Steelers Expected To Execute Bold Strategy In 2025 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 NFL Draft plans are way more up in the air this time around than heading into the 2024 draft. Last year, the team's needs were much clearer, with a focus on adding playmakers to the offense. However, heading into 2025, the situation has changed, and the Steelers now clearly need help on the defensive line. With a loaded draft class at that position, it wouldn't be surprising to see Pittsburgh address it in Round 1.

Just a few months ago, it appeared the Steelers might target a wide receiver in the first round. But after the blockbuster trade for DK Metcalf, that plan is no longer certain. The addition of Metcalf dramatically reshapes the Steelers’ receiving corps, leaving fans and analysts wondering what direction Pittsburgh will go in the upcoming draft. Wide receiver was once the obvious choice, but now the path is much less clear.

Steelers fans are eagerly anticipating the team's draft plans, especially with the uncertainty surrounding their first-round pick. NFL Draft expert Daniel Jeremiah weighed in on what the Steelers might do in Round 1 during his podcast Move the Sticks on Monday. With the shift in team needs and the draft class shaping up to offer strong defensive line talent, the Steelers' approach could surprise many as they look to strengthen key areas of the roster.

"Because they traded the two for DK [Metcalf], they don't have a two," Jeremiah said Monday. "They pick 21st and then next pick is 83rd. If somebody is interested and wants to come up for a quarterback, if they're not comfortable taking a quarterback there, if it's Jaxson Dart, they might be a prime candidate to say, 'Hey, Cleveland, the Giants, whichever of you guys don't take quarterbacks at the top, you wanna come back in and still get one? We're open for business and we'll go ahead and get some of those picks in that second-round range that we don't currently possess.'"

The Cleveland Browns and New York Giants are both positioned to pick early in the draft, at second and third overall, respectively. However, the 2025 draft class is considered weak at quarterback, and Jeremiah points out that the Steelers are in a prime position to trade away their 21st pick.

By doing so, they could acquire more picks in the second and third rounds, which would allow them to target areas of greater depth. With the class offering solid talent at several key positions, this could be a wise move to maximize value and stockpile quality players.

Steelers General Manager Omar Khan has made it clear in the past that he prefers to be aggressive and move up in the draft, but this situation could be different. With the depth of the draft, Pittsburgh could take advantage of the opportunity to trade back and add more picks, enabling them to build up depth at key positions with young prospects. Given the quality available later in the draft, it might make sense for the Steelers to take this approach rather than targeting a single high-profile player early.

Steelers Could Address Multiple Needs And Add More Depth With A Wise Trade

It will be interesting to see if Khan, Head Coach Mike Tomlin, and the Steelers front office actually consider this strategy. With the potential to address multiple needs and add valuable depth, the idea of trading back and accumulating more picks could be a move that benefits the team in both the short and long-term. Steelers fans will be watching closely to see how the organization approaches this unique draft opportunity.

The Steelers could address multiple needs and add depth with a smart trade, but giving up a first-round pick might not excite fans. A key factor in their draft strategy is Aaron Rodgers’ looming decision, which could impact their playoff chances and roster moves. With a deep draft class and shifting quarterback situations, the Steelers’ choices this offseason will be crucial in determining if they can finally break their playoff drought in 2025.

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