The Pittsburgh Steelers are a complete mystery going into the 2025 NFL Draft. The positions of need are clear, but the organization's intentions for the first-round have been kept under wraps. The franchise could benefit from trading back, or even trading up depending on what players are available. The Steelers have several interior defensive linemen that could be on the board when they are picking with the 21st overall selection, while quarterback, wide receiver, cornerback, and running back are also on the table.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin looks on during a snowy game in Cleveland during the 2024 season.
Steam has been picking up when it comes to the Steelers selecting a quarterback in the first-round. As the draft board stands right now, there is a small chance that either Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart will be on the board when Pittsburgh is on the clock. It is unclear whether or not Pittsburgh would jump at that opportunity, but the organization has had both players in for a visit.
Sanders is a bit of a polarizing figure for never playing a snap in the league. That comes with the status of his father, Deion Sanders, who is widely considered the best cornerback to ever play the game. This is the type of pedigree that Head Coach Mike Tomlin falls in love with, which may make it hard to pass up on the chance to draft Shedeur. The pedigree and football background was pointed out by team insider Mark Kaboly during a recent episode of Kaboly + Mack.
"His old man won, best cornerback that ever played," Kaboly said. "So, he’s been taught this since day one, we know how much Tomlin and company likes the family, the history of the family being football fanatics. I don’t think you can discount the pedigree. I think that means more than anything, maybe not than absolutely everything, but I think that’s a huge plus in the Shedeur Sanders’ camp. He’s won wherever he’s gone, he’s played with bad offensive lines."
Shedeur began his college career at Jackson State, and he was able to turn that program around. He then transferred to Colorado ahead of the 2023 season. In 2022, Colorado was 1-11 and widely considered one of the worst teams at the Division I level of college football, but Shedeur turned things around there as well. The team went 4-8 in 2023, but finished 9-4 in 2024 while being ranked within the Top 25.
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American college football player Shedeur Sanders looks on after the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Denver Nuggets at American Airlines Center on January 14, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
The success that Shedeur has had at these programs should not be overlooked, neither should his background. The distractions that come for rookies and young players won't be present for Shedeur. He has been in the public eye his entire life, so nothing about that will change once he gets drafted.
Some have been worried about Deion being a factor in his kid's NFL career. That can mean the Hall of Famer being an issue during contract discussions, or even making some comments if the team isn't playing well. People seem to forget that Deion is one of the best to ever play the game, he knows how to operate. This should not be seen as a negative when it comes to evaluating Shedeur, if anything it is a positive.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Has A Love For Football Pedigree
Tomlin is always bringing up the concept of pedigree. That can mean a player coming from a great football family, or that a player has won elsewhere in his career. This can be seen with guys like TJ Watt and Cam Heyward, who come from strong football backgrounds, and that has translated into their own pro careers.
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Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle, Cam Heyward, left (#97), and edge rusher, TJ Watt, right (#90) celebrate during pregame warmups at Heinz Field in 2021.
The same can be hoped for from Shedeur, and Pittsburgh's former Offensive Coordinator, Todd Haley spoke about Tomlin's love for strong pedigree.
"I think pedigree is big with Mike," Haley said. "Not speaking for him, but, it's big for me. I think it's something that people who are football lifers kind of understand and get. How can you not get excited?"
With Shedeur's high level of play throughout his college career and his strong football background, if the Steelers have a chance to select him, the organization needs to take. There are arguments to draft every other position, but the Steelers aren't going anywhere without a franchise quarterback.
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