The Pittsburgh Steelers were eliminated from the postseason on Saturday after being defeated 28-14 by their AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens. It was a familiar one-and-done exit in the wild-card round. The Steelers will now attempt to reload in the offseason.
As they begin focusing on improving their roster, the Steelers own the No. 21 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Finding instant contributors is necessary. We conducted a seven-round mock draft that achieves that.
Round 1 (No. 21 overall): Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Cornerback has been an issue for the Steelers opposite Joey Porter Jr. all season. Furthermore, veteran cover man Donte Jackson is scheduled for free agency. Texas' Jahdae Barron increased his pre-draft stock in the Cotton Bowl defeat to Ohio State, helping hold phenom Jeremiah Smith in check for the Longhorns' defense.
Round 2 (No. 52 overall): Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
Najee Harris played out 2024 on an expiring contract after the Steelers declined his fifth-year option. His inconsistent tenure in Pittsburgh may have reached its conclusion on Saturday. Kaleb Johnson is a three-down back who runs with size and decisiveness. He’d join Jaylen Warren in an effective timeshare backfield.
Round 3 (No. 83 overall): Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss
More weapons opposite George Pickens are required. Tre Harris is an alignment-versatile wideout who would offer Pittsburgh's starting quarterback another pass-catcher with a dominant physical profile. Harris could move around Mike Tomlin's formation while also replacing Mike Williams as a big-play threat.
Round 4 (No. 122 overall): Ty Robinson, DL, Nebraska
Will the ageless Cameron Heyward return for another season? The Steelers should add defensive linemen in preparation for his eventual departure. Nebraska's Ty Robinson would fit next to Keeanu Benton. Robinson utilizes power, length, and athleticism to gain backfield penetration.
Round 5 (No. 157 overall): Caleb Rogers, IOL, Texas Tech
Caleb Rogers is a multi-tool pitcher. A versatile offensive lineman, Rogers will practice at all five positions at this year's Senior Bowl. He'd be a great swing replacement for Nate Herbig and James Daniels, a pair of interior blockers who have likely played their final snaps in Pittsburgh.
Round 7 (No. 223 overall): Mac McWilliams, DB, UCF
Mac McWilliams is a versatile cornerback with a direct path to snaps as a nickel. Beanie Bishop Jr. was a revelation for the Steelers this season, but depth and competition is needed because Cameron Sutton is on an expiring contract. McWilliams is competitive at the catch point, with 24 career pass breakups.
Round 7 (No. 229 overall): Jake Briningstool, TE, Clemson
Clemson tight end Jake Briningstool is a vertical threat up the seam. Briningstool successfully utilizes a massive catch radius to create mismatch opportunities. A No. 3 is needed on the depth chart with MyCole Pruitt on an expiring deal.
Round 7 (No. 242 overall): Cody Lindenberg, LB, Minnesota
Off-ball linebackers who can play special teams will be an offseason need. Elandon Roberts and Tyler Matakevich are free agents. Minnesota's Cody Lindenberg is experienced, a five-year contributor with 209 career tackles.
