Resetting the Steelers Draft Board Going Into Night 2 of the NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Derrick Harmon, Jr. with the 21st overall pick on Thursday night, but what will they do on Friday night? Will they explore a trade-up scenario into Round 2? Who would they target? What options could be available at Pick 83? We will attempt to answer those questions by resetting the Steelers draft board.

Night 1, despite minimal movement, had its own twists and turns, which resulted in several blue-chip prospects falling out of Round 1. Because of this, we will take a look at the top options for the Steelers still on the board in the event they decide to move into Round 2. We will also take a look at the top Round 3 options for the Steelers that could still be available at Pick 83.

Keep in mind, these rankings will reflect the Steelers’ first round selection at defensive tackle, suppressing other players’ ranking at that position. The same will occur for players at positions such as EDGE, safety, inside linebacker, and certain offensive tackles, as those are not considered primary needs for the Steelers.

The overall ranking is the respective ranking for that prospect on my big board. We will get things rolling with my #7 player in the entire draft.

2nd Round Steelers Draft Board

7. Will Johnson | CB | Michigan

Height: 6’2″
Weight: 202 lbs
Draft Projection: Mid to Late 1st
Notable Accomplishment: 2023 First-Team All-American

Pros: Johnson possesses every trait a team could ever want in a lockdown corner, from size, to speed, to instincts, to ball skills, to physicality. Johnson is capable of playing any type of coverage at a high level, but he is best in man coverage. He can be left on an island against opposing teams’ top receiving option, and he will take care of business. I love Johnson’s aggressive play style and tenacity, as he bumps receivers off their routes with such authority and confidence. When playing in zone, he displays his top-notch instincts by breaking on the ball at just the right time, often generating either an interception or batted pass out of it. Some scouts appear to be concerned about his speed, but regardless of whether or not he decides to run the 40, I believe his college tape speaks for itself in that he possesses more than sufficient speed to keep up with receivers on the perimeter.

Cons: Injury concerns are the only thing holding him back from being a lock to go inside the top 5. A turf toe injury caused Johnson to miss roughly half the 2024 season, and we did not see anything earth-shattering in his early-season performances to suggest he was playing at as high a level as he was playing during Michigan’s perfect 2023 season. His play was merely mediocre, but considering he may have never been fully healthy in 2024, it must be taken with a grain of salt. There are times Johnson does get grabby in coverage, and there is no guarantee he will get away with it in the NFL like he did in college.

Overview: If Will Johnson had played all season, there is a chance he would be universally ranked as the second-best player in this draft behind only Travis Hunter. Nonetheless, he is an elite corner prospect with as much upside as any corner we have seen in recent memory. Sauce Gardner and Joey Porter, Jr. have been two of my highest-rated defensive backs in recent memory, and I believe Johnson has the capability to be on that same level. Any team picking in the top ten should consider themselves fortunate if they are given the opportunity to select him.

NFL Comparison: Jalen Ramsey

24. Luther Burden III | WR | Missouri

Height: 5’11”
Weight: 208 lbs
Draft Projection: Early 2nd
Notable Accomplishment: 2023 First-Team All-SEC

Pros: If the NFL Draft was 6 months ago, Burden would have probably been a top-5 pick. Despite a down statistical season, he still displayed the same traits we have been accustomed to seeing from him. His combination of agility, body control, and ball skills make him a difficult one-on-one assignment for any defensive back. Burden’s acceleration, whether it be off the snap or after a catch, is second to none in college football, as he can go from 0 to 90 almost effortlessly. His ability to line up anywhere in the formation gives offensive coordinators a lot of opportunities to get creative and scheme plays to get him the ball in space. For a smaller receiver, Burden displays impressive toughness, as he will battle through contact down the field to come down with the football. His compact build allows him to break tackles in the open field at a high success rate as well.

Cons: Burden saw a major dip in production in 2024 to the tune of over 500 yards and 3 touchdowns less than his breakout 2023 campaign. A lot of variables played into his lack of productivity, and very few were in his control, but it is definitely a question he will be pushed on throughout the draft process. Another concern scouts likely have is that he gets impatient at times. There are instances on tape where he is caught looking upfield before securing the ball, resulting in a dropped pass. I would also like to see Burden do a better job of getting off press coverage. He is short, but he is not tiny. He has the physicality to beat press coverage, but the results have been inconsistent in that regard.

Overview: If Burden had replicated his 2023 production, he does not fall outside the top 10. I still believe he is a lock to go in Round 1, but he could definitely be in danger of sliding outside the top 20 selections. His NFL comparison may be a little lofty in Steve Smith, Sr., but even though Burden is a little bigger than Smith, the two receivers have nearly identical strengths and play styles. Burden can easily put up WR1 production in the NFL, but the scheme will matter.

NFL Comparison: Steve Smith, Sr.

31. Jalen Milroe | QB | Alabama

Height: 6’2″
Weight: 225 lbs
Draft Projection: Round 2
Notable Accomplishments: Winner of the Pop Warner College Football Award and William V. Campbell Trophy

Pros: Milroe is one of the toughest evaluations in this draft class, but nobody can discount his talent, smarts, and work ethic. I did not like Milroe as a prospect at all coming into the 2024 season, but his development as a passer, particularly in the area of ball placement and accuracy, has me much more intrigued going into the draft. He does not possess the speed of a Lamar Jackson, but he is a great athlete who is always a threat to take off and run. His arm strength is up there with Cam Ward as the strongest in the class, and his thicker frame allows him to withstand hits inside the pocket. Milroe is capable of making any throw on the field, and he displays great trust to his receivers as it pertains to coming down with contested catches down the field.

Cons: Milroe’s high upside is balanced out by an incredibly low floor, as there are still key aspects of his game which have not been brought up to par. His biggest hurdle when getting to the NFL will be learning to anticipate open receivers and open windows before they are actually open. Too often at Alabama, Milroe would wait until his receiver finishes his entire route before even attempting to deliver the ball. His anticipatory throws were, for all intensive purposes, non-existent in college, and he will not be able to succeed in the NFL until that narrative changes. I would have also liked to see better awareness from Milroe inside the pocket. He possesses good patience for a young quarterback, but he gets bit when he takes too long going through his progressions, as it gives pass rushers ample time to collapse the pocket. Unfortunately, Milroe does not always sense pressure well. His processing will need to speed up at the NFL level to avoid taking unnecessary sacks.

Overview: Milroe would have probably benefited from staying an extra year at Alabama, but in a draft class with minimal talent at the position and a good number of teams looking for their next franchise quarterback, Milroe has less competition and more reason to be selected in Round 1 in this year’s draft than in the 2026 draft. Despite his inconsistencies down the stretch and lousy bowl game performance against Michigan, Milroe could definitely hear his name called on Night 1 if he puts together a strong pre-draft process.

NFL Comparison: Jalen Hurts

36. TreVeyon Henderson | RB | Ohio State

Height: 5’10”
Weight: 208 lbs
Draft Projection: Late 1st / Early 2nd
Notable Accomplishment: Voted first-team all-Big Ten by coaches and media (2023)

Pros: Henderson is a true speed threat at running back who can break any run off and take it to the house. With impressive vision and decisiveness, Henderson hits the hole with purpose, and he gets through the hole incredibly quick, making it difficult for defensive linemen to disengage in time to bring him down at the first level of the defense. Once he gets to the second level, he relies on his outstanding elusiveness and ability to make defenders miss. Despite not having elite size, Henderson finds creative ways to gain yards after contact. He displays incredible balance and navigation through traffic, and he makes quick, clean cuts upfield, thanks to his impressive footwork. He was not used heavily as a pass catcher at Ohio State, but he has been sufficient in that regard, and he could definitely be in play for a larger receiving role in the NFL.

Cons: Henderson is smart in goal line situations as it pertains to being patient for his linemen to create space for him, but he does not possess great power. Unless he is behind an elite offensive line unit, he could find himself rather ineffective in short-yardage situations. In the right scheme, I believe Henderson could remain in the 205-210 pound range and be a full-time starter, but if he wants to withstand the physicality of the NFL game and not be worn down as easily, adding a little more weight to his frame will be necessary. My biggest flag with Henderson, however, comes in pass protection. Henderson lacks the awareness and technique to fend off opposing pass rushers, which greatly limits his value on 3rd downs.

Overview: Henderson’s collegiate success leads me to believe he has starter potential at the next level, but until he can be more valuable than dead weight as a pass protector, his opportunities on 3rd downs will be limited. His value to a team in Year 1 will be as a speedy change-of-pace option, and beyond that, his success will largely be determined by schematic fit and his development as a runner in between the tackles.

NFL Comparison: J.K. Dobbins

30. Shedeur Sanders | QB | Colorado

Height: 6’2″
Weight: 215 lbs
Draft Projection: Late 1st / Early 2nd
Notable Accomplishment: Set school passing yard and completion percentage records

Pros: Sanders is not hyped simply because of his bloodlines: he is a plus pocket passer with impressive maturity and leadership skills. Inside the pocket, Sanders delivers the ball with tremendous accuracy, and he throws the ball where only his receiver can get it. His ability to hold the safety over the middle of the field with his eyes have allowed him to connect on several clutch passes on the perimeter, and his patience as a passer prevents unnecessary throws into double and triple coverage, keeping the turnovers. Prior to Sanders’ rough bowl game performance, he had only thrown 8 interceptions over 12 games, bringing to light his smarts and discretion. Another impressive trait in Sanders’ game is his escapability. He is not the fastest or most athletic quarterback, but he has enough mobility to escape oncoming pass rushers when the pocket breaks down. His toughness and drive are certainly admirable, and the team that drafts him will definitely be getting a leader.

Cons: While it is true Sanders possesses great patience inside the pocket, he sometimes holds onto the ball too long before using his legs to escape the pass rush, and he does not always navigate the pocket with fluid footwork. There are several crucial, but fixable, mechanical issues that will need to be ironed out at the next level, and footwork is one of those issues, specifically when under duress inside the pocket. Sanders has a decent arm, but it is not elite, and he is not a gunslinger that typically zips a ball over the middle of the field into a tight window. Perhaps we see more of that at the next level, but he is not as comfortable a passer when throwing inside the hashes as opposed to the perimeter.

Overview: Sanders will likely get drafted higher than his overall ranking would suggest due to the dire need for quarterbacks, but he is still one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, and he is deserving of being selected in Round 1. If he can continue to strengthen his arm and learn to use his legs before the pocket collapses, he has a chance to become a top-15 quarterback in the NFL.

NFL Comparison: Dak Prescott

45. Shavon Revel, Jr. | CB | East Carolina

Height: 6’3″
Weight: 193 lbs
Draft Projection: Late 1st / Early 2nd
Notable Accomplishment: 2023 Second Team All-AAC

Pros: Revel got off to a fantastic start this season, picking off 2 passes and defending 2 passes in the 3 games he participated in last season. Ball skills were somewhat in question coming into the season, but if you look at his 2023 tape closely, there should have never been concerns. There were a couple instances where he probably should have caught the ball and didn’t, but he still had very few opportunities to pick off passes, and he made several uncanny pass breakups throughout the 2023 campaign, finishing with 12 for the season while also adding 1 interception to the fold. Despite coming off a significant injury, Revel provides so much intrigue with his athleticism alone. His combination of size and speed give him CB1 upside, and his aggressiveness near the line of scrimmages aggravates receivers, forcing them to take the outside track on vertical routes and struggle to get in good position for contested catches. The small-school standout can also cover receivers one-on-one over the middle of the field, displaying fluid hips and impressive change-of-direction skills. This allows him to stick with even the shiftiest of receivers in the middle of the field.

Cons: The biggest concern regarding Revel is his torn ACL that ended his 2024 season prematurely. His medicals will be the most important part of his combine results. As it pertains to on-field concerns, Revel will occasionally miss an opportunity to bring down a receiver in the open field due to coming in too high for the tackle. Lowering the pads will be a battle at his height, but with a little extra time dedicated to that in practice, it can easily be cleaned up. Revel also does not possess the sharpest read-and-react skills in the draft, which causes him to be a step late in zone coverage.

Overview: Revel’s injury makes him a major risk in Round 1, but for a team that plays a heavy dose of man coverage, he would have a chance to develop into a lockdown corner early in his career. If he gets good reports back from the combine medicals, he will safely be a first-round selection.

NFL Comparison: Stephon Gilmore

46. Jack Bech | WR | TCU | 6’1″, 214 lbs

• Great hands
• Gets good positioning against corners and shields defenders with his body effectively down the field
• Incredibly motivated following the unfortunate death of his brother Tiger
• Lacks top-end speed

44. Trey Amos | CB | Ole Miss

Height: 6’1″
Weight: 195 lbs
Draft Projection: 2nd Round
Notable Accomplishment: 2024 First-Team All-SEC

Pros: One of the most savvy press corners in this draft, Amos displays outstanding technique and positioning in press coverage, and his quick, fluid feet allow him to change direction quickly and stick with receivers on in-breaking routes. With over 31″ arms, his length allows him to control the receiver off the line of scrimmage and force him off his route, making him take the outside track down the field. His biggest question coming into the draft process was speed, and he put speed concerns to bed when he ran a 4.43 40 at the combine. In zone coverage, Amos displays solid spatial awareness, and his instincts allow him to break on the ball quickly enough to make a play on the ball. He is also great at tracking the ball down the field, even with with his back turned to the ball in coverage. He rarely gives up the big play down the field, and there are several games on tape where opposing quarterbacks simply avoid him when covering a receiver one-on-one on deep routes.

Cons: When you watch Amos’ tape, he possesses sufficient speed to keep up with most receivers, but he doesn’t have that second gear of speed to keep up with the burners at receiver. He is a one-speed player who is not an elite accelerator. He also plays too loosely in coverage, giving the receiver too much room to work with on intermediate and underneath routes. Improving blocking technique and taking smarter tackling angles will be key in his development as well.

Overview: Amos’ tape was as solid as you’d expect from a potential first-round pick, and he has done exactly what he needed to do this offseason by running a fast 40. While I would not be shocked if he sneaks into Round 1, the high demand for quarterbacks, receivers, and defensive linemen will likely push him into Day 2. He should see significant playing time as a rookie.

NFL Comparison: Kristian Fulton

51. Quinshon Judkins | RB | Ohio State

Height: 6’0″
Weight: 219 lbs
Draft Projection: Early Day 2
Notable Accomplishment: 2023 First-Team All-SEC

Pros: Judkins is an imposing downhill runner who balances power with patience, displaying fantastic discipline and physicality. I love running backs with leg drive, and Judkins does a wonderful job of keeping the legs churning after contact. This trait makes him incredibly difficult to bring down single-handedly. If he really wants to impose his power on defenders, I believe he possesses the athleticism to add another 10 pounds and still bring sufficient speed and explosiveness to the table. The Ole Miss transfer has not been used as a pass catcher at Ohio State as much as he was with Lane Kiffin, but I have seen enough to believe in his receiving abilities out of the backfield. He is not an elite route-runner, but he possesses good body control and secure hands. I would be remiss not to mention Judkins’ outstanding contact balance as well, as Judkins always seems to find a way to stay on his feet and avoid tackles at the second level of the defense.

Cons: The most frustrating part of watching Judkins on tape is his severe lack of decisiveness. Judkins has the vision to find the hole, but he hesitates too long looking for something better, only for the initial hole to close by the time he decides to go through it. Becoming more confident in his eyes and hitting the hole with conviction are two things that work hand in hand and would significantly improve his value as a runner. Judkins’ pass blocking was a little anemic at times, but several of his blown assignments may have been due to poor communication rather than an inability to execute.

Overview: Judkins has three-down potential in the NFL, but how high he can go in the draft will likely be capped by the incredible depth of the running back class this year. TreVeyon Henderson took a good portion of carries away from Judson, but that may have only helped Judson’s cause in that he has less tread on the tires entering the draft.

NFL Comparison: Ezekiel Elliott

52. Kaleb Johnson | RB | Iowa

Height: 6’0″
Weight: 225 lbs
Draft Projection: Day 2
Notable Accomplishment: Finished 7th in FBS in rushing yards (2024)

Pros: Johnson overcame a good number of obstacles to become the player he is today, and he continues to improve. As a runner, Johnson displays incredible burst through the hole, and he does a great job of getting the pads low enough to create positive gains in short yardage situations. Although primarily a north-and-south type runner, Johnson has enough agility in his lower extremities to avoid contact in the backfield and bounce it to the outside. His plus pass blocking skills could give him an immediate opportunity to be a three-down back in the league, as he identifies the blitzer before the snap and possesses outstanding technique. One of the things I like most about his game is his decisiveness. Whether it be as runner or receiver, Johnson is quick to get upfield once the ball is in his hands. He knows where he wants to move, and he gets moving quickly.

Cons: Displaying a little more patience for a hole to open up will be key to Johnson’s success in the NFL. There are instances on tape when the interior was plugged and Johnson immediately tried to cut it to the outside. He got away with it and had some nice breakaway runs on the perimeter, but I am not sure he will be able to outrun defenders in the NFL like he could in college. Johnson was also the beneficiary of a run-friendly offense combined with a physical offensive line, which allowed him to put up good numbers despite having only average vision and elusiveness.

Overview: I view Johnson as a consistent early-down back in a committee backfield. Ideally, I would like to see him go to a team with a good speed option in the backfield already. I think of a team like Carolina that already has Chuba Hubbard and Raheem Blackshear, or even a Tennessee with Tony Pollard and Tajae Spears. If his vision can improve and he can display a little more patience, there is certainly starting running back upside here.

NFL Comparison: Isaiah Crowell

3rd Round Steelers Draft Board

47. DJ Giddens | RB | Kansas State

Height: 6’0″
Weight: 212 lbs
Draft Projection: Round 3
Notable Accomplishment: His 6.55 YPC Broke Darren Sproles’ school record

Pros: Giddens is a human joystick juke machine. His agility in the open field is amongst the best in the class, but do not let his play style limit your expectations as an early-down runner. At 6’0″, 212 pounds, Giddens provides enough size to withstand large workloads and generate yardage in between the tackles. Ball security is not an issue, nor is his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. What I like the most about his game, however, is his patience. He waits for his blockers to get in place for their blocks, possessing the necessary instincts to work cohesively with his offensive line and accelerate just as the hole opens. His outstanding vision is what makes his patience effective, as he can see the hole well and hit is quickly.

Cons: Giddens isn’t the fastest lateral runner, and his pass blocking still needs a good bit of work. Quality of competition will be another question Giddens will have to answer during the draft process, as he did not match up against a high number of elite defensive fronts in 2024. Was his success based more on a lack of competition than it was his talent? The biggest concern I have for him is his surprising lack of power. For a runner his size, he is not an intimidating presence in short-yardage situations, and he lacks the leg drive to power his way through on the goal line.

Overview: Giddens is certainly not a finished product, but with his combination of talent and character, I’ll take my chances on this guy any day of the week. My NFL comparison may not make sense when you look at their body types in college, but based on skill set and probable NFL playing weight, it becomes much easier to recognize similarities.

NFL Comparison: Le’Veon Bell

65. Jalen Royals | WR | Ole Miss | 6’0″, 205 lbs

• Thick build; great physicality at the catch point
• Impressive body control
• Solid route-runner but needs to become more precise on his initial cut
• Struggles against length on the perimeter; needs to learn how to win against press coverage

68. RJ Harvey | RB | UCF | 5’8″, 205 lbs

• Outstanding patience to the hole
• Great open-field speed once his gets into full gear
• Runs with impressive power for an undersized back
• Takes poor blocking angles in pass protection

61. Dylan Sampson | RB | Tennessee

Height: 5’8″
Weight: 200 lbs
Draft Projection: 3rd Round
Notable Accomplishment: 2024 SEC Offensive Player Of the Year

Pros: Sampson is one of the most explosive running backs in this class, hitting the hole with incredible pop on a consistent basis. His compact build allows him to remain low to the ground and gain tough yards in between the tackles, and his ability to build up speed quickly makes it difficult on linebackers to bring him down one-on-one. Sampson also displays great instincts as a runner, anticipating tackling angles of defenders and adapting accordingly. He is uniquely twitchy in between the tackles and incredibly slippery, making it a challenge to bring him down in the open field. With a player as productive as Sampson was in 2024, it is hard to see him not making a major impact as a rookie.

Cons: While it is unclear what weight Sampson ran at during his time at Tennessee, it appears as if he dropped a little weight this offseason in efforts to test faster during the draft process. If Sampson wants to be a workhorse back at the next level, getting closer to the 210-215 range would allow him to take on NFL defenders with more power. Ball security became an issue in 2024 after having suffered zero fumbles his first 2 1/2 seasons with the Vols, which I find rather intriguing. His pass protection skills are also raw, and it could limit his value on third downs until he improves in that area.

Overview: Sampson’s primary value at this stage in the game is explosive running; however, his upside is through the roof if he can develop his skills in pass protection and as a pass catcher. His NFL comparison is a little taller than him and was more well-rounded coming out of college, but I believe the upside is similar.

NFL Comparison: James Cook

69. Cameron Williams | OT | Texas

Height: 6’6″
Weight: 317 lbs
Draft Projection: 3rd Round
Notable Accomplishment: Started all 15 games for one of the best offensive lines in the country (2024)

Pros: Williams may be the most underrated tackle prospect in this class, as his athleticism is amongst the best at his position. Before the 2024 season, Williams was overweight and not in the greatest playing shape, but after dropping significant weight and rededicating himself to serious conditioning, he now enters the draft at a prototypical size for an offensive tackle. For such a big guy, however, he can move incredibly well, and he has proven his ability to mirror in pass protection. Because he can handle speed and power so well, he is a great match for longer, athletic edge rushers. As a run defender, Williams is a true bulldozer who beats up defenders once he locks onto them, and his length allows him to gain leverage early in the rep.

Cons: Despite the upside of Williams, there are still many raw aspects in his game, none of which are more notable than his stiffness. Handling big-time athleticism is not an issue for Williams, but dealing with bend and quickness is a totally separate issue. He plays too high and tight as both a run blocker and pass blocker, which is caused by failing to bend the knees. His lack of bend also causes him to play off-balanced and out of sync. If he is unable to overcome this issue, he will also struggle in the run game, as it caused him to play with his pads too high.

Overview: The issues Williams suffers from are certainly significant, but if we look back on this draft 3 years from now and he is playing better than any offensive tackle in this class, I would not be surprised. The talent is undeniable, and if all else fails at tackle, he possesses the size and physicality to make for a dominant guard if he can learn how to land better punches.

NFL Comparison: Germain Ifedi

78. Xavier Restrepo | WR | Miami | 5’10”, 209 lbs

• One of the best route-runners in the class
• Smart, tough, and fights for the football
• Likely limited to the slot in the NFL
• Would be a surefire Day 2 pick if not for a fluke 40 time at his pro day

79. Bhayshul Tuten | RB | Virginia Tech | 5’9″, 206 lbs

• Elite speed, can take any run to the house
• Strong lower body, withstands contact and fights through tackles to gain extra yardage
• Lacks patience for a block to develop and open a hole
• Poor anticipation as a receiver, but very dangerous when he can haul the pass in.

80. Nohl Williams | CB | California | 6’0″, 199 lbs

• Incredible instincts and ball skills
• His short-area burst allows him to break quickly on the ball and close on defenders quickly
• Needs to get stronger at the point of attack; will be scary if he can add 5 pounds of muscle and maintain his speed
• Not an effective run defender

81. Kyle McCord | QB | Syracuse | 6’3″, 218 lbs

• Improved tremendously in terms of ball placement and processing in 2024
• Above-average arm with enough athleticism to leave the pocket and gain positive yardage with his legs
• Questionable decision-making when throwing under duress or outside the pocket
• Struggled against tougher Big Ten competition in 2023

83. Isaiah Bond | WR | Texas | 5’11”, 180 lbs

• Serious deep speed
• Strong hands on contested catches
• Adding a little weight will help keep him from getting pushed off his route
• In the midst of off-field situations; unclear if they are concerning or not

84. Marcus Mbow | OT/G | Purdue | 6’4″, 303 lbs

• Instinctual blocker who times his punches well as a pass protector
• Above-average athlete with elite quickness off the snap
• His 32″ arms will force him to the inside in the NFL
• Lacks power as a run defender

85. Donovan Edwards | RB | Michigan | 5’11”, 205 lbs

• One of the most explosive runners in the draft
• Possesses breakaway speed, respectable power, and above-average core strength
• Good hands out of the backfield
• Handled an increased amount of pass-blocking responsibilities the past two seasons like a champ
• Poor vision is the only thing that could keep Edwards from being great

Which players do you think are ideal options for the Steelers in Round 3, or even Round 2? Be sure to share your thoughts on this and all things NFL Draft in the comment section below!