Could the Pittsburgh Steelers Make a Splash in Round 1? Will They Take a Swing at Shedeur Sanders? Here Are Three Final Draft Predictions
The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the most unpredictable teams on the board. With speculation swirling, no one seems certain what direction the franchise will take. Are they still hoping for a last-minute deal to land Aaron Rodgers, or are they prepared to select their future quarterback in the first round?
Whatever their plan may be, it’s clear Pittsburgh must make smart, strategic moves if they want to be legitimate playoff contenders in 2025.
Prediction 1: Steelers Trade Down from No. 21
Given that there may not be a game-changing talent available at the 21st overall pick—and with no second-round selection currently in hand—it makes a lot of sense for Mike Tomlin and the Steelers to trade down and acquire additional draft capital.
There are several teams that could be trade partners, but the New York Giants stand out. Pairing their expected No. 3 overall pick (likely Abdul Carter) with another first-rounder could be tempting. However, the Giants’ draft assets may not be enough to close the deal—they’d probably have to give up both of their third-rounders to make it happen.
A more realistic scenario might be with the Buffalo Bills. Pittsburgh could slide down from No. 21 to No. 30 while picking up Buffalo’s second-round pick at No. 56. That deal offers more flexibility for the Steelers and fills a key gap in their draft lineup.
By moving to No. 30, Pittsburgh might target Missouri standout wide receiver Luther Burden III, a dynamic slot weapon who could replace current WR George Pickens, should the team decide to move on from him.
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah ranks Burden at No. 35 on his big board, writing:
“Burden is a quick, athletic slot receiver who thrives on underneath option routes. His feel for spacing and explosiveness after the catch make him a major threat. He also has exceptional body control, giving him the ability to adjust to off-target throws. Burden shines with the ball in his hands and has the elusiveness to make defenders miss in tight spaces.
