Pittsburgh Steelers NFL mock draft round-up: Final multi-round projections from experts

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After they put together a 10-7 record in the regular season and finished in second place in the AFC North before falling to the division champion Baltimore Ravens in the wild-card round, the Pittsburgh Steelers set themselves up with the 21st overall pick in this week's NFL draft.

The Steelers have lost some key pieces this offseason, including Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Najee Harris, Larry Ogunjobi, Mike Williams, Dan Moore, Donte Jackson, Van Jefferson and Elandon Roberts. However, they've also added some talent such as DK Metcalf, Daniel Ekuale, Mason Rudolph, Brandon Eichols and Malik Harrison.

In all, it's hard to argue that Pittsburgh has a better roster than they did last year, so they'll need to make some big moves in the draft. But, before the first round kicks off, let's take one last look at what some of the experts are predicting for the Steelers.

Steelers mock draft round-up

Mike Kennedy, Pro Football Focus:

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No. 21: DL Kenneth Grant, Michigan

"Grant's rare combination of size and athleticism would improve the Steelers‘ run defense, which gave up 299 yards in last season's playoff loss to Baltimore. Cam Heyward, while still excellent, will be 36 years old in May, and the team released Larry Ogunjobi. Grant, who earned an 87.5 PFF run-defense grade in 2024, would fill a huge need for the present and future."

No. 83: RB RJ Harvey, UCF

"The Steelers need a complement to Jaylen Warren following Najee Harris‘ departure, and RJ Harvey would provide the big-play ability the team has lacked. Harvey's 97 explosive runs over the past two years were second only to Ashton Jeanty among FBS running backs. He brings Le'Veon Bell-esque patience at the line with home-run hitting speed to boot."

Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report:

No. 21: DL Derrick Harmon, Oregon

"Pittsburgh should address quarterback at some point in this year's draft. But if the organization is operating under the assumption the 41-year-old will lead the offense this fall, it can look for immediate upgrades elsewhere.

Oregon's Derrick Harmon is an ideal fit as a defensive end in the Steelers' vaunted scheme."

No. 83: RB Jaydon Blue, Texas

Andrew Vasquez, Steelers Wire:

No. 21: DL Walter Nolen, Ole Miss

"It was a toss-up between Oregon DT prospect Derrick Harmon and Ole Miss DT prospect Walter Nolen — but the Mississippi Rebels’ pass-rush abilities were too great to pass up at pick No. 21. Expect Nolen to make an immediate impact on obvious passing downs while honing his run-stopping craft behind veteran DT Cam Heyward."

No. 83: S Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State:

"The Steelers draft their answer to Fitzpatrick’s eventual departure from the Steel City. Winston was once considered a lock for the first round before a season-ending ACL tear cut his 2024 campaign short just three games in. His size and athleticism are too great to pass up in Round 3 — and the Steelers may have found their long-term solution at the safety position."

Dane Brugler, The Athletic:

No. 21: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

"If Sanders indeed falls out of the top three, we’d then go on “Shedeur watch” to see where he lands. Presumably, the Steelers will have a serviceable short-term option, and Sanders would provide them more of a long-term answer."

No. 83: RB Dylan Sampson, Tennessee