As the flurry of excitement from free agency begins to simmer down, there’s still one name that’s generating buzz. Now, the NFL Draft is the next significant event, although the Steelers find themselves without a second-round pick this time around. Omar Khan, however, has a knack for strategic moves on draft day, and this year might be an opportunity to address some key areas where the team needs depth, especially given the lack of a long-term quarterback strategy.
Ryan Wilson from CBS Sports recently shared a mock draft, showcasing his predictions for the first three rounds. He sees the Steelers bolstering their defensive line by selecting Walter Nolen from Ole Miss with the 21st overall pick.
Wilson comments on the defensive lineup, suggesting Nolen could have been picked higher in a different year due to his remarkable skills. At 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds, his strength and speed off the line make him a standout. Although he might not resemble someone like Dexter Lawrence physically, Nolen holds his ground against double teams and uses his agility to effectively target the ball.
For teams like Pittsburgh needing a solid defensive line, this year’s draft is promising. While the free agency pool didn’t deliver as expected, this draft is rich with possibilities. It’s highly likely Pittsburgh won’t need to trade up to secure a top-tier talent in April. Whether they choose the defensive line in the first round remains uncertain, but based on current predictions, Nolen is a thrilling option. He’s not the only analyst’s pick for Pittsburgh, making him a talked-about candidate for the team.
Cam Heyward delivered top-notch performance in 2024 despite aging, but the Steelers definitely need backup, especially beyond Keeanu Benton. Nolen’s physical prowess matches the position requirements well, though consistency on each play is an area for improvement. Nonetheless, his 2024 stats are impressive, capturing 48 tackles, 14 for loss, and 6.5 sacks. Jim Hester from our team provided an in-depth analysis of Nolen’s gameplay.
Should the Steelers draft Nolen in the first round, experts believe this would be a savvy decision. Even without a second-round pick, there’s potential to secure a valuable player in later rounds, as Wilson anticipates. He predicts the Steelers could pick QB Will Howard from Ohio State in the third round.
The quarterback decision hinges on Aaron Rodgers’ final season plans. At one point, a first-round QB pick seemed plausible, given Rodgers’ uncertain future with other teams. Now, those possibilities seem to have vanished, and his joining the Steelers feels increasingly inevitable.
Drafting Howard in the third round could prove strategic. He excelled during key moments in 2024, especially through Ohio State’s championship journey. As a third-round pick, Howard wouldn’t face overwhelming expectations right away, and learning under Rodgers could be incredibly beneficial. It’s the kind of setting that could foster the development of Howard into a future Steelers quarterback leader.
