The Pittsburgh Steelers are exceeding all preseason predictions so far this season and appear to be one of the top teams in the AFC. At the end of the season, the Steelers have a long list of potential free agent decisions to make, highlighting how important the 2025 NFL Draft will be for Pittsburgh.
Here are our top prospects in the upcoming draft to replace several of the top pending free agents.
QB Russell Wilson/Justin Fields – Cam Ward, Miami
November 2, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) throws the football before the game against the Duke Blue Devils at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
WR Van Jefferson – Isaiah Bond, Texas
April 20, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA: Texas White wide receiver Isaiah Bond runs the ball in and scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Longhorns' Orange and White spring game at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Source: Sara Diggins – USA Today Sports via American Statesman
TE Pat Freiermuth – Luke Lachey, Iowa
Oct. 5, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Cody Simon (0) tackles Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Luke Lachey (85) after a catch in the third quarter during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium.
G James Daniels – Luke Kandra, Cincinnati
Cincinnati Bearcats offensive lineman Luke Kandra (67) makes a play after a defensive stop during the fourth quarter of the college football game against the Miami Redhawks at Yager Stadium in Cincinnati, Saturday, September 14, 2024.
DT Cam Heyward – Deone Walker, Kentucky
Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) is sacked by Kentucky Wildcats defensive tackle Deone Walker (0) during the third quarter of an NCAA football game in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on Friday, December 29, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Clemson Tigers won 38:35 against the Kentucky Wildcats. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
CB Donte Jackson – Tacario Davis, Arizona
November 25, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; An Arizona State Sun Devils player is reflected in the helmet visor of Arizona Wildcats cornerback Tacario Davis (23) during the first half of the Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
S Damontae Kazee – S Malaki Starks, Georgia
Oct. 28, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Malaki Starks (24) against the Florida Gators in the first half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
RB Najee Harris – Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
September 21, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson (2) runs the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images