Mock Draft Monday: The Steelers add a versatile cornerback with their top pick

The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into the 2025 offseason. With free agency as the next big event to shape next season’s roster, it will be followed by the NFL draft in April. The Steelers will have a number of decisions with players who were on the 2024 roster and will have the opportunity to add some free agent acquisitions before making their first draft selection. The NFL combine and player pro days will also shape the team’s big boards before the draft.

When talking about mock drafts or NFL free agency, one first has to first identify the team’s main needs for the offseason. Before any gains or losses in free agency, there are some who would like to see the Steelers go with either cornerback or defensive line with their first-round pick. Others feel wide receiver or even quarterback could be on top of the list. With plenty of chances for the Steelers to shape their roster prior to April, their goal is usually to get into position to draft the best player available rather than target a specific position. When it comes to what position the team will select with their first pick, it is certainly up for debate.

In a somewhat recent one-round mock draft by CBSSports.com, they have the Steelers addressing the cornerback position this season before anything else. With the Steelers needing to add more to this position group, selecting a cornerback in the first round is not a bad idea if the right player is there and depending what the Steelers do in free agency. Since the Steelers could go in any number of directions with their first selection, it is important to look at all the possibilities presented by various mock draft outlets.

Check out the Steelers 21st pick:

21. Pittsburgh Steelers | Jahdae Barron | CB | Texas | JR |

Being early in the draft process, there may be some players most fans are not familiar with. If this is the case, here is a breakdown of Barron according to bleacherreport.com (from October of 2024):

Jahdae Barron

• HEIGHT: 5’11”
• WEIGHT: 200

POSITIVES

— Highly versatile player who is used in an almost limitless way at Texas.

— Stout, strong defender who excels in the run game. High-motor athlete who plays with reckless abandon. Secure tackler.

— Smart defender who identifies his threats in zone and plays with great leverage.

— Plays with very good ball skills. Puts himself in a very good position and attacks the ball through receivers. Able to defend bigger receivers.

NEGATIVES

— Hesitant when breaking at times. Looks like he doesn’t trust his eyes.

— Although he has very good twitch in short area, he lacks elite long speed.

NOTES

— Born Dec. 4, 2001

— 4-Star recruit in the 2020 class, per 247Sports

— 2023 Second-Team All-Big 12

OVERALL

Jahdae Barron is a highly versatile defensive back with the ability to play multiple positions, including cornerback, nickel, and safety. Standing at 5’11” and 200 pounds, Barron has demonstrated the instincts and adaptability needed to contribute in almost any role within a defensive backfield. Known for his physicality, high motor, and football intelligence, Barron has shown that he can impact the game in both the run and pass game. Depending on the NFL team and scheme, his skills give him the potential to wreak havoc on the field, making him a valuable asset at the next level.

Barron excels in zone coverage, where his football IQ and understanding of leverage allow him to read the quarterback’s eyes and anticipate threats. His ability to cover a variety of offensive players, including tight ends and larger receivers, is a standout trait. Barron puts himself in excellent positions, consistently attacking the ball through receivers and showing impressive timing when swiping through the catch point. However, despite his strong short-area quickness and twitch, Barron hesitates at times when breaking, which suggests he may not fully trust his eyes. Additionally, while he has good quickness in tight spaces, his lack of elite long speed can be a concern when trying to keep up with faster, vertical threats.

Barron is a force in the run game. His stout, aggressive nature allows him to play much bigger than his listed size, and he isn’t afraid to mix it up in the box. Barron triggers downhill quickly and is a secure tackler who consistently plays with intensity and effort. He takes on blockers effectively, using his physicality to make plays near the line of scrimmage. His high motor and willingness to compete in the run game make him a reliable defender in all situations, and he’s capable of handling the physical demands of playing close to the line of scrimmage.

Jahdae Barron projects as an early-round pick with the potential to become a versatile defensive weapon in the NFL. His ability to play multiple positions, combined with his high football IQ, physicality, and ball skills, gives him a high ceiling in a variety of defensive schemes. Barron’s toughness and adaptability give him a solid footing immediately and will allow him to develop into a key contributor at the next level. His versatility and competitive nature make him an attractive option for teams seeking flexibility in their defensive backfield.

GRADE: 8.1 (Year 1 Starter — 1st Round)

OVERALL RANK: 17

POSITION RANK: CB3

PRO COMPARISON: Desmond King

For all you who are preparing yourself for the draft, what do you think of the selection? Would you be on board with the Steelers taking Barron with their first pick? Or do you feel there is a better player at this position, a different one who may still be available, or that Barron will not make it to the 21st pick? Personally, I think the need for a cornerback in the first round for the Steelers will greatly be determined by the free agency period. The Steelers currently only have players on rookie contracts at cornerback, so I believe the addition of some veterans will take place. How big the Steelers go in free agency will ultimately determine how high cornerback lands when it comes to their positions of need. If the Steelers still have a need, grabbing a player who is extremely versatile with where they can play in the secondary would probably be preferred. If so, I also expect Steelers fans to react when Baron would be placed at a given position how, once again, the Steelers have him not playing his natural fit, although he doesn’t completely have one.