We’re less than a month away from the draft. With coaches and scouts on the Pro Day trail, the hype train for the three-day event continues to build. That said, this is not a prediction of what I think or want to happen (I’m saving that for the week of the draft), but rather one of many plausible outcomes.
Round 1 (21st Overall): Dillon Thieneman/S/Oregon
Expected Role: Year 1 Starter
Analysis: The Steelers have had a strong start to free agency, filling many of the most glaring holes on their roster. That affords them the luxury of taking the best player available without worrying about how he’ll fit into the rotation. Even with the addition of Jaquan Brisker, the defense still needs a succession plan at safety, and Thieneman is the kind of high-end talent who can handle either spot.
His superpower on the back end is his mental processing. His ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and anticipate route concepts is elite. While his eyes are quick, his feet are even quicker, and he closes with an explosive burst. When the ball is in the air, he tracks it like a receiver.
Thieneman is just as impressive against the run. He plays aggressively and triggers downhill with urgency. Thanks to his quick read-and-react skills, he consistently puts himself in the right spot.
What makes him especially dangerous is the high-level play he showed in both safety roles at the collegiate level. At Purdue, he was used as a true center fielder and produced six interceptions as a freshman. At Oregon, he was deployed in a more versatile role, playing from multiple alignments and developing into one of the better secondary players in the nation.
Drafting Thieneman would allow the Steelers to move Jalen Ramsey back to a full-time nickel role and feel confident at safety.
Others Considered: Kadyn Proctor/OT/Alabama, Caleb Lomu/OT/Utah, Ty Simpson/QB/Alabama, Omar Cooper Jr./WR/Indiana
Dillon Thieneman Scouting Report
Round 2 (53rd Overall): Jacob Rodriguez/LB/Texas Tech
Expected Role: Rotational Depth/Potential Year 1 Starter
Analysis: Patrick Queen trade rumors aside, the Steelers’ linebacking corps fell far below expectations last season. Payton Wilson hasn’t developed into an every-down starter, and it’s time to bring in competition. If you want athleticism, Rodriguez has it. If you want production, there’s no one better.
Rodriguez won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award, and Bednarik Award for good reason. He also finished fifth in the Heisman voting as a linebacker. Posting 128 tackles and 11 tackles for loss shows his nose for the football. Adding four interceptions and seven forced fumbles only reinforces that.
He boasts excellent short-area closing speed and lateral agility, allowing him to work through complex blocking schemes and meet the ball carrier in the hole. His run defense is outstanding, and his coverage ability is even better. He reads the quarterback’s eyes, gains proper depth in his drops, and becomes a menace in passing lanes.
Given how underwhelming the Steelers’ linebackers room has been, it would be wise to add one of the most decorated college defenders in recent memory.
Others Considered: Anthony Hill Jr./LB/Texas, Germie Bernard/WR/Alabama, Keionte Scott/CB/Miami (FL), Lee Hunter/IDL/Texas Tech
Jacob Rodriguez Scouting Report
Round 3 (76th Overall): Antonio Williams/WR/Clemson
Expected Role: Year 1 Starter
Analysis: Williams has appeared in previous mocks, and he’s back again. One of my personal favorites in this class, he’d fit into this offense like a glove. Trading for Michael Pittman Jr. gives the unit towering perimeter targets, but the offense still needs someone who can dominate from the slot.
Williams’ route running is pristine, and he thrives in the short-to-intermediate areas of the field. He’s savvy with his manipulation at the top of routes and has enough twitch to get in and out of breaks cleanly. There are reasonable concerns about how he’ll handle more physical corners at the line of scrimmage, but a full-time slot role would help minimize those matchups.
After the catch, he turns into a slippery and elusive ball carrier. He won’t run through tackles, but his agility and suddenness make him difficult to corral in tight quarters.
Adding Williams to the room would solidify a starting trio and turn wide receiver into a strength after it’s been a weakness for too long.
Others Considered: Domonique Orange/IDL/Iowa State, Caleb Tiernan/OT/Northwestern, Elijah Sarratt/WR/Indiana, Davison Igbinosun/CB/Ohio State
Antonio Williams Scouting Report
Round 3 (85th Overall): Ted Hurst/WR/Georgia State
Expected Role: Developmental Prospect
Analysis: Taking receivers in back-to-back picks may seem excessive, but the Steelers don’t have many glaring needs that would demand a selection elsewhere. Hurst is the kind of talent who can grow into a valuable contributor. Williams would solidify the starting trio, but the room still needs developmental upside behind them.
Hurst brings deceptive speed with his long strides, catching defenders off guard with his route running. He’s further along as a technician than you’d expect, showing a good feel for manipulating his matchup. While he doesn’t explode off the line, he glides into his routes and has the ability to decelerate at the top of his stem to create separation.
At 6-4, Hurst naturally offers a wide catch radius – and knows how to use it. He tracks the deep ball beautifully and shows impressive body control when he has to contort mid-air. That size and catch radius should make him an instant red zone threat.
Hurst is unlikely to start as a rookie, given the depth ahead of him, but he brings immense raw talent. With proper development, he projects as a future starting boundary option for this offense.
Others Considered: Garrett Nussmeier/QB/LSU, Bryce Lance/WR/NDSU, Joshua Josephs/EDGE/Tennessee, Jalon Kilgore/S/South Carolina
Round 3 (99th Overall): Malik Muhammad/CB/Texas
Expected Role: Developmental Prospect/Future Starter
Analysis: After signing Jamel Dean, the urgent need to add a starting corner opposite Joey Porter Jr. is eased. Still, the room needs a young option who can develop into a future starter. Dean will turn 30 during the season, and Jalen Ramsey has already crossed that threshold, so a youth movement is on the horizon. Muhammad brings the kind of talent who can play right away if needed and still has plenty of room to grow.
He’s a natural cover corner who flashes high-level play in both man and zone. His fluid hips let him mirror even the shiftiest route runners without losing a step. When the ball is in the air, he can erase separation in an instant.
Despite weighing just 182 pounds, Muhammad plays a physical brand of football. He’s comfortable getting aggressive at the line of scrimmage and willingly throws his body around in run support. He will naturally have some trouble with bigger, more imposing targets, but he’s far from a liability in those matchups.
Muhammad can play in the slot or on the boundary with the skill set to excel at either spot. Thanks to the talent in front of him, he won’t be forced into a major role immediately, but he’ll be ready to make an impact whenever his number is called.
Others Considered: Chandler Rivers/CB/Duke, Oscar Delp/TE/Georgia, Brian Parker II/OG/Duke, Daylen Everette/CB/Georgia
Malik Muhammad Scouting Report
Round 4 (121st Overall): DeMonte Capehart/IDL/Clemson
Expected Role: Rotational Depth/Developmental Prospect
Analysis: With Cam Heyward back for another season, there’s no need to force an early pick on a defensive lineman. Capehart can join a relatively young core and learn behind a Steelers great. Physically, he fits the prototype of a Pittsburgh lineman. At nearly 6-5 and 313 pounds with 10-inch hands, he’s exactly the kind of massive presence the Steelers covet up front.
With that frame comes immense raw power, and he knows how to use it in the run game. Capehart can anchor against double-teams and flashes impressive knockback strength to reset the line of scrimmage. He’s capable of two-gapping and shedding blocks with heavy hands to clog running lanes.
His pass rush, however, needs the most refinement. Right now, his game is built almost entirely on power. Beyond a standard bull rush, he lacks the nuance and sequencing to string moves together when his initial speed-to-power doesn’t get home.
Given the depth in the Steelers’ defensive line room, he’ll have the luxury of developing without being rushed into a major role. With time, he can grow into a valuable piece of a maturing defensive front.
Others Considered: Zxavian Harris/IDL/Ole Miss, Chris McClellan/IDL/Missouri, Harold Perkins/LB/LSU, Kage Casey/OG/Boise State
DeMonte Capehart Scouting Report
Round 4 (135th Overall): Beau Stephens/OG/Iowa
Expected Role: Developmental Prospect/Possible Year 1 Starter
Analysis: Signing of Brock Hoffman gives the Steelers a fallback starting option if they choose not to secure a top interior lineman earlier in the draft. Stephens offers starting-caliber talent on the left side but doesn’t need to be pressed into action right away.
As a pass protector, he’s one of the most statistically dominant linemen in this class, having not surrendered a sack over his last 24 starts. He uses a strong, quick jab to initiate contact and mirrors rushers with a balanced, controlled base. There are clear flashes of his ability to handle both power and finesse on the interior.
His run-blocking style fits the classic Pittsburgh mold. He’s tenacious and nasty, playing with a physical edge and constantly looking to finish. A quick burst out of his stance lets him latch on early, create consistent displacement, and open rushing lanes.
Stephens would be an ideal middle-round target if the interior isn’t addressed earlier. He brings a high floor, and his ceiling should have the team sprinting to the podium if he’s still available at this point.
Others Considered: Trey Zuhn III/IOL/Texas A&M, Taylen Green/QB/Arkansas, Demond Claiborne/RB/Wake Forest, Matt Gulbin/IOL/Michigan State
Round 5 (161st Overall): Eli Raridon/TE/Notre Dame
Expected Role: Depth/Future Starter
Analysis: The Steelers are thin at tight end behind Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. While it isn’t a major need, it makes sense to add a quality piece who can contribute throughout the season. Raridon is a starting-caliber tight end prospect who could slid down boards due to medical concerns.
Early in his college career, he suffered two separate ACL tears in the same knee. You wouldn’t know it from the tape. He runs with surprising flexibility and fluidity, and despite weighing 252 pounds, he shows suddenness at the top of his routes. He understands how to freeze defenders in zone coverage, even if his overall route polish isn’t yet high-end.
As a blocker, he’s a classic in-line “Y” who takes pride in displacing defenders. He plays with a physical, chippy demeanor and clearly enjoys making the pads pop on contact. There are no evident issues with his movement across formations or in beating backside pursuers to the point of attack.
His medical history will cause some teams to steer clear entirely, but as a late-round investment this is a no-brainer. The risk is minimal, and the potential payoff is enormous if the injury concerns don’t resurface.
Others Considered: Dae’Quan Wright/TE/Ole Miss, Joe Royer/TE/Cincinnati, TJ Hall/CB/Iowa, VJ Payne/S/Kansas State
Round 6 (216th Overall): Jadon Canady/CB/Oregon
Expected Role: Rotational Depth/Special Teams Contributor
Analysis: The Steelers made a concerted effort to upgrade their cornerback room for the upcoming season, and adding Muhammad earlier in this mock helps solidify the top of the depth chart. At this stage of the draft, Canady would be a luxury pick with his blend of athleticism and production.
Primarily a slot specialist, he pairs excellent read-and-react skills with an incredibly fluid lower body. His short-area agility and transition out of his backpedal are seamless. In coverage, he allowed just 6.1 yards per reception and a 39.4 passer rating when targeted. At 180 pounds with 30-inch arms, he can be vulnerable against more physically imposing receivers, but his quickness allows him to thrive in the short-to-intermediate areas of the field.
As a nickel, improving his tackling will be crucial. Because of his slight frame, he too often resorts to lunging at ankles rather than driving through contact.
Canady won’t be needed right away, but his athleticism and coverage chops make this a home-run pick at this point in the draft. There are areas of his game that need refinement, but he has more than enough upside to grow into a defensive contributor.
Others Considered: Lorenzo Styles Jr./CB/Ohio State, Jalen Huskey/S/Maryland, Nick Barrett/IDL/South Carolina, Ar’maj Reed-Adams/IOL/Texas A&M
Round 7 (224th Overall): Eli Heidenreich/RB/Navy
Expected Role: Sub-package Contributor/Return Specialist
Analysis: Kaleb Johnson’s future is hazy after Pittsburgh signed Rico Dowdle. Late in the draft, it wouldn’t be a bad strategy to bring in more competition in the form of Heidenreich. Navy’s all-time leader in career receiving yards and touchdowns, he’s a natural playmaker with the ball in his hands, and his performance in Indianapolis confirmed he’s a plus athlete as well.
While Navy operates a unique triple-option and Wing-T offense, Heidenreich has shown natural vision on inside-zone concepts and on designed perimeter runs. The Pittsburgh native has exceptional contact balance, even if he isn’t the twitchiest runner in tight quarters.
Where he’d truly shine is in late-down situations. Out of the backfield, he’s an outstanding receiving threat with advanced footwork that consistently wins against linebackers in space. He’s a natural hands catcher who adjusts to off-target throws and can make the quarterback look better.
He doesn’t have the same return résumé as some other backs in this draft, but sometimes it’s as simple as finding players who create magic with the ball in their hands. The Steelers have lacked that kind of juice for years, so taking a late-round flier on a talent like Heidenreich, and a home-grown one at that, is worth the investment.
Others Considered: Mason Reiger/EDGE/Wisconsin, Devon Marshall/CB/NC State, Riley Nowakowski/TE/Indiana, Sawyer Robertson/QB/Baylor
Eli Heidenreich Scouting Report
Round 7 (230th Overall): Nolan Rucci/OT/Penn State
Expected Role: Depth/Swing Tackle
Analysis: The Steelers should make a point to add a developmental tackle at some point in this draft. With uncertainty surrounding Broderick Jones’ health and Dylan Cook’s limited game experience, it makes sense to bring in another option. Rucci, while still putting everything together, offers better athleticism and pedigree than several linemen projected to go before him.
Son of former NFL lineman Todd Rucci, Nolan grew up around the trenches, and it shows on tape. His football IQ jumps out—he rarely gets fooled by stunts or delayed blitzes, passing them off with poise and timing.
His pass protection is built around his rare frame. At 6-8 with a massive wingspan, he naturally forces edge rushers to take wider paths to the quarterback, buying the offense extra time. However, a slight delay in his foot speed can create issues against quicker rushers. When defenders threaten up the arc with speed, they can cross his face back inside too easily.
As a late-round selection, you’re betting new o-line coach James Campen can unlock his NFL bloodlines and former five-star pedigree. Rucci has all the physical tools. He just needs time and coaching to put it all together.
Others Considered: Albert Regis/IDL/Texas A&M, Luke Altmyer/QB/Illinois, Lander Barton/LB/Utah, Red Murdock/LB/Buffalo
Round 7 (237th Overall): Aaron Hall/IDL/Duke
Expected Role: Rotational Depth
Analysis: One of the more productive players flying under the radar in this draft cycle, Hall blends athleticism with proven production. He’s exactly the type of prospect who could outperform his draft slot. At 290 pounds, he’s a bit lighter than a traditional Steelers trench player, but his 6-4 frame gives him room to add bulk without sacrificing explosiveness.
His most Day 1 appealing trait is his run defense. Hall fires out of his stance with quickness that immediately puts blockers on their heels. Paired with his surprising strength at the point of attack, that initial burst makes him a menacing run defender. Even on the lighter side, he’s tough to displace.
As a pass rusher, he’s still developing. Right now, Hall leans heavily on his athleticism and raw power, often trying to bull his way to the quarterback by converting speed to power. There are flashes of an effective swim move, but he doesn’t yet string moves together, which prevented his good production from becoming great.
If he lands with a coach willing to refine his tools, his athletic profile gives him a path to becoming a consistent pocket penetrator while remaining stout against the run. Outside of his listed weight, he checks every box for a Steelers defensive lineman and could become a valuable part of the rotation.
Others Considered: Bishop Fitzgerald/S/USC, Fernando Carmona/IOL/Arkansas, Wesley Williams/IDL/Duke, Joe Fagnano/QB/UConn
Previous Steelers Mock Draft Mondays
January 19
January 26
February 2
February 9
February 16
February 23
March 2
March 9
March 16
March 23