NFL Mock Draft: Latest prediction has Steelers making a splash in Round 1
The 2025 NFL Draft is just three weeks away, and that means those who put out mock drafts are now going into overdrive with their predictions for the event. Some do just Round 1 mock drafts, while others try their hands at more in-depth, and longer, mock drafts.
The folks at ESPN are always on the forefront of these predictions, and Field Yates recently put together a 2-Round mock draft. For the Pittsburgh Steelers fan base, a 2-Round mock draft without a 2nd Round pick doesn’t mean much. Not that the organization and fan base aren’t happy with DK Metcalf, but something like a 2-Round mock draft doesn’t have the same gravitas without a Round 2 pick.
However, Yates did include trades in his mock draft, so I wanted to see if he somehow had the Steelers trading back into the 2nd Round. Nonetheless, I lay out below what goes down before the Steelers pick at No. 21, and also if a trade moves them into Round 2. So, let’s take a look at what goes down, including the big swing the Steelers take in the first round of this particular mock draft.
Round 1
1. Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward, QB, Miami
2. Cleveland Browns – Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
3. New York Giants – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
4. New England Patriots – Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
6. Las Vegas Raiders – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
7. New York Jets – Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
8. Carolina Panthers – Jalon Walker, Edge/LB, Georgia
9. New Orleans Saints – Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
10. Chicago Bears – Will Campbell, OT/G, LSU
11. San Francisco 49ers – Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
12. Dallas Cowboys – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
13. Miami Dolphins – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
14. Indianapolis Colts – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
15. Atlanta Falcons – Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
16. Arizona Cardinals – Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
17. Cincinnati Bengals – Grey Zabel, G/C, North Dakota State
18. Seattle Seahawks – Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
20. Denver Broncos – Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
“While it seems the Steelers are the most likely landing spot for Aaron Rodgers, signing him would not preclude them from looking toward the future at quarterback. Rodgers is 41 years old, and each coming season is a true year-to-year proposition. But Pittsburgh hasn’t even signed Rodgers yet, meaning Mason Rudolph is the current QB1. Let’s lock up another signal-caller for the Steelers here.
“Dart broke Eli Manning’s school record at Ole Miss for passing yards (4,279) and led the FBS in yards per attempt (10.8) in 2024. He has good mobility and accuracy, throwing 52 touchdowns and 11 interceptions over the past two seasons.”
Here is a complete breakdown on Dart from our own Andrew Wilbar:
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 225 lbs
Draft Projection: Day 2
Notable Accomplishment: Winner of the 2024 Conerly Trophy
Pros: Completing nearly 70% of his passes for a grand total of 4,279 yards, 29 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions, Dart took full advantage of Lane Kiffin’s offensive scheme in 2024. Dart delivers a beautiful deep ball with incredible touch and accuracy, and he possesses plenty of arm strength to stretch the field. Although the deep passing game was his calling card in college, he also saw plenty of success targeting receivers over the middle of the field, putting zip on passes and fitting balls into tight windows. Dart is also a good athlete who is dangerous as a runner when the pocket breaks down. He kept many a drive alive for Ole Miss by gunning up the field for chunk yardage on 2nd and 3rd downs. From a personality and leadership standpoint, he reminds me a lot of Joe Burrow, based upon the way he carries himself and the leadership style he possesses. While it may not be my favorite personality and leadership type, nobody can take away the fact he is confident and plays with a team-first mentality.
Cons: Dart’s production was incredible in 2024, but much is due to Lane Kiffin’s scheme, which is not as applicable to the NFL game. This scouting report is being written before the Senior Bowl, but his performance during the Senior Bowl will be a telltale sign as to whether or not he can fit in an NFL offense. He does not get through his progressions quickly, and his footwork is rather undisciplined. Dart also seems to panic when teams blitz him, causing him to take his eyes off his receivers downfield and rely on his legs to salvage a positive play. He will not be able to survive with that play style in the NFL.
Overview: Dart has starter upside, no doubt, but he is a long way away from being ready to run an NFL-style offense. If he could land in a place like Miami and sit behind Tua Tagovailoa for a year or two, he could potentially be a long-term answer at quarterback for Mike McDaniel. The destination will be crucial for Dart, but if he can put together a nice pre-draft process, teams will definitely give him a strong look on Day 2 of the draft.
NFL Comparison: Trey Lance
Round 2
No Steelers Pick
In this 2-Round prediction I was curious if Yates would have the Steelers trading back into Round 2, since he did include trades in this mock draft, but they didn’t and left Rounds 1 and 2 with only one pick.
This 2025 NFL Draft quarterback class is extremely polarizing, and many feel it is equally as bad as the last time the Steelers took at quarterback in Round 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft. However, these rumors and projections aren’t going anywhere until the team finds a way to figure out the position. Some even suggest the Steelers should draft a quarterback until they finally find their guy. It also should be noted the Steelers have shown interest in Dart, with a planned Top 30 visit with the Ole Miss quarterback on the docket at some point in April.
What do you think of this pick? Would you be okay with the Steelers pulling the trigger on Dart if he was available at pick No. 21? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the team as they prepare for the rest of free agency and the upcoming draft.
I just don’t think they draft a qb at 21 with it being a weaker class like it was in 22, especially with Rodgers available and next year being a significantly better class. After seeing what the Cowboys gave up for Milroe, I would’ve taken that trade over drafting Howard or Shough with a 4th round pick. We’ll see. Keeping my eye on Cade Klubnik for 2026. Go Steelers!
Let it be known, I’m fine drafting a QB this year, but not at 21. They need a long term back-up, but I would be looking in Day 3 for a player of that caliber. I agree avoiding the position for a potential starter until 2026.
Agreed
Pass on Milton. I saw enough of him and his poor decision making at Tennessee (no, I’m not a Vols fan, so it’s not some lingering bitterness).
I like Dart, but I don’t like passing up on a stud DL to take him in the first round.
If he’s still there in the 3rd, I’d be OK with it.
But my real preference is to stock up the rest of the roster, then use our extra draft picks next year to move up into position to get Arch Manning.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/nfl-draft-how-teams-struggle-to-evaluate-find-qb-prospects-who-become-stars-quickly-why-it-happens-so-often/ar-AA1CeQ8y?ocid=winp2fptaskbarhover&cvid=8712d1311ed74abdcc4142de2e7ab573&ei=6. This article should help Fans when it comes to QB prospects especially those fans who keep banging down the door for the 26 Class to be that of 83.
Ok. This article would be great for a person that is new to how players get from the college level to the NFL, but it would be like me explaining how a guitar works to John Mayer for an actual scout. NFL scouts already know everything and much much much more about how to evaluate a QB prospect than this article explains. Also, almost every QB the writer used as a cautionary tale was, in fact, poorly rated by said scouts, and came with a big fat caveat emptor. So, thank you. This article really solidifies, for me, that the scouts are right – this class is not great and next year will likely be better.
Really that’s your takeaway? The article is a cautionary tale that even the 26 Class is not all that it’s cracked up to be but somehow you can’t see that. I can literally post the flaws of the 26 Class and it would show that the 26 class is in bad shape.
No, its am NFL dtaft 101 level cautionary tale that the way college ball is played is different from the pros, and therfore you should not assume a players success will translate. Basically it’s telling you water is wet.
Please post your evaluations, I can’t wait to read them. Real NFL scouts, people that earn a living actually evaluating players do not agree with you.
Very well. I won’t mention names just listing the flaws of the QB’s. You can go search for the rest of it yourself.
Footwork inconsistent under pressure especially when forced to the left, telegraphing intentions and needs to develop subtle deception skills, mechanics break down under duress which leads to spotty accuracy.
Base becoming too narrow when going through reads, will predetermine throws rather than seeing the play develop, needs to improve touch and placement on deep ball.
Over trusting his arm talent, forcing passes into tight windows, delay throwing to spot rather than allowing the pass catchers to see if they get open.
Inconsistent progression reads, stares down receivers forcing throws when underneath options were there for the taking, disguised coverages gets the better of him, being an over aggressor by looking for the big play rather than taking what’s available.
Struggles to identify and exploit coverage changes on the fly, occasionally lock on to first target, needs to improve seeing and getting the ball to 2nd and 3rd options when they are there, when under pressure decision making becomes bad and will force the throw.
Now you tell me based on what I have given you and what I have read and heard about the 25 class you still want the 26 Class?
I’m not wasting my time with this. Put names on it or your just making $#!& up.
The third rated QB in this class Dart projects as a “servicable game manager with some seasoning”. That is not good enough for the Steelers to use their one on. I’d rather have a D lineman or DB.
I’ll roll with Mason in 25 and take my chances with the 26 class for a QB. Thank you very much.
Okay Joe if that’s how you want it:
Nico Iamaleava: Inconsistent Footwork under pressure especially when being forced to the left, Mechanics break down under duress leading to spotty accuracy and telegraphs intentions.
Drew Allar: Base gets narrow when going through reads that affects his ball placement and balance even on secondary throws, will predetermine reads and doesn’t allow the play to develop.
LaNorris Sellers; Plays to fast, over trusts his arm in which he will force throws in to tight windows, delays throwing to spot rather than let the WR get opened, needs to slow mental clock down, has to develop anticipation on timing routes.
Garrett Nussmeier: Inconsistent progression reads, stares down his receivers on underneath throws as evidenced in the A&M Game, Need’s to refine decision making, will force throws into coverage as that was clear in the Florida Game, Struggled vs Disguised Coverage’s evidenced in games vs Arkansas and A&M.
Cade Klubnik: Occasionally locks on Primary Target, Decision making under pressure is still inconsistent, short passes needs work, has to improve touch and ball placement on those throws, struggles to quickly identify and attack cover changes on the fly.
Now I have not gone through the rest but these are 4 guys (along with Manning) that Steeler fans at the ones whose comments I read about daily talk about.
Ok, All you did is look up scouting reports for these guys and cherry picked from the “weaknesses” side of the report. I can copy and paste from NFLdratbuzz too. Here’s the first paragraph of positives for Nico:
Elite arm talent jumps off the tape – generates tremendous velocity with minimal effort and can make every throw in the playbook with plus zip and tight spiral. As you know there’s a lot more positives, and he’s currently rated at 90. Cam Ward and Shadeur Sanders are 89, Jaxson Dart is 87.
Here’s a comment from his “weaknesses” scouting report. Footwork becomes inconsistent under pressure, particularly when forced to his left – leads to some errant throws that could be costly in the NFL. Looks a lot like your ” evaluation”. His scouting report, bu the way, is vastly more positive than negative.
I’m not going through all of these, it’s just gonna be more of the same, but reading Nicco’s report I’m excited to see how he can grow this season, and I’m even more looking forward to that 26 class. The prospects in the 25 class are done growing, the hay is in the barn for them and there’s two, just two, first round QB’s. The 25 class is not good, and certainly not better than 26.
Good for you Joe, you put up the strengths of those QB’s but that is the easy thing to do. See when I looked at both QB classes the question, I asked myself was; Do the positives outweigh the negatives? In the 25 Class I can live with some of the flaws but the positives I see are more favorable and better to nurture than what is found in the 26 class.
For a College QB to get fooled by disguised coverages again and again and didn’t adjust his game shows how much worse it will be at the next level cause those Defenses will make that QB’s life 10x harder than what he has already experienced. Not taking the underneath throws when there opened tells me the QB is so bent on forcing the ball that no matter what he thinks that the Receiver will make the catch no matter what. Locking on the primary target is something that scouts love to pick on and harp about cause it will make the D’s job way easier.
You are so bent on the 26 class being more fruitful that your more than willing to overlook the weaknesses by attempting to make it look like those flaws don’t exist. So hey if that’s how you see it fine but I can say with certainty that the 25 class will shock you and the day will come where you will say “Huh guess I was wrong about the 25 class”.
You keep stunningly missing the point. I’m not in love with 26, I’m wholly underwhelmed by the 25 class that’s a big distinction. This 25 class may have ONE QB that gets a second contract as a starter if one of them is lucky enough to land in the right place. This class is almost as bad as 22. YOU are the only one that can’t see it.
Those 26 kids get an entire very important year to improve, and thats exciting because several of them are already as good as this class. When my choices are a blah 25 group or a 26 group with loads of potential, I will roll with the QB’s I have, and see what I can do next year. I’ve made this point to you so many times now that it’s grown tiresome, and I’m moving on.
See there is potential in the 25 class you along with many others seemingly want to go away from them in exchange for a Class in which I don’t see much. I’d rather have a Will Howard who will explain the whole play in great detail and a guy like Milroe who when he’s on point can be utterly dynamic whereas the 26 class has these warning signs that should not be avoided at any time but please do keep harping on the 25 Class cause it will make it all the more sweeter.
I hope that’s not directed at me.
I’m talking specifically of getting Arch Manning. Who I will all but bet will be a star NFL QB.
Drew Allar is more polarizing, but the only other 2026 draft eligible QB i’d go out on a limb for at this point. And I’m always cautious about Penn State QBs when it comes to transitioning to the NFL.
Disclaimer #1: This is not aimed at anyone in particular.
Disclaimer #2: I am NOT in favor of taking Dart at 1.21.
When people say something like, “Just get the best QB in the class next year” (whether that is Arch Manning or some other QB is anyone’s educated guess at this time), you have to keep in mind that the Steelers might not be able to get in position to draft that QB–regardless of how much draft capital they have.
For example, I am sure the Giants would love to be able to get in position to draft Cam Ward this year–and would be willing to give up whatever it takes to get to number one overall. But, if the team picking at one overall also wants that QB, they might not trade out–for any price.