Mike Tomlin has long been considered one of the elite coaches in the NFL. Perhaps no season was more impressive than 2024, when Tomlin led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 10-7 record and a playoff appearance, even with mediocre quarterback play.
Now, the coach will have to figure out who is playing quarterback for the 2025 season after Justin Fields and Russell Wilson both left in free agency.
In free agency, the team mostly made depth signings. However, the Pittsburgh is still linked to veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and adding the veteran would certainly change the team’s trajectory.
Currently, the Steelers are slated to have the No. 21 pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. There are several ways the team could go with this pick, making the Steelers one of the more interesting teams to watch come draft night.
Today, let’s identify the three best options for the team in the first round.
Steelers best NFL draft fits
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
One of the most common names linked to the Steelers in the first round is Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka.
Even with the team adding D.K. Metcalf in a blockbuster trade, receiver is still a sizeable need. Egbuka is a polished route-runner with reliable hands who can contribute on the outside or out of the slot.
In 2024, Egbuka caught 81 passes for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns. The receiver eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark twice in four college seasons and was a key piece of the Buckeyes’ championship-winning 2024 team.
In Pittsburgh, Egbuka could team up with Metcalf and George Pickens to give the team one of the most impressive receiver trios in the league. He would also give Pittsburgh a future running mate for Metcalf if Pickens isn’t retained in 2026.
Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
While we mentioned the Aaron Rodgers connection, what if the team decided to go the young quarterback route instead and take Jaxson Dart?
Of course, even if Rodgers is brought in, it would still be possible to select Dart here as the heir-apparent. The Ole Miss product has a strong arm, good athleticism, and receives praise for his toughness and leadership.
In 2024, Dart threw for 4,279 yards and 29 touchdowns with just six interceptions. There are concerns about how the passer’s game will translate to the NFL, but if he’s going to flourish anywhere, it would be in Pittsburgh.
Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon
If the Steelers don’t want to go with offense, they could take one of the most promising defensive tackles in the class instead.
Derrick Harmon is a physical beast who flashed some pass-rush upside in 2024. The defender racked up 45 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and five sacks for the Oregon Ducks. Overall, Harmon ended his college career with 116 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks.
Cameron Heyward isn’t getting any younger, and the Steelers need an upgrade next to him. Harmon would be the perfect option to fill the void in 2025, and he can take the torch from Heyward down the road.
