The Pittsburgh Steelers currently hold six picks in the 2025 NFL Draft after sending their second-round selection to the Seattle Seahawks in return for DK Metcalf. With a growing buzz that Aaron Rodgers will lead the offense in 2025, Pittsburgh’s draft strategy could take some surprising turns come late April.
In the latest seven-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft from PFSN’s Brentley Weissman, the Steelers pick up a young quarterback in the middle rounds after addressing immediate needs early.
21) Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
“Another combine riser, Maxwell Hairston is an explosive corner who excels in both man and zone coverage principles. I am a fan of his aggressive play style, and his best ball is ahead of him. The Pittsburgh Steelers have a cornerback hole and need to address the position adequately. Hairston’s addition gives this team a young core around which to build its secondary,” Weissman wrote.
The Steelers lost Donte Jackson in free agency but brought in Super Bowl winner Darius Slay Jr. Jackson started 15 games in 2024, and those reps are expected to go to Slay in 2025.
Hairston, the fastest player at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, would give Pittsburgh another playmaker in the defensive backfield. The team is also looking for a larger role from Beanie Bishop, who had four interceptions in 2024 despite starting just six games. With Slay nearing the end of his career, Hairston is a strong long-term investment.
83) Damien Martinez, RB, Miami (FL)
“Out goes Najee Harris, and in comes Damien Martinez,” Weissman wrote. “Martinez is a physical runner who has excellent size, contact balance, and vision. He would be a great addition to the Pittsburgh backfield.”
With no second-round pick, it could be a long wait on Day 2. But Weissman has the Steelers making up for it with a dynamic new running back.
While not the bruiser Harris was, Martinez averaged over six yards per carry in each of his three college seasons, eclipsing 1,000 rushing yards twice.
123) Kyle McCord, QB, Syracuse
Kyle McCord threw 61 touchdown passes in college, including 58 over his final two seasons. After transferring to Syracuse for his senior year, he showed more mobility and ran for three scores.
He’s not expected to start right away in the NFL, so Pittsburgh makes sense if Rodgers signs. McCord could develop behind a four-time MVP before eventually vying for the starting role.
156) Jaylin Lane, WR, Virginia Tech
The Steelers have two sideline threats at receiver, but with 2024 rookie Roman Wilson battling injuries and Van Jefferson now with the Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh adds a speedy playmaker. Jaylin Lane found the end zone 23 times (twice as a returner) in college and brings explosiveness to the room.
185) Carson Vinson, OT, Alabama A&M
Carson Vinson could be a steal if he falls this far. Despite coming from a smaller program, he has a more NFL-ready frame than some top-tier linemen. The leap from the SWAC to the NFL will take time, but Vinson held his own at the Reese’s Senior Bowl and brings solid upside.
229) Carson Bruener, LB, Washington
Carson Bruener was productive throughout his time at Washington but really broke out in 2024. He finished with 104 total tackles (60 solo), two tackles for loss, one forced fumble, five passes defended, and three interceptions. That kind of versatility fits today’s linebacker mold and could be a nice late-round value for Pittsburgh.
Horrible draft smh , only pick I like is Carson Breuner lol
This might be the worst mock draft I’ve ever seen 😭