Steelers NFL Draft big board: 50 prospects to watch, including 9 in Round 1

Draft day is nearly here. As the Pittsburgh Steelers put the finishing touches on their draft board, it appears that defensive tackle and running back are two of their biggest priorities.

Here’s a look at where some of the potential targets stack up. We’ve grouped our big board into Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 picks.

Notes: Rankings from Dane Brugler’s Top 300 are listed in parentheses. Prospects who visited Pittsburgh before the draft are marked with asterisks.

Day 1

Three DTs to circle

The Steelers need a starting defensive lineman after releasing Larry Ogunjobi. And even though Cameron Heyward played at a Pro Bowl level last year, he’s set to turn 36 in May, and Pittsburgh needs to think about the future, too. That makes defensive tackle the most likely area the team will address in the first round. But who will be available, and how do the Steelers have them ranked internally?

Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon (No. 16, DT2)*

Harmon led all FBS interior defensive linemen with 55 pressures in 2024, to go with 10.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. He has the versatility to play between Heyward and Keeanu Benton as the nose tackle in the base defense or alongside them as a 3-4 defensive end in a 4i/five-technique.

Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan (No. 25, DT3)

At 6-foot-4 and 330 pounds, Grant is a stout run stopper with surprising athleticism for his size. He has the body type of a nose tackle and also has experience playing in the B-gap. GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin skipped Grant’s pro day to host Aaron Rodgers. However, assistant GM Andy Weidl, who sets the draft board for the Steelers, was in attendance, and his opinion carries a lot of weight. I’ve mocked Grant to the Steelers often because of the need and where Grant is expected to be drafted.

Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss (No. 31, DT4)

Nolen transferred to Ole Miss for his final season and put up big numbers, with 14 TFLs and 6.5 sacks. At 6-4 and 300 pounds, he played mostly three-technique in a 4-2-5 defense. He’d likely project as a 3-4 defensive end in the Steelers’ base. He was a five-star prospect out of high school and the top defensive lineman in his recruiting class. Some believe he could be the first of these three to be drafted.

Wild cards for a jolt on offense

Omarion Hampton*, RB, North Carolina (No. 29, RB2)

In what Tomlin called a “uniquely deep” running back class, the Steelers centered their search mostly on late Day 2 and early Day 3 candidates. However, if a player like Hampton is available, perhaps they’d consider taking him this early.

Matthew Golden*, WR, Texas (No. 15, WR2)

The fastest receiver at the combine (4.29 40), Golden could be the first pure receiver drafted. If the Steelers draft a wideout this early, would they try to trade George Pickens to recoup their second-round pick?

Expect them to be off the board, but if they aren’t …

Shemar Stewart*, Edge/ DL, Texas A&M (No. 9, Edge3)

Of all the Steelers’ Top 30 visitors, Stewart could be the first drafted. The 6-5, 267-pound athlete ran a 4.59 40, recorded a 40-inch vertical and 10-11 broad jump and has positional flexibility to play inside. However, if concerns about his production (just 4.5 sacks and 11 TFLs in three seasons) make him slide, the Steelers might pounce, betting they can unlock Stewart’s full potential. This would make more sense if the Steelers planned to move him inside.

Nick Emmanwori*, S, South Carolina (No. 17, S1)

The only safety to take a Top 30 visit in Pittsburgh, Emmanwori is one of the freakiest athletes in the draft at 6-3 and 220 pounds. The Steelers already have Minkah Fitzpatrick, who is the NFL’s third-highest-paid safety ($18.3 million per year), and DeShon Elliott, a gem on a bargain-basement contract. Was the pre-visit purely a smoke screen, or would the Steelers consider an outstanding athlete this early?

The big QB question

An underwhelming QB class could be interpreted in one of two ways. On one hand, perhaps mixed opinions on Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart will push one of those two potential first-round picks into the Steelers’ range. On the other hand, the Steelers already learned the hard way in 2022 that just because you need a QB, it doesn’t mean a ready-made starter will be available in the draft.

Shedeur Sanders*, QB, Colorado (No. 34, QB2)

You can tell Sanders grew up with a Hall of Fame father and was mentored by Tom Brady when you see his feel for the game, football IQ and ability to read defenses. However, at 6-2 and 212 pounds, his arm strength and mobility are closer to average. If the Browns (No. 2) and Giants (No. 3) go with position players instead, and the New Orleans Saints (No. 9) pass, the Steelers might have a decision to make.

Jaxson Dart*, QB, Ole Miss (No. 49, QB3)

Dart showed a willingness to push the ball downfield last year, leading FBS in yards per attempt (10.8) and completions of 10-plus yards or more (74). That would seem to mesh with a receiving corps featuring DK Metcalf and George Pickens. The former Ole Miss QB also brings plenty of mobility, toughness and leadership. However, because of his limited experience making full-field reads, Dart makes more sense if he falls into Day 2 and if the Steelers pair him with a bridge QB.

Day 2

Might require a trade

The Steelers don’t have a second-round pick after trading it for Metcalf. Still, they hosted several players who are expected to be selected early on Day 2. Are they simply hopeful one will fall into their range? Or could a trade — going down from 21, up from 83 or dealing a veteran to get back into Round 2 — be in play?

Tyler Shough*, QB, Louisville (No. 50, QB4)

Playing for QB whisperer Jeff Brohm, Shough showed he can be effective in an NFL-like offense. Other QBs have generated the headlines, but Shough could offer a nice mix of value and upside on Day 2.

TreVeyon Henderson*, RB, Ohio State (No. 46, RB4)

The 30th and final visitor for the Steelers this year, Henderson has been generating a lot of buzz recently and could go as early as the first round. While early-career durability concerns plagued him, he has the upside and versatile skill set to be a legitimate three-down back.

Kaleb Johnson*, RB, Iowa (No. 44, RB3)

He’s a great scheme fit after thriving in Iowa’s outside-zone centric offense, with the 6-1, 224-pound frame to become a bell cow.

Jaylin Noel*, WR, Iowa State (No. 42, WR5)

The Steelers have enjoyed success with 5-10 receivers who are good at getting in and out of their breaks, even though Noel’s slot experience might be redundant with others like Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson. He can also play on the perimeter.

Jayden Higgins*, WR, Iowa State (No. 45, WR6)

At 6-4 and 214, the Steelers could plan for Pickens’ departure (whether by trade this year or free agency next spring) by drafting another big, strong target.

Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky (No. 34, CB4)

Though the Steelers signed Darius Slay, he’s on the backstretch of his career and playing on a one-year deal. After running the fastest 40 at the combine (4.28), Hairston could be a key piece in the future.

Trey Amos*, CB, Ole Miss (No. 39, CB5)

At 6-1 and 195 pounds with 31 1/4-inch, Amos led FBS with 16 passes defended in 2024.

Azareye’h Thomas*, CB, Florida State (No. 51, CB6)

The Steelers have recently valued what they call “Avatar” corners. At 6-2 and 198 pounds, Thomas is another lengthy corner in that mold.

Likely Round 3

Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State (No. 60, RB5)

In Ohio State’s potent running back tandem, Judkins was the Najee Harris. The Steelers already have Jaylen Warren and could use another physical bell cow to carry the load.

Dylan Sampson*, RB, Tennessee (No. 74, RB6)

If the Steelers want speed over size, the 5-8 Sampson would be a good option and is projected to be picked right when the team is likely to pounce on a back. He’s the reigning SEC Offensive Player of the Year and has such good leadership qualities that he gave the pregame speeches as an underclassman, when he was just a backup.

Bhayshul Tuten*, RB, Virginia Tech (No. 108, RB10)

A 5-9, 206-pound back with a lot of production on zone runs, Tuten has 4.32 speed to hit home runs.

Darius Alexander*, DT, Toledo (No. 61, DT7)

If the Steelers pass on a first-round DT and bet on the depth of the class, Alexander would be a good fit. He was voted the National Team’s best defensive lineman at the Senior Bowl, where Pittsburgh often likes to find talent. Brugler gave Alexander a second- to third-round grade, although there has been some buzz about him going near Round 1.

Joshua Farmer*, DT, Florida State (No. 76, DT10)

Farmer is a Senior Bowl standout who would project as a 3-4 defensive end in the Steelers’ base defense.

Day 3

Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas (No. 86, QB6)

If the Steelers want to take a quarterback flier on Day 3, Ewers is the prospect Brugler believes has the highest ceiling.

Kyle McCord*, QB, Syracuse (No. 117, QB7)

His willingness to stand in the pocket and fit the ball into tight windows is a double-edged sword. McCord threw five interceptions (including three pick sixes) at Acrisure Stadium this year against Pitt.

Will Howard, QB, Ohio State (No. 135, QB8)

The Steelers took Howard to dinner before his pro day. He has the size of Ben Roethlisberger and played his best football when it mattered most in the College Football Playoff.

Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame (No. 162, QB10)

Khan and Tomlin attended Leonard’s pro day, where they got to see a mobile QB who ran for 900 yards. He’d be a low-risk move in the fifth round as a backup with developmental potential.

RJ Harvey*, RB, UCF (No. 92, RB8)

With 4.40 speed, Harvey is elusive, but his 5-8 size and running style might be a bit redundant with Warren and Kenneth Gainwell.

Jaydon Blue*, RB, Texas (No. 181, RB21)

A very good zone runner with 4.38 speed.

DJ Giddens*, RB, Kansas State (No. 115, RB13)

At 6-0 and 212 pounds, he’d bring a bigger body type to the room, but he doesn’t run as physically as his size suggests.

Ollie Gordon II*, RB, Oklahoma State (No. 136, RB14)

The 6-1, 226-pound back led college football in rushing in 2023, which shows how deep this running back class is. He’s one of the few running backs in the top 15 at his position over 6-0.

Jamaree Caldwell*, DT, Oregon (No. 124, DT18)

At 6-2 and 332, Caldwell projects as a developmental nose tackle who could turn into more.

Elijah Roberts*, Edge/DT, SMU (No. 154, EDGE23)

Though he’s listed as an edge rusher, Roberts has experience as an interior defensive lineman, too. Maybe the Steelers would add more weight to his 6-4, 285-pound frame and move him inside full-time because of his unique body type and upside in sub packages.

Jared Harrison-Hunte*, DT, SMU (No 214, DT27)

A former basketball player who has light feet and good pass-rush moves for a player at his position.

Yahya Black*, NT, Iowa (No. 185, DT25)

The Steelers like to draft defensive linemen from the Big Ten. A 6-6, 336-pound nose tackle, Black is in that mold. If he develops, he could bump Benton over to the 3-4 defensive end position in the Steelers’ base.

JJ Pegues*, DT, Ole Miss (No. 116, DT22)

The Steelers hosted at least four defensive linemen projected to be drafted on Day 3. If they want to double-dip, Pegues is an intriguing option. He has the versatility to play everywhere from the nose to the five-technique and could even contribute as a fullback and short-yardage back.

Caleb Ransaw, CB/S, Tulane (No. 160, CB15)

At 6-0 and 197 pounds, Ransaw has experience outside at cornerback, inside and even as a sub-package linebacker. He worked out at safety at the Senior Bowl, was a standout at the combine with a Relative Athleticism Score of 9.96 out of 10. The Steelers seem to like these hybrid safety types.

Mac McWilliams, CB, UCF (No. 195, CB20)

A strong Senior Bowl performer who has outside-inside versatility, with his fastest track to playing time inside.

Zah Frazier, CB, UTSA (No. 207, CB23)

He’s raw and unrefined, but he’s 6-3 and was second in the FBS last season with six interceptions.

Justin Walley*, CB, Minnesota (No. 234, CB27)

A four-year starter, Walley has a sixth-round grade from Brugler but will go earlier than that because of his experience. He’s an early Day 3 candidate.

Malachi Moore, S, Alabama (No. 130, S9)

Moore began his career playing the “Star” at Alabama, the same position Minkah Fitzpatrick played. Though Fitzpatrick excelled, Moore was inconsistent. A move to a more traditional safety position allowed his feisty style and instinct to show.

Jaylen Reed, S, Penn State (No. 133, S10)

Reed played in the post, in the box and matched up against slot receivers. The 6-foot, 211-pound safety’s big-hit, enforcer mentality could fit the AFC North.

Dante Trader Jr., S, Maryland (No. 172, S12)

A five-star lacrosse recruit and dual-sport athlete, what could the 5-11, 200-pounder become once he focuses only on football?

Sebastian Castro, S, Iowa (No. 218, S15)

A hybrid slot/linebacker, Castro could carve out a role in sub packages and on special teams.

Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford (No. 89, WR10)

A willing blocker, the 6-2, 206-pounder set a school record against Colorado with 294 receiving yards while often facing off against cornerback Travis Hunter.

Savion Williams*, WR, TCU (No. 114, WR13)

Because of his ability to line up in the backfield and out wide, the 6-4, 222-pound Williams is often compared to Cordarrelle Patterson. We know Steelers OC Arthur Smith loves him some CP.

Chimere Dike, WR, Florida (No. 158, WR17)

At 6-1, 196 and 4.34 speed, Dike is a Day 3 pick with traits to exceed his draft position.

Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Arkansas (No. 210, WR24)

A 6-4, 214-pound athlete, TeSlaa would fit the Steelers’ offense if the former high school Wing-T QB can unlock his athletic potential.

Gavin Bartholomew*, TE, Pitt (No. 245, TE16)

The only tight end to take a Top 30 visit to Pittsburgh, Bartholomew could be in play as a late-round option for a Pittsburgh offense that loves tight ends. He would make the most sense in the seventh round.

Carson Bruener, LB, Washington (No. 273, LB23)

The 5-11, 227-pound linebacker doesn’t have the same build as his father, a Steelers first-round pick at tight end and now a scout for the team. But as a late Day 3 pick, Carson’s upside as a core special teamer puts him on the board for a team that appreciates bloodlines.

Willie Lampkin, C, North Carolina (No. 293, C10)

We know the Steelers love wrestlers. This Florida 2A state champion won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the top offensive lineman in the ACC. At 5-11 and 279 pounds, he’s an extreme size outlier. However, he more than held his own as a late addition to the Senior Bowl and is especially interesting as a possible fullback convert as a seventh-round flier.

(Photos of Walter Nolen, left, and Shedeur Sanders: Petre Thomas, Troy Taormina / Imagn Images)

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