2025 NFL Draft: “My Guys” for the Steelers

The term “My Guys” usually refers to players who, after doing your homework—whether that’s watching film, diving into character references, or listening to trusted voices—you’re higher on than the general consensus.

With the NFL Draft now less than a week away, it feels like the perfect time to drop a list of some of my guys—prospects I’m personally higher on who also happen to line up with key Steelers needs in this class.

Matthew Golden WR Texas:

I’ve been harping on Matthew Golden as a prospect throughout the latter stages of the college football season—and not just because of the performances he put together in the playoffs. To me, he’s the best receiver in this class thanks to his blend of silky route running, great ball skills, and impressive athletic traits. But what stands out most is his ability to simply be a gamer—consistently making big play after big play when it matters most.

I believe Golden would be a tremendous fit alongside DK Metcalf and George Pickens. His versatility to line up at X, Z, or in the slot allows Metcalf and Pickens to stick to what they do best. Golden may never be a true WR1, but he has all the makings of a high-end WR2 or even a 1B option when it’s all said and done.

A Golden run! 🤩@TexasFootball‘ WR Matthew Golden with a 4.30u

(via @nfl)pic.twitter.com/ddel3rKaTK

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) March 1, 2025

Jalen Milroe QB Alabama:

My personal number two quarterback on the Steelers-specific draft board is the man with freakish athletic tools from the Crimson Tide—Jalen Milroe. As I mentioned in a recent article, I want the Steelers to target a quarterback with high-end traits. Between Milroe’s arm strength, dynamic running ability, and standout character reviews, I believe he gives the Steelers the best chance to unearth a diamond at the position this offseason.

Now, that’s not to say he’s a sure thing—he still has a long way to go when it comes to the technical aspects of the position. But with his elite work ethic and drive to improve, I think there’s a real chance he could become something special if everything clicks at the next level.

.@JalenMilroe vs. Georgia last season: 374 passing yards, 117 rushing yards, 4 touchdowns 🔥 @AlabamaFTBL

📺: 2025 @NFLDraft – April 24-26 on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/FUlMNFXdEm

— NFL (@NFL) April 19, 2025

Walter Nolen DL Ole Miss:

In the consensus rankings, there are four first-round defensive line talents in this class, with Michigan’s Mason Graham generally seen as the best of the bunch. But for me, it’s former No. 1 overall recruit Walter Nolan who tops the list. He flashes the talent to both stop the run and rush the passer from the interior, and he simply does things on a football field that others cannot do.

The major concern with Nolan is the character questions that have surrounded him, but when I watch his film, I see a player giving maximum effort on most reps. I believe he has the highest ceiling of any defensive lineman in this class and could provide an immediate impact at the next level.

.@OleMissFB DT Walter Nolen brings all the tools necessary to be an impact player on the D-Line 😤 @walternolen4

📺: 2025 #NFLDraft – April 24-26 on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/7730uoX6i8

— NFL (@NFL) April 15, 2025

Kyle Williams WR Washington State:

Williams has been steadily rising up draft boards, but I would argue he’s a top-five receiver in this class—and even higher when viewed through a Steelers-specific lens. He’s shown year-over-year improvement throughout his collegiate career and brings an enticing skill set that would complement the Steelers’ two alpha wide receivers.

Much like Golden, Williams is a smooth route runner who creates separation with ease at the top of his breaks. He also possesses a strong athletic profile and reliable hands for a receiver of his archetype. While it may sound like a common comparison, I genuinely see shades of Diontae Johnson in Williams’ game—something that would no doubt be a welcome addition to this current receiver room.

Washington State WR Kyle Williams might be the most underrated player in this draft 📈

▪️Dynamic play speed
▪️Competitive at the catch point
▪️Super slippery YAC threat
▪️Precise/refined footwork

🎥: Here’s 2 minutes of sick highlights from this past season 👇 pic.twitter.com/CyVBFZv0uw

— The Draft Room (@TheDraftRoomNFL) April 8, 2025

Damian Martinez RB Miami:

The angriest running back in this class might just be the Miami product who, over three years of college football, has been a contributor on every team he’s been a part of. His production speaks for itself—over 3,000 total yards, 26 touchdowns, and a career average of over 6 yards per carry across both gap and zone schemes at Miami and Oregon State.

For me, Martinez would instantly step in as the Steelers’ power back. At 6-foot, 230 pounds, he runs with real aggression and knows how to use his frame to his advantage. But what sets him apart is that he’s not just a bruiser—he has the ability to make defenders miss in the open field and more than enough speed to get by at the NFL level. He’d be a perfect 1B to Jaylen Warren right away and, in my opinion, has the tools to eventually become the 1A in Pittsburgh.

Damien Martinez is pure POWER 🤯

He averages 4.46 yards after contact per carry, 2nd in the class behind only Ashton Jeanty.

He’s also surprisingly quick at times; look at the evasiveness in some of these clips.

He might just be my RB6 👀 pic.twitter.com/GTKLMusKOP

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 22, 2025

These are just a few names that, throughout the draft process, I’ve found myself higher on than the consensus. As we all know, the draft is incredibly difficult to predict—no one truly knows how these players will pan out. But if you told me that, this time next week, one or two of these guys ended up on the Steelers, I’d be absolutely elated.

But that’s enough from me—what do you guys think of these names? Are they players you think I’m too high on, or do you agree with the evaluations? And more importantly, who are some of your own “My Guys” in this year’s class?