The Pittsburgh Steelers head into the 2025 NFL Draft with a world of possibilities in front of them. There are multiple position groups in need of improvement. That includes the quarterback saga that’s dragged on for weeks now. However, the argument could be made that the Steelers’ biggest need is at defensive line, especially on the inside.
So it comes as no surprise that BetMGM thinks defensive line is the most likely position for the Steelers to target first in the draft.
Steelers first position drafted odds current as of March 28, per BetMGM
Defensive Line/Edge +155
Offensive Lineman +400
Quarterback +450
Cornerback +450
Running Back +900
Wide Receiver +2000
Safety +2200
Linebacker +3300
Tight End +5000#Steelers #NFL
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) March 28, 2025
The defensive line is given +155 odds, and the next-highest is offensive line at +400. That’s a pretty sizeable difference, showing just how much of a need it is.
Luckily, the Steelers are evaluating a defensive line class deep in talent, especially on the interior. At the 21st overall pick, they won’t have a shot at Mason Graham, the consensus top-10 DL in the class. However, his teammate, Kenneth Grant, might be available. At the least, Grant, Walter Nolen, or Derrick Harmon should be on the board in the first round for the Steelers.
Of course, the quarterback position remains the most important one in football. Right now, the Steelers only have Mason Rudolph at the spot. That isn’t good enough to contend. Given the fact that BetMGM has QB as the third-most-likely position, they may assume Aaron Rodgers ends up a Steeler anyway. Pittsburgh could still opt to take a QB this year, knowing they need to take a swing for the future at some point. Or they could focus on next year’s class, instead.
The offensive line and cornerback positions don’t feel like quite as big of needs. Broderick Jones does need to show some improvement, and Troy Fautanu is unproven. That said, the offensive line remains promising regardless. Pittsburgh also added Darius Slay and Brandin Echols at cornerback this offseason.
The only other position BetMGM gives any sort of a chance to is running back. Maybe if Ashton Jeanty somehow falls to the 21st pick, they’d take him there. The running back class is also deep this year, though. That feels like more of a Day 2 or Day 3 pick.
One of the Steelers’ biggest problems toward the end of last year was a lack of depth at the defensive line. This is an excellent class to fix that issue, and it seems to be the most likely choice.
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