Way-too-early 2025 NFL Mock Draft: Steelers add a physical safety in Round 1

A couple months ago, I did my annual way-too-early mock draft, and I was challenged to do an exercise I once attempted, but had made an annual tradition. Well, being my last week at BTSC, I feel obligated to fulfil my promise and come through with — yes, you heard it — a 2025 mock draft!

Will any of these selections actually come to fruition? Maybe one or two, but I wouldn’t expect any more than that. This is merely a fun exercise that I hope will wet your appetite for what is to come in future drafts. While it’s hard to gauge how good of a draft the 2025 class will be, it’s reasonable to expect several quarterbacks toward the top.

Clemson QB Cade Klubnik has a great opportunity to be the top quarterback in the class, as he has shown flashes of brilliance when coming in to replace D.J. Uiagalelei. With an intriguing variety of weapons, Penn State’s Drew Allar is in great position to be in the conversation as well. Other names include Alabama’s Ty Simpson, Texas A&M’s Conner Weigman, N.C. State’s M.J. Morris, and Ole Miss’ Walker Howard.

Fortunately, the Steelers should not have to look that direction, assuming Kenny Pickett continues to make progress in his development. However, until the Steelers find someone better than Keanu Neal, strong safety will continue to be a major need, while defensive line and offensive line will likely prioritized by this new-look front office. Expect those to be positions the Steelers look at in 2025, especially with some key veteran players coming off the books after 2024.

If you have any questions or comments, be sure to place them in the comment section below. Let’s get to it!

1. Rams- Cade Klubnik | QB | Clemson
2. Titans- Bear Alexander | DL | USC
3. Cardinals- Drew Allar | QB | Penn State
4. Raiders- Kelvin Banks | OT | Texas
5. Buccaneers- Mykel Williams | DL | Georgia
6. Falcons- Will Campbell | OT | LSU

***PROJECTED TRADE*** (Titans trade 2026 1st and 2nd round picks to Panthers)

7. Titans- Evan Stewart | WR | Texas A&M
8. Texans- Will Johnson | CB | Michigan
9. Patriots- Deone Walker | DL | Kentucky
10. Vikings- Devin Brown | QB | Ohio State
11. Commanders- Nick Singleton | RB | Penn State
12. Jets- Harold Perkins | ILB | LSU
13. Browns- Davison Igbinosun | CB | Ohio State
14. Packers- Benjamin Morrison | CB | Notre Dame
15. Ravens- Dani Dennis-Sutton | DL | Penn State
16. Colts- Malaki Starks | S | Georgia
17. Broncos- Dasan McCullough | EDGE | Oklahoma
18. Bears- Tyler Booker | OL | Alabama
19. Saints- Mason Tyler | TE | LSU
20. Cowboys- Domani Jackson | CB | USC
21. Chargers- Donovan Edwards | RB | Michigan
22. Dolphins- Luther Burden | WR | Missouri
23. Giants- Jeremiah Alexander | EDGE | Alabama
24. Bills- Blake Miller | OT | Clemson
25. Seahawks- Conner Weigman | QB | Texas A&M
26. Bengals- Shemar James | ILB | Florida
27. 49ers- Cole Hutson | OL | Texas
28. Jaguars- Oscar Delp | TE | Georgia
29. Eagles- Barion Brown | WR | Kentucky

30. Steelers- Nick Emmanwori | S | South Carolina

Finding true strong safeties is getting harder and harder. Thus, when a high-profile player at said position is available, he has to be considered, especially for teams in need of one. This is the case for the Steelers, who, if unable to find a better option in 2024, will be in desperate need of help at strong safety. At 6’3”, 220 pounds, Emmanwori balances his “thumper” mentality with good range and sufficient fluidity in coverage. If he continues to develop his raw athleticism, he has the potential to become one of the game’s top safeties.

31. Lions- Zach Rice | OT | North Carolina
32. Chiefs- Quinshon Judkins | RB | Ole Miss

Well, Steelers fans, I kept my word, and I hope you enjoyed reading it more than I did writing it! In all seriousness, I love the draft, and it has been a pleasure to have the opportunity to write about it at BTSC the past couple years. It’s a bittersweet week here at BTSC, but we are excited about what is ahead with the all-new Fans First Sports Network and Steel Curtain Network. I hope you’ll join us for the journey.

What are your thoughts on the Steelers selection? Which positions do you see the Steelers addressing in 2025? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comment section below!