Insider Provides Crucial Details About What The Steelers' First-Round Plans Are In 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been seriously involved in the NFL's news cycle every offseason since Ben Roethlisberger retired. The quarterback situation has not been consistent dating back to the start of the 2022 campaign, which is why fans are restless yet again, as the best option seems to be either Aaron Rodgers or Mason Rudolph for 2025. The 41-year-old is taking his time making a decision, and that fact has led some to bring up the idea of the organization reaching for a signal-caller in the first-round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Steelers have a massive need on the defensive line, especially because Cameron Heyward is not going to be able to play forever. General Manager Omar Khan is expected to utilize a first-round draft choice on the position, but no one can be quite sure because of how the league has become so quarterback-driven. Pittsburgh also has to upgrade the running back room.

Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is one of the most plugged-in reporters there is when it comes to the franchise. In a fan chat on Tuesday, he shut down the idea that the front office is going to reach for a quarterback like it did in 2022 with the selection of Kenny Pickett.

"Can't say definitely because I'm not in that draft room," Dulac explained. "You can rule out a QB in Rd 1. I won't say the same about a RB, even though I don't think that will be the case."

It would be rather shocking at this point if the Steelers elect to go with any position other than the defensive line once the first-round rolls around. A dark horse spot may be running back, but as Dulac noted, he doesn't expect it. He did, however, expand on the idea of a ball-carrier being drafted sooner rather than later.

"I will say this, RB is a priority for them, maybe right behind DL," Dulac wrote. "And I have been told not to discount one in any round. But, because the RB draft class is deep, I think they think they can get someone on the third round."

Jaylen Warren is a respectable enough back to carry the workload in 2025, but Pittsburgh may be thinking about the future in the third-round. It is absolutely possible that Khan and co. draft a running back on one of the first two days.

The Steelers want to be a run-first team, but to do that, need a reliable individual to carry the ball. Warren has had some fumbling issues, which is why the team's coaching staff may not believe he is the long-term solution. Selecting one in the third-round could absolutely hint that the organization wants a 2025 draft choice to be the future of the position.

It is a very deep class, as Dulac noted, so it will be interesting to see how the front office attacks the position in the draft. If one of the top guys falls and is available at the 21st overall pick, could the Steelers pass on a defensive lineman and go with a running back? No one has the answer to that just yet, but it sure seems like a possibility if the right player is there when Pittsburgh and Khan are on the clock.

Steelers Have 3 Very Clear Needs Entering 2025 NFL Draft

Quarterback, defensive line and running back are the top spots that Pittsburgh needs to address currently. The signal-caller position may take a backseat to the other two with the 2026 class expected to be much stronger. All signs are pointing to the team going with a defensive lineman in round one, ball-carrier in round three, and potentially a quarterback in round four. It's never been more evident regarding what the top needs are for the franchise.

Do you think that the Steelers will go with a running back in the first-round again? Let us know in the comments below!

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