainty surrounding Cory Trice’s development and Joey Porter Jr.’s consistency, Thomas offers competition and much-needed depth at cornerback.
Round 3 – Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
The Steelers closely evaluated defensive linemen during the Senior Bowl, and Deone Walker caught their attention. Mike Tomlin was seen conversing with the massive Kentucky tackle multiple times, highlighting Pittsburgh’s interest in adding youth to the trenches.
Round 3 (via Ravens) – Devin Neal, RB, Kansas
Trading back with the Ravens continues to pay off, as the Steelers select Devin Neal in the third round. With Najee Harris expected to leave in free agency, Neal provides a strong, reliable option to step into the backfield rotation.
Round 4 – Willie Lampkin, OL, North Carolina
Similar to last year’s Zach Frazier, Willie Lampkin is an undersized but technically sound lineman with a wrestling background. He adds versatility to Pittsburgh’s offensive line, capable of playing both guard and center.
Round 4 (via Ravens) – Aeneas Peebles, DT, Virginia Tech
The Steelers double down on the defensive line by adding Aeneas Peebles. While not an immediate starter, he possesses the tools to develop into a valuable rotational piece with the potential to grow into a key contributor.
Round 5 – Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
Wrapping up the draft class, Pittsburgh takes a chance on Jalen Milroe. His Senior Bowl performance hurt his stock, but his raw athleticism makes him an intriguing late-round prospect. Given the Steelers’ uncertain quarterback situation, Milroe is a low-risk, high-upside pick.
Pittsburgh’s draft strategy focuses on adding depth and competition across key positions while leveraging their trade-down to maximize value. With free agency still ahead, the final picture could shift, but this mock draft addresses immediate needs while planning for the future.