This is it: Final Steelers Mock Drafts from National Media
After months of preparation and anticipation, the 2025 NFL Draft is finally here. With it being draft day, it also means analysts have submitted their final mock drafts. The overall consensus from the national media is that the Pittsburgh Steelers will select Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders at No. 21 overall. Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant and Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon are also heavily linked to the Steelers.
Below are excerpts from national media members’ final mock drafts. Also make sure to check out Alan Saunders and Derrick Bell of Steelers Now’s final mock drafts.
Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network: Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders
“I’m not convinced the Steelers will take Sanders if he’s available, but if he doesn’t go here, I’m not sure where he ends up. Mason Rudolph can provide a little bit of a bridge until Sanders is ready to go. This pick is a classic case of need meeting value.”
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated: Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant
“Shedeur Sanders definitely would make sense here. But Pittsburgh has spent a lot of time looking at defensive tackles, and I think the Steelers, based on where they are, need a player who is going to help them right now. So maybe I’m just being contrarian. But I see someone like Grant or Oregon’s Derrick Harmon (who has injury concerns) in play here.”
Todd McShay of The Ringer: Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon
“With Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart still on the board, the Steelers could go with a quarterback here, but they opt instead to bolster their defensive line, grabbing a productive pass rusher in Harmon. The former Ducks star has excellent length and good burst at the snap, demonstrating the ability to affect the pocket on every play.”
Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus: Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders
“I don’t think the Steelers force a quarterback selection, but if Sanders is there, he should be the pick. I don’t think Sanders will be a top-10 pick, even after posting elite PFF passing grades over the last two seasons.”
Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post: Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders
“Would I be surprised if he’s gone much higher than this? Not at all. But Mike Tomlin would be banging the table here. If Sanders is gone, Harmon or Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka would merit heavy consideration.”
Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda: Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders
“Defensive line will be in play with this pick, but as I’ve reported the past few weeks, Sanders is a Mike Tomlin favorite.”
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk: Michigan tight end Colston Loveland.
Florio didn’t have an explanation on his pick, but that’s certainly an off-the-wall selection.
Bucky Brooks of NFL Network: Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders
“Mike Tomlin could view Sanders as the perfect quarterback for his squad. With his confidence, moxie and pinpoint passing skills, the Colorado star might ignite a dormant offense that has already added some star power this offseason.”
Joe Klatt of FOX Sports: South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori
“I think it’s a little too rich to use this pick on Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart. I think Emmanwori oozes what the Steelers want to do. He’s a downhill safety that’s big, physical, doesn’t shy away from contact and can run.”
Lance Zierlein of NFL Network: Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders
“This is feeling more and more likely — unless someone jumps the Steelers. Mike Tomlin seems like the right fit for Sanders, but it’d be interesting to see how quickly Pittsburgh would bring along the quarterback.”
Charles Davis of NFL Network: Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant
“Pittsburgh is another potential landing spot for Shedeur Sanders or one of the draft’s other QB prospects. But in this case, the defensive front is prioritized by the Steelers, who select All-Pro DT Cam Heyward’s eventual replacement.”