Steelers Mock Draft: Bailey final mock (2025)

We’ve finally made it to the end of the 2025 mock draft cycle - I could cry with happiness.

With the NFL Draft just one day away, these are my final projections for what the Steelers will do over the next three days.

Round 1, Pick 21: TRADE

• Kansas City Chiefs receive: Pick 21, 2025 fifth-round pick (No. 156)
• Pittsburgh Steelers receive: Pick 31, 2025 second-round pick (No. 63)

Moving up 10 spots is no small jump, so the Steelers should be able to take 63 in a trade with the Chiefs, especially because Kansas City also holds the No. 66 overall pick. If Mike Green or one of the many receivers is there and the Chiefs want to make the move, Omar Khan hinted at the possibility of moving down, so a call to the Steelers would make sense for both parties.

Round 1, Pick 31: WR Matthew Golden, Texas

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I wholeheartedly believe that George Pickens will not get an extension from the Steelers in large part because he and DK Metcalf are basically the same receiver. They are both deep ball receivers with limited route trees, but win downfield. Golden is someone who can win at the line of scrimmage and in the intermediate portions of the field. Whenever the Steelers do move on from Pickens, Golden can slot in and become the starter opposite Metcalf. For the time being, though, having a three-wide receiver set of Metcalf, Pickens, and Golden will make whoever is under center very happy.

Round 2, Pick 63: QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama

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This doesn’t change the fact that the Steelers are all but certainly targeting a quarterback in the 2026 draft. However, you have to take multiple shots at the board. If the Steelers don’t end up signing Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph and Milroe will be the top two quarterbacks, and it is likely that we will see the Alabama product at some point this season. If Rodgers does come to Pittsburgh, Milroe is nice insurance to have in case the pick in 2026 doesn’t work out. His accuracy is sporadic, but his athleticism is something that can’t be denied. If you’re going to bet on anything with quarterbacks taken after the first round, bet on traits. Best case scenario, the Steelers develop Milroe, and he becomes their version of Jalen Hurts.

Round 3, Pick 83: DT C.J. West, Indiana

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West is exactly the type of prospect you want if you are looking for the modern defensive tackle who can win as a pass rusher. He had 19 hurries and a pass rush win rate of 10.1 percent, which is incredibly high for a defensive tackle. Not to mention, he is terrific against the run.

Round 4, Pick 123: RB Devin Neal, Kansas

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Neal had over 1,200 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2024 with the Jayhawks. As someone who excels in both gap and zone schemes, he would be a perfect complement to Jaylen Warren and perhaps his eventual successor.

Round 6, Pick 185: S Malachi Moore, Alabama

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Moore had a forced incompletion percentage of 23.3, which was near the top of all safeties in the country in 2024, per PFF. He also racked up 51 tackles and two interceptions. With DeShon Elliott on the final year of his deal and Minkah Fitzpatrick quickly approaching 30, the Steelers should take a safety at some point in this draft.

Round 7, Pick 220: TE Caden Prieskorn, Ole Miss

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Prieskorn is a good receiving tight end and a solid run blocker. he had 27 catches and three touchdowns in 2024.