The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming up on a crucial event: the 2025 NFL Draft. The organization is a complete wild card as it sits with the 21st overall pick, and it is hard to predict what the franchise will end up doing. There has been some speculation that drafting a quarterback is in play, however that is more of a longshot barring some sort of draft night trade. The other positions of need for the Steelers are defensive tackle, running back, and cornerback. Pittsburgh's first-round pick should come from this handful of options, with many within the fan base wanting the team to attack the defensive line.
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Former University of Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon bursts off the line of scrimmage and evades a University of Illinois offensive lineman during a collegiate football contest.
One of the most commonly mocked players for the Steelers is defensive tackle Derrick Harmon from the University Of Oregon. He is a dominant force on the inside, and it will be a close call whether or not he is on the board when Pittsburgh is picking. The defensive line for the Steelers is aging and lacks significant depth, which is why it is crucial the organization starts to address the premium position in the draft.
Even if Pittsburgh drafts Harmon, there is no guarantee he will start immediately despite the obvious need. Team insider Ray Fittipaldo spoke with 93.7 The Fan on Thursday, and he discussed the Steelers' stubborn history of not starting their rookies.
"It's a different animal with the Steelers," Fittipaldo said. "I'm telling you right now, be prepared for the first-round pick maybe not to start. I'm just telling you right now."
Fans have continuously gotten frustrated with the team's unwillingness to play rookies extensively early on in their careers. This was especially evident during the 2023 season, where Joey Porter Jr. was on the bench for roughly the first third of the year. Both Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace were struggling mightily, yet it took the coaching staff longer than it should have to insert Porter into the starting lineup.
AP photo
Steelers' Nick Herbig celebrates with Joey Porter Jr. during a 2023 contest against the Seattle Seahawks.
Normally every season, the Steelers take their time easing their rookies into the thick of things. The same was the case for Broderick Jones, who was only forced into the starting lineup after Chukwuma Okorafor was benched. Jones wasn't even able to play his natural position at left tackle, which has certainly hindered his development.
It is understandable to hold a rookie out if they are not ready, but sometimes the best way to get ready is to just be thrown into the fire. An organization wants to find players that can make an impact within the franchise for at least five years or so, and the best way to find out if that is possible is by putting them on the field. Of course, this can also backfire as fans and pundits have seen time and time again that early pressure on young players can also stunt their growth. There's a fine line there that the Steelers tend to stay on the side of caution.
Defensive tackle is becoming a top-shelf position in the NFL. The market increases every offseason, and a player like Milton Williams was able to make over $100 million on the open market. It is important to get marquee players at this position through the draft, so if the Steelers make that move, the player has to be able to see the field.
Steelers Need To Attack Defensive Line In First Round
Harmon would be a great pick for Pittsburgh, but there will be other options as well. Walter Nolen out of Ole Miss is intriguing, and there is a good chance he will still be on the board for the 21st selection. Whoever Pittsburgh decides to go with might not be able to start from day one, but hopefully the coaching staff will be able to rotate them into the game a good amount early on. This will expose them to the NFL, while also keeping Cam Heyward fresh throughout contests.
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Defensive lineman Cameron Heyward stares down the crowd during a Pittsburgh Steelers game against the Cleveland Browns.
If a rookie defensive tackle does not start right away, it shouldn't take long for them to break into the starting lineup. The top two players at the position other than Heyward are Isaiahh Loudermilk and Daniel Ekuale.
What do you think of Pittsburgh possibly not starting their first-round pick in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!
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