The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the second week of free agency in limbo even after executing a blockbuster by acquiring DK Metcalf via trade. The team is still being linked to quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson. Reuniting with Mason Rudolph is the lone move they've made at quarterback. Running back is also a need after Najee Harris signed with the Los Angeles Chargers. The defense requires upgrades at defensive end, cornerback, and safety.
The Steelers have the No. 21 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft and six total picks. We've conducted a seven-round mock draft that improves the Steelers' roster.
Round 1 (No. 21 overall): Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
The Steelers don't appear slated to enter the draft with appropriate defensive line depth. Larry Ogunjobi and Preston Smith are among last season's role players who won't be back in Pittsburgh. Furthermore, the aging Cameron Heyward will eventually meet Father Time. Derrick Harmon would be a terrific addition to Mike Tomlin's 3-4 defensive looks that feature Heyward and Keeanu Benton.
Round 3 (No. 83 overall): Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
General manager Omar Khan essentially swapped Donte Jackson for Darius Slay Jr. in free agency. Slay Jr. is a temporary solution opposite Joey Porter Jr. at cornerback. It's been a need dating back to last offseason. The Steelers will appreciate Trey Amos as a prospect. Amos plays with instincts and aggression as a tone-setter on the boundary.
Round 4 (No. 123 overall): DJ Giddens, RB, Kansas State
The Steelers are very interested in running back prospects after losing Harris in free agency. They’re scheduled to host both DJ Giddens and Bhayshul Tuten on pre-draft visits, sources confirmed to The Draft Network. Giddens is a patient runner with outstanding lateral agility.
Round 5 (No. 156 overall): Dante Trader Jr., SAF, Maryland
Dante Trader Jr. is a physical and competitive safety prospect. The Maryland standout is an outstanding tackler. Tomlin will appreciate his willingness to come downhill and contribute in the run game. Trader Jr. is twitchy with instincts. The Steelers could use better depth at safety behind Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ryan Watts.
Round 6 (No. 185 overall): Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan, OT, Oregon State
The Steelers lost Dan Moore Jr. in free agency, who signed a massive four-year contract worth $82 million with the Tennessee Titans. They've been preparing for his departure, having utilized consecutive first-round picks on offensive tackles Broderick Jones Jr. and Troy Fautanu. Swing tackle becomes a need, however. Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan was a standout performer at this year's East-West Shrine Bowl at 6-foot-8 and 328 pounds with nearly 36-inch arms.
Round 7 (No. 229 overall): Que Robinson, EDGE, Alabama
Nick Herbig is currently the No. 3 EDGE behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. The Steelers could take a late-round flier on another pass rusher. Alabama's Que Robinson is athletic and twitchy. Robinson is coming off an injury but is getting healthy during the pre-draft process. The Crimson Tide performer recorded a career-high four sacks this past season.
