The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft, a significant opportunity for all 32 teams in the league to strategically enhance their existing rosters across a multitude of positional needs. This year, everyone's been making a lot of guesses about what the Steelers will do in the draft. NFL experts and analysts have been busy creating and talking about all sorts of different mock drafts, trying to predict who the Steelers might pick and what their plan is for each round.
Recently, on a segment of his show, The Rich Eisen Show, the well-known sports media personality Rich Eisen offered his reaction and commentary regarding the most recent mock draft put forth by ESPN draft analyst, Mel Kiper Jr. In this particular mock draft scenario, Kiper projected that the Steelers, when their turn arrives with their coveted first-round selection, would choose to strengthen their defensive line by selecting Derrick Harmon, a talented defensive tackle from the University of Oregon. Following the reveal of this potential pick by Kiper, Eisen proceeded to share his initial thoughts and reaction to the possibility of the Steelers making such a selection with their premium first-round capital.
"You know Cam Heyward is long in the tooth," Eisen shared.
This potential draft selection of a defensive tackle carries significant weight when considering the current situation of Cameron Heyward, a highly respected veteran and influential captain for the Steelers who also occupies the defensive tackle position. At 35 years of age, Heyward, while still performing at a high level, is undeniably in the later stages of his professional career, suggesting that the team will eventually need to address his succession.
Throughout his impactful time with the Steelers, Heyward has consistently been a dominant and successful force on the defensive line, establishing himself as a cornerstone of the team's defense. His remarkable on-field achievements include being recognized as a First Team All-Pro on four separate occasions and earning a selection to the Pro Bowl seven times, emphasizing his consistent excellence and impact. However, Heyward's influence extends far beyond his exceptional play on the field. He has also been an inspirational figure off the field, demonstrating a deep commitment to his community. This dedication is evidenced by his impressive six nominations for the esteemed Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, a recognition of his outstanding community service and leadership, culminating in his well-deserved receipt of the award in 2023.
The Steelers organization must have a forward-thinking perspective and plan for the long-term future of the franchise. Although Heyward's current contract extends for two more seasons, providing continued stability and high-level play on the defensive line in the immediate future, it remains strategically wise for the Steelers to identify and develop potential successors who can carry the torch once Heyward's time eventually concludes. Heyward is widely recognized and respected throughout the Steelers organization for his exceptional leadership qualities, both on and off the field.
Consequently, the opportunity to have a young, promising defensive line prospect learn and develop under the mentorship and guidance of a seasoned professional like Heyward could prove to be an invaluable asset for the future trajectory and sustained success of the Steelers franchise, allowing for a smoother transition and the instilling of crucial professional habits and leadership principles in the next generation of players.
The Steelers Still Have Other Positional Needs
The upcoming NFL Draft presents the Steelers with a significant and valuable opportunity to address various positional needs across their roster. However, the team's draft strategy is notably complicated by the absence of a second-round selection, a consequence of the trade that brought veteran wide receiver DK Metcalf to Pittsburgh. This lack of a second-round pick adds a layer of complexity to their planning, as the second round is often a highly coveted spot in the draft where talented players, who might have been considered for the first-round, can unexpectedly become available. Consequently, it appears that in nearly every mock draft scenario being released, the Steelers are projected to take a different approach with their first-round pick.
Ultimately, the true intentions and final decisions of the Steelers' front office will remain unknown until the later part of April when the draft officially happens, but the anticipation and excitement among fans and analysts to witness their chosen path are undeniable.
