The Pittsburgh Steelers have the 21st pick in the 2025 NFL Draft when Round 1 begins April 24 in Green Bay. The Steelers own just six total picks in the seven-round draft, including only one in the top 82, after trading their second-rounder for DK Metcalf.

Steelers’ draft picks

Full draft order

Every pick in the seven-round NFL Draft.

NFL Draft details

• Round 1: April 24, 8 p.m. ET • Rounds 2-3: April 25, 7 p.m. ET

About the Steelers

The Steelers are the NFL’s model of consistency — but not necessarily in a good way. In 2024, Pittsburgh rode the NFL’s highest-paid defense to a 10-7 record, which extended coach Mike Tomlin’s non-losing season streak to 18 years. But for the eighth consecutive season, the Steelers failed to win a playoff game. With that highly compensated defense aging and the fan base growing more frustrated by the year, they will try to end the playoff drought in 2025 with a completely remade QB room after letting Russell Wilson and Justin Fields walk in free agency.

Scouting the decision-makers

The Steelers typically make decisions with a three-pronged approach. Khan, Tomlin and owner Art Rooney II typically all have a say in most every personnel decision. During the draft, assistant general manager Andy Weidl also plays a leading role by setting the board. Pittsburgh usually holds pre-draft visits and/or attends the pro day of players whom it drafts early. The Steelers also favor prospects who attended the Senior Bowl and those with NFL bloodlines.

Steelers’ key additions

Steelers’ key positions of need

Defensive tackle: After the Steelers allowed nearly 300 rushing yards to the Ravens in the playoffs, Rooney pinpointed the defensive line as an area of need. Then, the Steelers (wisely) cut Larry Ogunjobi to save $7 million against the cap, creating a glaring hole up front. Even though the Steelers added in free agency, the newcomers are depth pieces. Pittsburgh will need to find a plug-and-play starter. The first round seems most likely for this position group.

Running back: When Najee Harris bolted for the Chargers, the Steelers lost an inefficient but durable bell cow. They’ll need to replace 263 carries somehow. Though Jaylen Warren could have a chance to have the largest role of his career and offseason addition Kenneth Gainwell should carve out a niche for himself (especially on third down), the Steelers have been doing their homework on a deep and talented running back class. Expect them to look for one at the end of Day 2 or early on Day 3.

Wide receiver: Khan made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason when he pulled off a blockbuster trade for Metcalf. While this transaction diminished the immediate need at receiver, to a degree, the Steelers still need to plan as if this will be George Pickens’ last season with the team. The mercurial receiver is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and it appears unlikely the Steelers will sign him to a long-term agreement. It would not surprise if he were traded before or during the draft.

Quarterback: The past several weeks of quarterback uncertainty might be the perfect metaphor for how the Steelers have failed to come up with any answer at the most important position since Ben Roethlisberger retired. Even if Aaron Rodgers signs with the Steelers (for which Tomlin provided no timeline), he’ll be a Band-Aid. Pittsburgh needs to find a long-term solution in the draft this year or next.

Defensive back: The Steelers found a starter at outside corner opposite Joey Porter Jr. in Darius Slay. However, he’s 34 and on a one-year deal. An outside corner, nickel or safety could all be in play on Day 3 for a secondary that allowed the eighth-most passing yards per game in 2024.

Steelers’ draft analysis

Should the Steelers target a running back early or wait in ‘uniquely deep’ draft?

The Athletic’s latest mock drafts

April 7:Nick Baumgardner’s 3-round mock draft
Nick lands the Steelers a quarterback in Round 1 before hitting on the team’s biggest remaining need in Round 3.

April 2:Bruce Feldman’s mock draft
Bruce has the Steelers taking the plunge on a QB at No. 21, three years after they took Kenny Pickett at No. 20.

March 24:New first-round mock
Ben Standig has Pittsburgh passing on a QB to land a defensive anchor in the middle.

March 20:Beat writer mock draft 2.0
The Steelers need defensive linemen, and several should be available at No. 21.

March 10:3-round mock draft
Nick has the Steelers landing a ball hawk in Round 1 before circling back for defensive line help.

March 4:Dane Brugler mock draft
Dane thinks the Steelers could pounce if one of the draft’s top quarterbacks goes sliding.

Feb. 10:Steelers 7-round mock draft 1.0
Mike gets the Steelers some offensive playmakers while adding beef to the defensive front.