Steelers’ Draft Night: Who’s got the edge at no. 21?
Tonight’s 2025 NFL Draft has Steelers fans on edge, eager to see who Pittsburgh picks at No. 21. From quarterbacks to defensive linemen, we break down the top prospects with the best odds to join the black and gold. Dive into our analysis to uncover why these players fit and how they’ll shape the team’s future. Get ready for a thrilling draft night!
As the 2025 NFL Draft ignites tonight at Lambeau Field, Pittsburgh Steelers Nation is buzzing with anticipation. Holding the No. 21 pick, the Steelers aim to plug holes at quarterback, defensive tackle and running back after a 2024 season that exposed critical weaknesses.
This article unveils the players most likely to land in Pittsburgh, blending mock draft trends and betting odds to fuel your draft-day hype. Let’s dive into the prospects poised to transform the Steel City’s roster.
Draft night stakes are high
The Steelers face a make-or-break draft with no second-round pick after trading for DK Metcalf and only six total selections. The quarterback spot is a glaring void, with no long-term starter beyond 2025. The defensive line needs youth as Cam Heyward, 36 in May, nears retirement, and Larry Ogunjobi’s exit looms. Losing Najee Harris to the Chargers also leaves the running game thin.
Betting markets, including platforms where Techopedia ranks top no ID betting sites for seamless wagering, highlight a few names as frontrunners. These prospects align with Pittsburgh’s gritty identity and urgent needs, making them prime candidates at No. 21.
Jaxson Dart: The quarterback gamble
Pittsburgh’s quarterback crisis puts Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart in the spotlight. ESPN’s Draft Day Predictor gives him a 24% chance of landing at No. 21, thanks to his cannon arm and knack for extending plays. While his inconsistent decision-making sparks debate, the Steelers’ lack of a future QB1 makes Dart a tantalizing option.
Yahoo Sports’ mock drafts, including Nate Tice and Charles McDonald’s final projection, note Pittsburgh’s potential to “stun” at No. 21, with Dart as a frequent pick. If Aaron Rodgers signs as a bridge, the team might pivot, but Dart’s late-first-round projection keeps him in play.
Kenneth Grant and Derrick Harmon: Defensive Line anchors
The Steelers’ run defense, shredded by Baltimore’s 299-yard rushing barrage in the 2024 playoffs, demands a defensive tackle. Michigan’s Kenneth Grant, a 6’4″, 331-pound disruptor, is a fan favorite, with Steelers Depot estimating a 30% chance among DTs. His agility and run-stuffing prowess draw Casey Hampton comparisons.
Oregon’s Derrick Harmon, with a 40% edge per Depot, offers relentless power and fits as a 3-4 end. Both are projected in the 15-25 range, making them attainable without a trade. Art Rooney II’s reported emphasis on the D-line boosts their odds.
Omarion Hampton: Revving up the run game
With Najee Harris gone, North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton emerges as a dark horse at +800 odds via DraftKings. His punishing running style and open-field burst suit Pittsburgh’s smashmouth ethos. The Steelers’ nine top-30 visits with running backs, noted by NFL.com, signal heavy interest.
Hampton’s late-first to early-second-round projection makes him a viable No. 21 pick, especially if the team bypasses quarterback or defensive tackle. While first-round running backs are uncommon, Hampton’s fit could spark a bold move to restore the ground attack.
Wildcards to watch
Other prospects linger on the radar. Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka, a crisp route-runner, could be targeted if George Pickens, in his final contract year, is traded post-Metcalf deal. Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, a precise passer, is a pipe dream unless he slips past No. 9, where the Saints hold a 27% chance, per Yahoo Sports.
Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, a “generational” running back per X posts, is unlikely to fall from the top 10. Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, invited to Green Bay, could be a surprise first-rounder, but his fit with Pittsburgh is less clear. These names add intrigue as draft chaos looms.
Sealing the Deal tonight
With the draft unfolding tonight, the Steelers’ strategy hinges on pivotal factors. Aaron Rodgers’ looming decision could shift focus from quarterback to defensive tackle or running back. The absence of a second-round pick amplifies the pressure to nail No. 21.
Prospects like Dart, Grant, Harmon, or Hampton offer hope to a fanbase craving a playoff surge. Whether you’re glued to NFL Network or tracking bets, tonight’s picks will shape Pittsburgh’s path. Tune in at 8 p.m. ET to see who answers the Steelers’ call from the 412.
