With the 2025 NFL Draft less than two weeks away, speculation continues surrounding the next generation of NFL stars and which teams they could represent. In 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers face the task of bettering their recent playoff form after falling in the Wild Card Round in four of the last five seasons.
In the latest seven-round Mock Draft from PFSN’s Jacob Infante, the Steelers make a massive move in the first round to land who they hope will be the team’s franchise quarterback. With the team still having holes to fill, Pittsburgh then attempts to address team needs in the later rounds.
7) Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Trade: Steelers receive No. 7 overall pick
Jets receive No. 21 overall pick, No. 83 overall pick, 2026 first-round pick
“The Pittsburgh Steelers seem likely to sign Aaron Rodgers whenever he makes up his mind about playing again, but he’s a stopgap option, if anything, at this stage. A bold move to trade up – particularly in front of the Saints – could be a move to help them get their long-term answer,” Infante said.
“A smart, accurate quarterback who improved consistently in college, Shedeur Sanders has the tools to start in the NFL. The Steelers have some pieces in place for him to work with, and given their conservative approach to the quarterback position in recent years, Sanders would be a refreshing change of pace.”
While Rodgers’ move to Pittsburgh seems like a question of “when?” Rather than “if?” The stress and uncertainty of the 2025 offseason have been an ordeal the team would certainly like to avoid repeating.
Rodgers would give the team’s veterans an opportunity to compete for a title, while Sanders would have a year to learn from one of the best of all time.
123) Damien Martinez, RB, Miami (FL)
While the Steelers would now have their quarterback of the future, they gave up their third-round pick to acquire him. That leaves them without a selection on Day 2 after they also traded away their second-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks for DK Metcalf. In Round 4, though, Infante projects the team to start addressing team needs, taking Miami running-back prospect Damien Martinez.
A certified bruiser at running back, Martinez uses his size and strength in a manner that makes him one of the best power backs in the 2025 NFL Draft. Just being bigger than most running backs gives him an upper hand to begin with, but he’s a tough runner who keeps his legs churning through contact and isn’t afraid to lower the shoulder to stay upright.
156) Rylie Mills, DT, Notre Dame
Standing 6’5″ and 291 pounds, Notre Dame’s Rylie Mills put his frame to work in 2024, tallying 7.5 sacks, including three in one game vs. Florida State. A team captain, Mills earned second-team All-American honors in his final college season. An ACL tear in the playoffs sees him slide in the draft, but Mills’ dedication and leadership could make him a good fit in Pittsburgh.
185) Ajani Cornelius, OT, Oregon
Ajani Cornelius had to climb the ladder in college, starting with a two-year spell at Rhode Island. After being picked up by Oregon in 2023, Cornelius immediately proved himself as the team’s starting right tackle. Cornelius played 51 games in college, showing remarkable consistency, including a sack-free 2023 season.
229) Jordan Hancock, CB, Ohio State
A 2024 national champion with Ohio State, Jordan Hancock, offers a versatile skillset that allows him to be used in multiple ways. Hancock proved himself in the passing game with 13 passes defended and three interceptions over his final two collegiate seasons.
In addition, he contributed two tackles for loss and two forced fumbles in each of those years. Hancock excelled in both the 40-yard dash (4.42 seconds) and the vertical jump (41.5 inches) at his pro day, showcasing his intriguing athleticism.
Yuck. No thank you.
Steelers need not be in a hurry. Get a top DL or WR in the first round, play Mason Rudolph this year. The players like him and he’s solid and maybe he grows.
We have a lot of draft capital in 2026. I don’t think Steelers fans feel anymore like we have to get past the first round of the playoffs this year. We are more interested in a foundation for sustainable success.