Steelers' AFC North Rival May Steal Generational Defensive Prospect From Pittsburgh In First Round Of 2025 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been entangled in quarterback controversy for a couple of years now, with the franchise still not having a long-term answer at the position. Another area that has often been forgotten because of how underrated the spot is comes on the defensive line. The unit has been anchored by Cameron Heyward for well over a decade, but his years playing at the professional level are numbered. The team was destroyed on the ground during the late-season five-game losing streak in 2024, which has led many to believe that the organization will use its first-round selection to boost the trenches in 2025.

The unquestioned top prospect at the position is Michigan's Mason Graham, but the next three are all potential options for the Steelers in round one. Kenneth Grant, Walter Nolen and Derrick Harmon could all be in play for Pittsburgh. The franchise has been connected to Ole Miss quite a bit, and many think that is because of quarterback Jaxson Dart, but it also could be due to the fact that the decision-makers are heavily interested in Nolen.

It is possible, however, that Nolen doesn't make it to the Steelers at the 21st overall pick. It's never fun to see a top prospect with dominant capabilities go to a divisional rival, but that possibility has arisen. The 6'3", 300-pound defender will head on a visit to explore synergies with the Cincinnati Bengals just weeks prior to the 2025 NFL Draft.

Cincinnati holds the 17th overall pick and the franchise was all over the place in mock drafts early in the offseason, but the guessing has settled in regards to the wide receiver position because of the fresh contracts for Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. With all of the money the Bengals are investing in the offensive side of the ball, they need plenty of young defensive talent playing on rookie contracts if that unit is going to avoid having another disastrous year like it did in 2024.

The good news for the Steelers is that there are other options in a deep defensive line class, but if Nolen is truly the guy that General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin are eyeing up, it has to be a little unsettling that the Bengals are showing so much interest. Both the Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys aren't likely to select Nolen unless he falls to the second round, but Cincinnati is absolutely in play in the middle of the first.

Pittsburgh doesn't have too much leeway in the draft as of now. Without a second-round pick, it's possible that the Steelers second selection doesn't come until late on the second day. That makes nailing the first-rounder all the more important. Without too much draft capital, a trade-up over Cincinnati to grab Nolen seems unlikely, so the front office may just be hoping that the Bengals decide to go in a different direction.

Steelers Could Use Someone Like Nolen On An Aging Defensive Line

The hope is that Duke Tobin and Cincinnati's front office stray away from the defensive front in round one. This would be beneficial to Pittsburgh, especially if Nolen falls to 21. He is a large body that can plug up gaps and acts as a stout run defender. He is still just 21 years old, making him a young prospect that has the capability of playing for over a decade in just one jersey. That could be the black and gold, but it also could be the orange and black.

Do you think that the Steelers will use their first-round pick on a defensive lineman? Let us know in the comments below!

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