The Pittsburgh Steelers concluded the 2025 NFL season with a 10-7 record, once again bowing out in the wild-card round of the playoffs. This marks the third straight year with the same finish and the fifth time in six seasons the team has been eliminated in the opening round. Under new head coach Mike McCarthy, the Steelers have a mostly stable roster but must weigh several important draft decisions to improve competitiveness, especially with uncertainty surrounding veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
With Rodgers’s future unclear—whether he will retire, move to another team, or return to Pittsburgh—the Steelers are expected to focus on developing a long-term plan at quarterback. This likely means using one of their five selections within the first 99 picks to secure a potential successor. At the same time, addressing offensive line concerns and adding offensive weapons remain priorities to support both quarterback and attack strategies.
Key Offensive and Defensive Areas Requiring Attention
On offense, the Steelers’ trade for wide receiver Michael Pittman from the Colts bolsters their outside receiving corps, but the team could still target a slot receiver in the draft to round out their passing attack. The offensive line demands particular focus, especially with left tackle Brodrick Jones recovering from neck surgery and the team facing a critical decision on his fifth-year option renewal. Pittsburgh may seek a more long-term solution at left tackle and look to upgrade the left guard position as well.
Defensively, Pittsburgh has made moves to improve the secondary by signing cornerback Jamel Dean from the Buccaneers and re-signing safety Asante Samuel Jr. These acquisitions suggest the team is concentrating on back-end reinforcement. Still, replacing longtime defensive lineman Cameron Heyward remains a pressing challenge, as does further strengthening the safety group to maintain defensive stability.
First-Round Selection: Offensive Tackle Spencer Fano from Utah
With the 21st pick in round one, the Steelers select Spencer Fano, an offensive tackle from Utah. Fano impressed both through his sustained college performance and his recent NFL combine showing. Over the last two seasons at Utah, he allowed only one sack and two quarterback hits, while consistently grading above average in all major run-blocking facets. This selection aims to shore up the Steelers’ offensive line, potentially addressing the left tackle situation while providing immediate run-blocking improvement.
Strengthening the Defensive Front with Georgia’s Christen Miller
In round two at pick 53, the Steelers target defensive interior player Christen Miller from Georgia. Miller is still refining his pass-rush skills but demonstrates strong run defense capabilities, earning a 90.1 PFF run-defense grade in 2025. He consistently performed well in stopping run plays, grading positively on more than 20% of these actions over the past two seasons. Miller’s ability to contribute right away fits Pittsburgh’s need for interior defensive linemen, particularly as they prepare for Cameron Heyward’s eventual succession.
Additions in the Third Round Bolster Offense and Defense
The Steelers make multiple selections in the third round to further address varied team needs. Wide receiver Skyler Bell from Connecticut is chosen at pick 76. Bell’s explosive speed and athleticism were apparent at the combine where he ran a 4.40-second 40-yard dash and had a 41-inch vertical leap. On the field, Bell displayed this burst with 28 explosive receptions and 15 forced missed tackles in 2025. Despite measuring 6 feet and 192 pounds, he has shown effectiveness in contested catches, securing 21 of 38 contested targets across two seasons at UConn.
At pick 85, safety Genesis Smith from Arizona is targeted to strengthen defensive backfield depth. Smith’s coverage skills are notable—he allowed just one touchdown last season and forced incompletions on 26.1% of attempts in coverage. However, consistency remains an area for improvement, as he dropped five potential interceptions over the past two years. Smith’s overall coverage prowess makes him a promising addition to help fortify the secondary.
Quarterback Cade Klubnik Selected to Develop Behind Veteran Leadership
With the 99th pick in round three, the Steelers add quarterback Cade Klubnik from Clemson to the roster. Klubnik did not show enough advancement in 2025 to merit a first-round pick, yet Pittsburgh’s strategy involves giving him time to develop under the mentorship of Aaron Rodgers, a future Hall of Famer. Klubnik’s turnover-worthy play rate remained under 2.5% for a second consecutive season, though his big-time throws halved, falling from 28 in 2024 to 14 in 2025. This measured investment aims to nurture Klubnik’s potential as a long-term signal-caller for the Steelers.
Implications of the Draft Choices for Steelers’ Future Outlook
With the results of this mock draft, the Steelers attempt to bolster their offensive trenches with Spencer Fano and solidify run-defense internally through Christen Miller. Adding speed and versatility through receivers like Skyler Bell creates new offensive options, while defensive back Genesis Smith provides coverage depth. The inclusion of Cade Klubnik at quarterback signals the team’s commitment to planning beyond Aaron Rodgers’s tenure.
Should Rodgers return for the 2026 campaign, these draft picks will be expected to contribute early, allowing Pittsburgh to remain competitive in the AFC North. However, success in pushing further into the playoffs will hinge on how quickly these rookies can adapt and perform, emphasizing the critical nature of these selections.
