In a brand new mock draft now that many of the free agent mud has settled, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ two greatest wants are apparent: quarterback and line of defense. For Fox Sports activities’ David Helman, just one ought to be addressed within the first spherical of April’s draft. In his newest mock draft, he has the Steelers choosing Michigan DT Kenneth Grant, bolstering the d-line whereas hoping Pittsburgh doesn’t fall into the identical lure as 2022.
“It’s solely been two years because the Steelers realized the consequence for reaching on a quarterback. Hopefully, they’re not too desperate to attempt it once more. As a substitute, hold a power a power. Sadly, Cam Heyward can’t play perpetually, and Grant would function an thrilling succession plan.”
The 2025 quarterback class isn’t just like the 2024 version. Final yr, a report six quarterbacks went off the board within the prime 12 picks. Solely two may hear their title on Evening One this yr, although, to Helman’s level, Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart could possibly be tempting if on the board. It wouldn’t be fully analogous to Kenny Pickett, the primary quarterback taken in a 2022 class, which was even worse than this yr’s. Nonetheless, there’s sufficient similarity of “group with no quarterback reaches for one” that comes with appreciable danger.
As a substitute, Grant would increase an ageing and skinny line of defense. Larry Ogunjobi was minimize (after which signed and suspended), and Pittsburgh has but so as to add anybody in free company, whereas Isaiahh Loudermilk stays unsigned. A giant nostril sort out with the athleticism of somebody half his dimension, Grant’s addition may kick out Keeanu Benton to the defensive finish in base fronts. That may resolve two issues: including a stouter physique within the center whereas changing Ogunjobi’s position.
Our scouting report spoke extremely of Grant. Giving him a first-round grade, we concluded:
“This isn’t your typical nostril sort out of yesteryear that may be phased out of video games. Grant is a dominant two-down DT with the potential to be a three-down impactful participant as a cross rusher. He ought to check very properly athletically within the pre-draft course of and has all of the hallmark traits you usually see for guys his dimension. His potential to return in and be a high-end run defender early in his profession and an ascending cross rush growth ought to have loads of NFL groups all for him. I feel that he may play in a 3-4 or 4-3 entrance, relying on what groups need him to do.”
And provided a comparability to Dontari Poe. Pittsburgh’s performed their homework on Grant, holding a proper Mix assembly, and are absolutely set to attend the Wolverines’ Professional Day later this month. Together with Oregon’s Derrick Harmon, Grant figures to be one of many prime two line of defense prospects on the Steelers’ radar.
The final defensive lineman Pittsburgh took within the first spherical was Cam Heyward in 2011. With two years left within the league, it’s time to do it once more.
Highlights in the remainder of Helman’s mock embrace Miami (FL) QB Cam Ward going No. 1 to the Tennessee Titans, the Las Vegas Raiders buying and selling up for Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders, the Denver Broncos buying and selling up for Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty, and – I hope you’re sitting down for this – the Cleveland Browns buying and selling again up into the primary spherical to pick Alabama’s Jalen Milroe at No. 26. Dart doesn’t seem anyplace within the prime 32.
