Behind the Steel Curtain
A look at the latest first-round projections for Pittsburgh around the NFL media landscape...
With the Super Bowl concluded, the NFL world now looks ahead to the 2025 Draft from Green Bay, Wisconsin.
After a few weeks of speculation, there still is no surefire answer as to what Pittsburgh will do with the No. 21 pick in the first round of this year’s draft. Will it be an offensive addition that seemingly would be WR? Or will they opt to bolster an already impressive defensive corps? Keeping that in mind, here are some of the latest projections across the NFL media landscape.
Judkins’ open-field burst, ability to read blocks and willingness to run through contact will make him a great fit for the Steelers — and he’s a nice outlet for quarterbacks out of the backfield. Remember, Najee Harris is headed for free agency. I’m projecting Pittsburgh will take a quarterback in Round 2.
Sure looks like the smart bet is on the Steelers’ quarterback question being resolved close to the start of free agency, with the draft likely an avenue to help round out the supporting cast. Egbuka should quickly endear himself to whoever is behind center, as the surehanded target can create easy wins in the short-to-intermediate areas thanks to his crafty route running.
“Egbuka is one of the best, if not the very best route-runner in this year’s draft class,” Parson said. “He has suction cups for his hands and will do the dirty work on third downs in the middle of the field.
“Unlike the Steeler’s recent history at receiver, he is a low-maintenance but highly skilled pass catcher, who can pair with George Pickens to create a nice one-two punch.”
Burden’s 2024 season was nowhere near as explosive as his 2023, when he looked for stretches like the next Deebo Samuel. However, a large part of that drop-off was due to Missouri’s poor QB play (and general offensive stagnation). Burden is a unique weapon who should only help himself at the combine.
Burden is a dynamic athlete who can win at all levels of the field and make things happen after the catch. The Missouri standout could be an excellent complement to George Pickens in addressing one of Pittsburgh’s most glaring needs.
There has been some scuttlebutt that George Pickens has worn out his welcome in Pittsburgh and could be on the move. If that were to happen, then a predominant slot receiver is not going to help the offense as much as a player like Matthew Golden, who has the potential to stretch the field.
