Alright Steelers Nation, it's that time of year again. With just days before the black and gold report to Saint Vincent College for training camp, it’s mock draft season — yes, already. A fresh three-round mock draft from Pro Football Network is making waves, and we decided to take a deep dive into their projections, plus toss in a missing third-rounder they oddly left out.
Spoiler alert: there’s a QB pick that might raise eyebrows, a wideout with breakout potential, and some trench reinforcements you’re gonna want to know about. So let’s dig in.
📍First Round Pick: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
Ceiling: Superstar | Floor: Development Project
Let’s just get to the meat right away. With their first-round selection, the Steelers are projected to take LaNorris Sellers, the big, athletic quarterback out of South Carolina.
Now, if you're thinking "wait… who?", you're not alone. Sellers isn’t exactly a household name just yet, but he’s got the tools to be a game-changer if 2025 goes his way. The kid is a raw talent — we’re talking serious arm strength, mobility that can stretch defenses, and a frame that’s built for punishment. He’s got shades of a young Cam Newton in his game, but that doesn’t mean he’s a lock.
What’s holding him back right now? Decision-making. He needs to speed things up and show he can process defenses faster. If he can make that leap this year at South Carolina, you could easily see him join Cade Klubnik in the top-tier QB discussion come next spring.
For Pittsburgh, this pick could be a signal that they’re ready to hit the reset button under center. Kenny Pickett hasn't exactly wowed anyone, and if the front office isn’t sold on him, Sellers offers an intriguing alternative for the future.
🧨 Second Round Pick: Eric Singleton Jr., WR, Auburn
Sleeper Potential | Elite Speed | Outside WR Hope
Here’s a name that Steelers fans will want to keep tabs on this fall: Eric Singleton Jr. The Auburn wideout comes off a productive season at Georgia Tech and brings a lot of juice to this receiver class.
His length isn’t elite, sure, but Singleton makes up for it with electric speed and sharp route running. He was the go-to guy in a pass game that didn’t throw much — which makes his production all the more impressive. That says a lot about his ability to separate and earn trust from his QBs.
The biggest question is: Can he consistently win outside at the next level?
Pittsburgh needs help on the perimeter after parting ways with Diontae Johnson, and George Pickens can’t do it all alone. Singleton offers dynamic playmaking and should instantly compete for reps, especially if he can show he’s more than just a slot option. He’s got that “watch me work” kind of swagger that fans will love.
🔄 The Missing Pick: Parker Brailsford, IOL, Alabama
(Acquired via George Pickens Trade with Dallas)
Position Flexibility | Day-One Toughness | Long-Term Fit
Now, this one’s interesting — and somehow left out of the original PFN mock. We're talking about the third-round pick the Steelers got in the George Pickens trade with Dallas (yep, that blockbuster).
Parker Brailsford, currently a center at Alabama, is a name many might remember from his time as a standout guard at Washington before transferring. He’s the kind of versatile interior lineman every team loves. Guard, center — doesn’t matter. He’ll line up and bring the heat.
The Steelers’ O-line rebuild is ongoing, and with Isaac Seumalo not getting any younger, Brailsford is a savvy developmental pick who can step in if someone goes down or eventually take over inside full-time. Physical, smart, and with SEC battle scars? Sign us up.
🛡️ Third Round Pick: Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech
Small School Star to Power 5 Grinder | High Floor, Low Flash
Alright, let’s talk secondary. The PFN mock rounds out with Cole Wisniewski, who made a name for himself as a do-it-all defender at North Dakota State and now looks to prove he belongs in the Big 12 with Texas Tech.
He’s a classic case of “jack of all trades, master of none.” That’s not a dig — it just means he’s solid across the board without elite measurables or jaw-dropping athleticism. The Steelers could use some depth and rotational help at safety, especially with the uncertainty around Damontae Kazee’s role and long-term outlook.
There’s also the question of whether Wisniewski has the athletic ceiling to hang with top-tier NFL receivers. He’ll need to prove that on a bigger stage this season, but if he does? He’s a safe bet to land somewhere in the mid-rounds — possibly even Day 2, as projected here.
And let’s be honest: Mike Tomlin loves versatile, high-IQ defensive backs who can wear multiple hats in the scheme. Cole fits that mold.
🔎 What This Draft Says About the Steelers’ Direction
Some big takeaways from this mock draft:
-
Quarterback is officially back on the radar.
The LaNorris Sellers pick screams future-focused, and if Pickett stumbles early this season, fans might be clamoring for a change sooner than expected. -
Wide receiver remains a critical hole.
Singleton has a shot to be the guy — but Pittsburgh has to get this pick right. There’s not enough proven depth behind Pickens. -
Interior offensive line isn’t being ignored.
Brailsford could be a cornerstone piece inside. Given the attrition rate for linemen, it’s smart to reload now. -
Secondary depth is still thin.
Even if Wisniewski isn’t a flashy pick, he adds a layer of insurance and special teams upside.
🏕️ Camp Countdown Begins
As the Steelers gear up to head to Latrobe, this draft projection offers some insight into what the team may be prioritizing long-term. Quarterback stability, perimeter playmakers, and trench depth are all on the menu — and for good reason.
Of course, everything could change with a standout training camp, a surprise trade, or a breakout season from a young player. But if this mock is any indication, the Steelers are looking to reload and reset in some key areas.
We’ll be keeping tabs on all these prospects through the college season, especially Sellers and Singleton, who both have high-upside years ahead.
Get ready, Steelers fans. Camp is almost here, and the 2025 draft class is already making headlines.
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