The Steelers went 10-7 in 2024 and were knocked out of the Wild Card Round by the Ravens 28-14. They have huge decisions to make as they focus on the 2025 NFL Draft. Here are some options for the Steelers in the first round this year.
Steelers Pick 21st in Round 1
The Steelers hold the No. 21 overall pick in the first round. The franchise needs a quarterback but also has needs at cornerback, running back, and on the defensive line. Let’s look at who they could take.
Is QB Jaxson Dart a Reach?
Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are gone, which means the Steelers need a quarterback. They added Mason Rudolph, but he isn’t the future. The Aaron Rodgers drama might continue for all eternity at this point. Regardless, they need a signal caller of the future. Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders will almost certainly go in the top 3 picks. The next best quarterback prospect is Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss but is he a reach?
The Steelers reached for Kenny Pickett in 2022 at No. 20 overall, and he lasted just two years with the team. Jaxson Dart is moving up draft boards and has shown impressive touch, plus great anticipation. He is a real option for the Steelers at No. 21.
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Steelers Need a Running Back
Najee Harris is gone, and the Steelers will be looking for an option at running back to take the lead in the backfield. Ashton Jeanty (Boise State) and Omarion Hampton (UNC) are the top backs in the draft, but they are looking like they will go in the top 15 with teams like the Raiders, Cowboys, and Bears willing to pull the trigger on taking a running back early. This leaves options like Ohio State running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Jenkins.
Henderson would be more likely, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Steelers think about running backs in rounds two or three. TreVeyon Henderson is coming off a great season for the Buckeyes, as he averaged 7.1 yards per carry and tested well at the 2025 NFL Combine.
CB, DT an Option in Round 1
The Steelers could also address depth in the secondary, as well as the interior defensive line in round one. DT Cam Heyward is entering his age 36 season, and CB Joey Porter Jr. could use another cover corner in the secondary. Cornerback Maxwell Hairston from Kentucky is a great athlete and is coming off the best 40-yard dash at this year’s combine (4.28). Hairston closes fast and recovers well when out of position.
Defensive tackle Walter Nolen from Ole Miss is a huge run defender who can get into the backfield in different ways and would make an immediate impact. He had 6.5 sacks last season, too, showing he has a high upside as a pass rusher. With great range and a high motor, he is a good option in the first round if the Steelers see some of their other options taken before No. 21.
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written by
Sam Russell
Sam hails from Grandville, Michigan. He has a rich sports background, including playing baseball at Central Michigan before covering high school sports and working with the Orlando Magic. He earned his broadcasting/journalism degree from Central Michigan University and was a member of the 2010 MAC Championship baseball team.Sam developed his expertise while working with Betsperts, Bleacher Nation, and 4for4 in various areas such as writing, social media, betting research, and business development. He's a big fan of the NBA, NFL, and MLB, highly interested in data and statistics.
