Steelers Were Eyeing Offensive Weapon If Derrick Harmon Was Unavailable

The Pittsburgh Steelers made the very necessary decision by drafting Derrick Harmon out of Oregon. Omar Khan, Mike Tomlin, and the rest of the Steelers' front office weren't fazed by the fact that quarterback Shedeur Sanders and a multitude of other special position players were still on the draft board at pick number 21. After the selection, fans in the Steel City are left wondering who the Steelers would have selected had Harmon already been drafted prior. One of Pittsburgh's top insiders for the Steelers believes they would have made an addition to the offense. 

As some of Pittsburgh's top defensive line prospects began to be taken one by one, including Kenneth Grant and Walter Nolen, it became more likely that the Steelers could make a shocking decision. The Steelers have obvious needs on the offense that have been talked about all offseason. The quarterback saga will seemingly continue until a decision comes from Aaron Rodgers. 

The Steelers are also in need of both running back and wide receiver. Jaylen Warren is left as the lone starting-caliber running back, but he will need a sidekick. The Steelers are expected to select one on Friday evening. 

George Pickens' has no guarantees of being with the Steelers in 2025, after recent reports reveal that the Steelers may be open to offers for him. Regardless of whether the Steelers will actually send him off or not, they could use another wideout. 

On Friday before the second and third rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly revealed who he thinks would've wound up as a Steeler at pick 21 if Harmon had already been taken.

"It could've been [Omarion Hampton]. I think running back was third on their list," Kaboly said. "[Matthew Golden] potentially, yeah. I think that's the three positions they were really, really looking at that point. I don't know if anybody else defensive line-wise that they would have taken if Harmon was gone at 21 and Nolen was already gone and Grant was already gone."

Following Harmon, Omarion Hampton and Matthew Golden were the next two selections after Pittsburgh. Hampton was likely Pittsburgh's top running back prospect entering the draft. The same could be said for Golden at wideout. He, Emeka Egbuka, or Luther Burden III were the three most likely receivers to be taken by the Steelers in the first round if they went that direction. The Steelers ultimately went in a different direction to bulk up their defensive line. 

Golden has a great opportunity for himself with the Green Bay Packers. The Packers have been in need of a wide receiver that can elevate himself as their number one guy, and with his speed, he may be able to do so. Golden entered the draft as one of the fastest receivers in the class. Don't be surprised if Golden becomes the best target for Jordan Love.

Steelers Likely To Keep George Pickens For 2025 After Not Selecting WR In Round 1

The Steelers haven't expressed extreme or real interest in trading Pickens away before his fourth and final year of his rookie contract. Of course, it would be the logical move to hear potential offers to possibly sneak back into the second round. His maturity plays a big part in how the Steelers truly feel about him. There's no questioning his abilities as a player, but he will need a big season in 2025 if he wants to continue his career as a Steeler. The quarterback dilemma, however, could cause Pickens issues in that regard. 

What do you think about the selection of Harmon, and who would you have liked the Steelers to draft if he hadn't been available? What do you think about Pickens' future with the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below!

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