The Pittsburgh Steelers have not been shy when it comes to their draft strategy in the last two years. They have really focused on building the offensive line. In the 2023 NFL Draft, they selected left tackle Broderick Jones with the 14th pick (trading their 17th and 120th pick to the New England Patriots to move up to that spot). In the 2024 NFL Draft, they used their first, second, and fourth round picks on the offensive line, selecting Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, and Mason McCormick. Now the Steelers are looking to build up different positions through the 2025 draft.
Alike Jenner / NFL
Troy Fautanu was drafted with the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Steelers feel that they've built a strong offensive line for the future of the organization. Now their focus will be more geared towards the front seven and explosive playmakers. Andy Weidl, the Steelers Assistant General Manager, was asked about the team's future focus when it comes to the draft in his press conference.
"You always want to be strong, I've always believed that. Your offensive line, your front seven, if they're strong, they travel in this business and if they are really good, they travel well. If you need to win a game on the road, late in the season or playoff game, they show up. You build through the lines, offensive line, defensive line, front seven. You want to have explosive playmakers, wide receiver, guys who go get the ball."
The Steelers wanting to build their team from the trenches out is half way completed. With the hopes that Frazier and Fautanu will be starting soon this upcoming season and having McCormick ready to step in at either guard position if they need him. Now the attention will be on the front seven, especially a defensive line that lacks depth and a possible replacement for Cam Heyward, who is going into the 2024 season at the age of 36.
Jeffrey Becker / USA TODAY Sports
Defensive lineman Cameron Heyward stares down the crowd during a Pittsburgh Steelers game against the Cleveland Browns.
The Steelers haven't been ignoring the front seven in the last two years. In the 2023 NFL Draft, they selected Keeanu Benton and Nick Herbig, who are ready to step into bigger roles in year two. In this year's rookie class, they brought in Payton Wilson and Logan Lee. While the Steelers have been making selections to help this area, a heavier focus to the front seven seems to be a priority, especially with the depth at the defensive line being questionable. On the offensive side of the ball, besides George Pickens, the Steelers' wide receivers are less than desirable on paper. They have only selected one receiver in the last two years in the draft, that being Roman Wilson.
There are many upcoming prospects that will be on the Steelers' radar this year. Guys like Deone Walker, a defensive lineman out of the University of Kentucky or Tetairoa McMillan, a wide receiver from the University of Arizona, could be players the Steelers select in the first round. Both match the needs that Weidl discussed and if both players can expand on their successful sophomore seasons, they would make valuable additions to Pittsburgh.
Rick Ulreich / Getty
Deone Walker (0) sacking Missouri's quarterback in 2022.
Steelers' Focus Finally Shifting Away From Offensive Line In The Draft
While taking offensive tackles in the first round in back to back drafts isn't the flashiest look, the Steelers found them to be the most necessary. Now that they have confidence that their offensive line will be set for the future, they have more options when it comes to the first round of the draft in 2025. From defensive line help, to a receiver to pair with Pickens, there are plenty of upcoming prospects that meet the needs of the Steelers. With more positions that they are looking at, the more likely Omar Khan is able to sit without trading up like he did in 2023 for Jones.
What position do you think the Steelers target in the first round in the 2025 NFL Draft and who do you think they will select? Let us know in the comments.
#SteelerNation
