Pittsburgh Steelers Eye Defensive Lineman at 2025 NFL Draft

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in a crucial position with their first-round pick at No. 21. Insights from the 'Breakfast With Benz' analysis provide a comprehensive view of the potential paths the Steelers might take as they prepare for the draft scheduled to occur this weekend. One of the strongest recommendations from analysts, including Matt Williamson, is for the Steelers to address their defensive line needs, particularly in seeking a replacement for Larry Ogunjobi and starting to groom a successor for veteran Cameron Heyward. Players like Walter Nolen from Mississippi, Kenneth Grant from Michigan, and Derrick Harmon from Oregon are highlighted as viable options if still available at pick No. 21. Williamson suggested an alternate avenue: trading back in the draft while still remaining in the first round to reclaim some of the capital lost in previous trades. This strategic move could allow the Steelers to enhance their pick count and bolster their roster. In addition, there has been significant speculation regarding the possibility of selecting Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, especially given head coach Mike Tomlin's positive comments about him, which may suggest a more intricate strategy at play, potentially designed to mislead other teams about the Steelers' true drafting intentions. However, analysts express skepticism about the need for such misdirection when many already anticipate a defensive lineman selection. The conversations surrounding a trade involving wide receiver George Pickens further complicate the picture. While some believe trading Pickens could yield valuable draft picks, insiders indicate that the Steelers are likely to hold onto him for the time being to maintain a powerful receiving duo alongside DK Metcalf. The overall consensus appears to push the Steelers toward a more defensive focus, aligning their selections to strengthen their lineup. An intriguing element of the pre-draft analysis is the emphasis placed on also drafting running backs given the depth within the class. This opens the door to additional discussions about addressing the offensive side of the ball after solidifying the defensive end. Analysts suggest that with this year's draft offering a rich talent pool, waiting until the third or fourth rounds might still afford the Steelers a quality running back that complements their existing roster. The draft strategy proposed for the Steelers appears to be one of caution, leaning toward the best-player-available approach but also emphasizing filling critical positional needs, particularly in defense. As the team navigates the expectations of aging veterans like Heyward, Watt, and Fitzpatrick, the long-term planning against the backdrop of the franchise's current standing weighs heavily on their decision-making process. The notion that they could potentially be in rebuilding mode for a few years fosters an understanding of why they might not feel pressured to win immediately. In summary, while the Pittsburgh Steelers have numerous options heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, the prevailing strategy suggests a focus on defense, supplemented with strategic negotiations if the opportunity to enhance their roster arises through trades. How they execute this plan will be critical for their trajectory moving forward in the league.