The Pittsburgh Steelers are content with running it back in 2025. The names might change. With their rumored interest in quarterback Justin Fields, they might not. But the Steelers will enter 2025 without a franchise quarterback.
As the Philadelphia Eagles epitomized in 2024, it's possible to win (and win big) without a true titan under center. But Philadelphia was fortunate to have quarterback Jalen Hurts play incredibly well late in the playoffs and surrounded him with Pro Bowl-level talent at virtually every position.
Pittsburgh's supporting cast is strong, with foundational pieces on the offensive line and blue-chip defensive stars. But both sides still need significant improvement to compete without a star under center.
Thus, the Steelers revamp their defense with major upgrades in this 2025 mock draft.
The following mock draft was made using Pro Football Network's mock draft simulator.
Round 1, Pick 21: East Carolina Cornerback Shavon Revel Jr.
Given how poorly the Diontae Johnson deal worked out for the Carolina Panthers (and the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans), it's safe to say Pittsburgh won the trade that earned them corner Donte Jackson.
However, Jackson wasn't a standout, either, and certainly didn't do enough to avoid being replaced by a Round 1 corner. Revel adds exciting upside to a secondary that can use more ball skills and should start opposite Joey Porter Jr. right away.
Revel's rookie transition may be clouded by his September torn ACL, but the upside is undeniable. He's a quick processor who can trigger downhill in a hurry and shrink windows with his length, lending itself to good production, even as the rest of his game fills out later on.
Round 2, Pick 52: Texas Defensive Tackle Alfred Collins
It's hard to win games in January without running the ball and stopping it well. The Steelers didn't do much of either in 2024. A deep draft class allows Pittsburgh to kick the running back can deeper into the weekend, but it can still take advantage of the class' surplus of interior linemen.
At 6-6 and 332 pounds, Collins is best suited as a nose tackle, playing next to Keeanu Benton and/or Cameron Heyward, depending on the package. With heavy investments made last season into the linebacker corps, addressing the defensive line to fix the run defense is a reasonable next step.
Collins is a good athlete for his size, but the most impressive part of his game is his natural leverage, which performs exceptionally well for his height. With pass-rushing upside and a knack for taking on double-teams Collins would make the Steelers a more physical football team, something Pittsburgh seems to rarely turn down.
