Scouting The Mock: A look at the latest Steelers 2025 mock drafts, Part 2

This week’s iteration of Scout the Mock is based on the new information provided by the NFL Combine, which took place over the past few days. If you missed Part 1, check it out below:

Scouting the Mock: A look at the latest Steelers 2025 mock drafts, Part 1

The rumors swirling and the on-field performances from prospects have given us fresh insight into how the Steelers might approach addressing their needs in late April’s draft.

Once again, one of the mocks will come from a member of the wider draft community, while the second will be a fully generated mock to see how a computer would tackle the Steelers’ offseason needs.

Mock One:

 “Post-Combine 7-Round Steelers Mock Draft” – Alan Saunders/Steelers Now

Context: This draft was completed by Alan under the assumption that Justin Fields was returning to the Steelers for 2025 alongside the addition of an outside starting CB in free agency.

R1 Pick 21: DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan
R2 Pick 52: WR Elic Ayomanor, Stanford
R3 Pick 85:  CB Darien Porter, Iowa State
R4 Pick 122: RB Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech
R5 Pick 163: G Jackson Slater, Sacramento State
R7 Pick 225: DT Riley Mills, Notre Dame
R7 Pick 238: QB Brady Cook, Missouri

Summary:

The draft starts strong in both value and player selection with Michigan’s Kenneth Grant. Grant generated significant buzz at the NFL Combine through his media availability alone, as he was unable to participate in testing due to a hamstring strain. Standing at 6’4″ and 331 pounds (per NFL.com), he is an absolute force on the interior defensive line. Despite his massive frame, Grant is considered a freakish athlete for his position, displaying rare explosiveness and exceptional footwork meaning one day he could develop into a 3 down player.

To kick off Day 2, the Steelers select Elic Ayomanor, providing them with a physically dominant presence at wide receiver. Ayomanor is widely regarded as one of the best blockers at the position in this draft class, an attribute that fits well with the Steelers’ physical identity. Beyond his blocking ability, the 6’2″, 206-pound receiver boasts 4.44 speed, making him a legitimate outside threat. His breakout performance—294 yards and three touchdowns—against Heisman winner Travis Hunter further highlights his potential as a game-changer on the perimeter.

Closing out Day 2, the Steelers select Iowa State cornerback Darien Porter, who turned heads at the NFL Combine. The 24-year-old boasts a lengthy 6’3″ frame paired with blazing 4.3 speed, and his eye-popping athletic testing earned him a 9.99 RAS score. Porter projects as a rangy outside corner who, alongside Cory Trice, could compete for a backup role on the outside in 2025.

On Day 3, the Steelers use their first two selections on RB Bayshul Tuten and OG Jackson Slater. Tuten, like Porter, had an outstanding Combine performance, confirming his elite speed with a 4.32-second 40-yard dash and an explosive 40.5-inch vertical. His dynamic athleticism is something the Steelers have lacked in their backfield for some time, and he could serve as a complementary piece alongside Jaylen Warren for the 2025 season.

In Round 5, the selection of Slater further strengthens the Steelers’ offensive line. Despite recent investments in the unit, adding quality depth and potential future contributors remains a priority, making Slater a valuable addition to the trenches.

To close out the mock, the Steelers use their two seventh-round picks to double dip at defensive tackle with Riley Mills and select their potential backup or third-string quarterback in Brady Cook.

Despite previous investments, it’s clear that Omar Khan and company remain committed to fortifying the trenches, with Mills set to compete with players like Logan Lee for a roster spot come training camp.

Meanwhile, Cook has flown under the radar this offseason but made a strong impression at the Combine, showcasing both his arm talent and athleticism. His 4.59-second 40-yard dash in Indianapolis aligns with the mobility Mike Tomlin has seemingly prioritized in his quarterbacks over the past few offseasons.

Grade: A

The computer Mock:

This weeks CPU generated mock will be completed on the PFF Mock Draft Simulator using the public board and drafting for needs as a higher priority.

R1 Pick 21: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
R2 Pick 52: CB Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State
R3 Pick 85: WR Isaiah Bond, Texas
R4 Pick 122: CB Cobee Bryant, Kansas
R5 Pick 163: DT C.J. West, Indiana
R7 Pick 225: S Malachi Moore, Alabama
R7 Pick 238: OG Timothy McKay, North Carolina State

Summary:

The CPU predicts a major slide for polarizing QB prospect Shedeur Sanders, who has sparked debate due to both his on-field play and off-field distractions during his time at Colorado. There’s no question that Sanders is a talented passer, displaying impressive numbers under his father, Deion Sanders, thanks to his field processing and pinpoint accuracy at all three levels. However, concerns surrounding his top-end arm talent, pocket presence, and overall athleticism have cast doubt on his ceiling as an NFL quarterback.

We all know Mike Tomlin values bloodlines, so if Sanders were to experience an unexpected draft-day fall, it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility for the Steelers to consider calling his name at pick 21.

Day Two of this mock begins with the Steelers selecting the latest addition from FSU’s cornerback pipeline, Azareye’h Thomas. He is a long, technically sound outside corner, though he lacks elite athleticism. Thomas is reliable in both man and zone coverage, providing the scheme versatility that is crucial in today’s NFL.

To close out Day Two, the Steelers select former highly touted Texas WR Isaiah Bond. Despite running an impressive 4.4-second 40-yard dash, Bond made headlines by claiming he could break the combine record with a 4.1. While his speed is evident on the field, concerns remain about his ability to survive on the outside at the next level due to his smaller frame and struggles in contested catch situations—posting a low 27.3% contested catch rate in 2024 per PFF.

Texas WR Isaiah Bond records a 4.41u on his first 40. Top speed 24.17 MPH pic.twitter.com/UAiYQoyowJ

— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) March 1, 2025

The Steelers double dip at outside corner in this draft with the selection of Cobee Bryant out of Kansas, whom we previously highlighted in last week’s edition of this series. While Bryant is a solid prospect in his own right, his selection here would leave the Steelers with three unproven players competing for the CB2 spot behind Joey Porter Jr which seems undesirable.

C.J. West was another player who boosted his stock during the combine with his stout build at 6’1″, 316 pounds. His impressive 4.96-second 40-yard dash and 1.73-second 10-yard split will certainly catch the attention of evaluators. In this instance, he provides the Steelers with another athletic presence along the defensive line.

The selection of Alabama’s Malachi Moore kicks off the final picks of the draft, providing the Steelers with valuable safety depth. Moore has experience playing deep, in the box, and in the slot during his time in Tuscaloosa. His versatility and experience would be a welcomed addition to the defensive back room.

To complete the mock, the simulation has the Steelers selecting guard Timothy McKay, who can provide fortification on the inside of the offensive line as a swing option. His versatility would give the Steelers potential depth, allowing him to step in at multiple positions in a pinch.

Grade: D+

Personally, at this point in the offseason, the first draft is exactly what I would be looking for. The players and positions selected make a lot of sense for the Steelers’ 2025 roster. In contrast, the second mock leaves a lot to be desired, with heavy investment in the defensive back room and waiting until the 5th round to address the defensive line.

Let me know your opinions below! Do either of these drafts make sense to you?