Steelers Need To Focus On These Strong Prospects At 2025 Senior Bowl

The Pittsburgh Steelers are not wasting any time by diving head first into the 2025 offseason as they look to make improvements to their roster that can get them out of the one and done playoff rut they are currently in. The weeks leading up to the Super Bowl are always a heavy scouting time as the majority of the postseason all-star games such as the Resse's Senior Bowl and the East West Shrine Bowl take place during this time. 

Just like years past, the Steelers have a very heavy presence at the 2025 Senior Bowl with Head Coach Mike Tomlin, General Manager Omar Khan, Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, and Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin all in attendance. Tomlin is known for getting an up and close look at the prospects, often times getting right in the middle of a drill to make sure he doesn't miss any detail. 

Below are some names that the Steelers could be targeting that Tomlin and company are getting a closer eye on during Senior Bowl week in Mobile, Alabama. 

Deone Walker, DL, Kentucky

Due to size alone, it will be hard for the Steelers brass in attendance to not have an eye on Walker. Standing in at 6'7" tall and 340lbs, Walker is a massive human being that immediately catches anyone's eye. For his size, Walker has very good initial burst and quick feet that allow him to penetrate gaps early in the play. Adding his excellent strength to his size, he is able to take on double team blocks without losing much ground in the run game, which could be very intriguing as a nose tackle prospect for the Steelers' 3-4 defense. 

There is some consistency issues that show up on tape, which may be a result of wearing down in games. That can be countered by a good rotation which he likely would see in the NFL. 

Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss

There is already buzz that the defensive line will be a focus for the Steelers to address this offseason, and drafting Nolen would definitely fall in line with that as he is one of the top interior defenders in this draft class. Nolen weighed in at 'only' 293lbs, but he has the strength and power at the point of his attack to hold is own up front in a 3-4 defense. 

Talent and effort are the two traits that can separate Nolen from the pack throughout the draft process, as his motor never stops and he very rarely is in a position that his quick movements and strength can't keep him in the play. There is definitely some refinement needed as he relies on that natural talent frequently to win, but coming into a veteran defensive line should be able to accelerate that. 

Jack Bech, WR, TCU

Some people in Steeler Nation may cringe a little when they hear this, but Bech gives off very strong JuJu Smith-Schuster vibes, which will likely catch the eye of Tomlin and others. With a very solid frame, 6'1" and 215lbs, it is no surprise that Bech wins frequently by boxing out smaller defenders and they struggle to bring him down after the catch. 

By no means will he be considered a burner that beats defenders down the field with straight line speed, but he does well on routes down the field with good body control and strong hands at the catch point. 

Donovan Edwards, RB, Michigan

Currently, Edwards is projected to be a late round pick or undrafted free agent for the 2025 NFL Draft, but he has a unique skill set that could raise him up draft boards throughout the pre-draft process. With solid size, 5'11" and 215lbs, he has the ability to take on many roles in an offense and become a moveable chess piece in a creative offense. 

Edwards has breakaway speed and is very comfortable in the passing game, showing the ability to make catches away from his frame and run a more sophisticated route tree than most running backs coming out of college. I am not by any means trying to compare the two from a talent standpoint or level of success they will have, but Edwards has a similar skill set to Jahmyr Gibbs who is excelling with the Detroit Lions as they use him in many unique ways. 

Steelers Won't Sleep On The Other All-Star Games

While the Steelers always have a heavy presence at the Senior Bowl, they pay close attention to the Shrine Bowl as well. They drafted three players in 2024 who participated in the Shrine Bowl last year, so I wouldn't hesitate to believe they could be looking heavy into players there again this offseason. 

Early round picks may not be in the cards, all the Steelers' 2024 selections from the Shrine Bowl were in round four or later. Getting some late round steals like they did with Mason McCormick is always something to keep an eye on.

Who do you think the Steelers should be looking at during the draft process? Let us know below!

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