The Pittsburgh Steelers have strung together an impressive run of 20 straight seasons without a losing record, all with Mike Tomlin at the helm. There is no denying this remarkable streak, but it has prevented Pittsburgh from undergoing a true rebuild with high draft picks. They have been in the middle of the pack for the last decade and have lost five consecutive playoff games, with the last four coming by double digits. The Steelers have been forced to be creative in drafting their players, and they will need to land some big names in the 2025 NFL Draft if they hope to finally get over the hump.
Pittsburgh Steelers Needs and Draft Strategy
Wide Receiver:
The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to clean house in the wide receiver room and are likely to have a whole new set of pass catchers heading into next season. While free agency will be an option, the Steelers will also be looking to use one of their top picks in the 2025 NFL Draft on this position. George Pickens hauled in a respectable 900 yards, but no other receiver eclipsed the 550 mark. There are strong rumors that Pickens could be heading for the exit, but whether or not he stays, the Steelers still need another option at wide receiver.
Offensive Tackle:
The Steelers had serious issues at offensive tackle last season and will be looking to shore up this position in the 2025 NFL Draft. There are serious questions surrounding the health of Troy Fautanu, and it looks like Dan Moore will be heading for free agency over the summer. The Steelers will need to use a top draft pick to find a game-ready offensive tackle or risk throwing in a late-round selection come opening week. The Steelers have a good pair of tackles but need at least three that are capable of starting Week 1.
Quarterback:
Steelers owner Art Rooney has stated that he wants to see either Justin Fields or Russell Wilson starting next season, but that is a story that’s difficult to believe. Neither player will result in a 12+ loss season, but it’s equally difficult to see the Steelers win 12+ games with them under center. This may be considered a bridge year to develop a new quarterback, but not taking a chance with one of the later draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft would be a huge mistake.
How many picks do the Pittsburgh Steelers have in the 2025 Draft?
The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the weakest assortments of draft picks, with a total of just 7 selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Steelers have had an impressive run of winning seasons under head coach Mike Tomlin, but they haven’t had any top-end draft picks as a result. Their selections this year are as follows:
- 1st Round: 21st Overall
- 2nd Round: 53rd Overall
- 3rd Round: 85th Overall
- 4th Round: 123rd Overall
- 5th Round: 163rd Overall
- 6th Round: 225th Overall
- 7th Round: 250th Overall
The Steelers got a small draft upgrade when they traded Kevin Dotson (along with a 5th and 6th round pick) to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a 4th and 5th round pick. They also made some small upgrades in a similar vein, trading Diontae Johnson and Kenny Pickett for two draft pick upgrades in last year’s offseason.
Potential Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Picks 2025
1st Round, 21st Overall: Josh Conerly Jr. (Offensive Tackle, Oregon)
Josh Conley Jr. is projected to be the fifth offensive tackle taken off the board, but the Steelers cannot afford to be patient with this pick. They are in desperate need of a tackle capable of starting games, and Conerly Jr. started 28 games over the last two seasons. He is ready for the workload in Pittsburgh, and his strength is precisely what the Steelers are looking for. There may be a better option if the earlier picks cause surprises, but the worst-case scenario is Conerly Jr., and that is an outcome the Steelers can live with.
2nd Round, 53rd Overall: Emeka Egbuka (Wide Receiver, Ohio State)
Emeka Egbuka seems ready for the NFL and has the potential to be the WR1 in Pittsburgh during his rookie season. The Steelers will need to use their first two picks on an offensive tackle and wide receiver, and considering Egbuka will be available at 53rd overall, this is a significant value for the Steelers. One of the best indicators of NFL receiver success is contested catches, which Egbuka can make. He is fast, elusive, and stocky for his 6’1” frame.
6th Round, 225th Overall: Kurtis Rourke (Quarterback, Indiana)
The Steelers may say they want to keep Fields and Wilson as their future, but a late-round pick on Kurtis Rourke is a worthy gamble with very little risk. Rourke is the pure pocket passer the Steelers have been craving and has the height to see over a towering offensive line. He is now 24 years old but is still getting better with each snap he takes. Rourke has all the makings of a dominant Steelers quarterback and is the perfect late-round gamble for this franchise in the 2025 NFL Draft.
