Pittsburgh Steelers Predicted to Land This Elite Playmaker in 2025 NFL Draft…

Pittsburgh Steelers Predicted to Land This Elite Playmaker in 2025 NFL Draft…

As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to build for the future, attention is already beginning to turn toward the 2025 NFL Draft. After an offseason that saw the team make notable improvements in both the draft and free agency, the next steps for the Steelers will involve adding an elite playmaker who can help elevate their offense and give the team a legitimate chance to contend for a Super Bowl in the coming seasons.

Despite having a solid defensive unit that includes one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers in T.J. Watt and an evolving secondary, the Steelers have faced challenges in terms of consistently producing explosive plays on offense. The team’s offense, under quarterback Kenny Pickett, has shown flashes of potential but lacks a true game-breaking playmaker at the skill positions. In 2025, Pittsburgh will be looking to remedy that by targeting a player who can immediately contribute and change the dynamics of the offense.

The Need for an Elite Playmaker

The Steelers’ offense, while improving, has not yet reached the level needed to compete consistently with the league’s top teams. Quarterback Kenny Pickett, in his early years, has shown growth but is still in the process of developing into a top-tier signal-caller. One of the keys to his development will be surrounding him with an elite playmaker who can make life easier for him.

Pittsburgh’s wide receiver corps, headlined by star receiver George Pickens, has potential but lacks the consistent depth that many of the NFL’s top offenses boast. While Pickens is undoubtedly a promising talent, the Steelers need a true game-breaking presence alongside him—someone who can stretch the field, create separation, and become a go-to target in critical moments. Adding an elite running back, tight end, or another top-tier wide receiver could help take the offense to the next level.

Moreover, the Steelers’ offensive line remains a work in progress. While improvements have been made, this unit still requires attention, particularly to provide better protection for Pickett and create more space for the running game. With a solid offensive line and the addition of an elite playmaker, the Steelers would be positioned to improve on their offensive output significantly.

Potential Playmakers for the Steelers in 2025

Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, there are several prospects who could fill the Steelers’ need for an elite playmaker. While it’s still early in the evaluation process, there are a few names emerging as possible top selections who could make an immediate impact in Pittsburgh.

1. Drake Maye (QB, North Carolina)
Although the Steelers are set with Pickett at quarterback for now, it’s possible that a player like Drake Maye, a potential top pick in 2025, could be available if the team sees an opportunity to upgrade at the position. Maye is considered one of the top quarterbacks in the draft, with impressive size, mobility, and arm strength. If Pickett does not take the leap that the team expects, Maye could be a potential future franchise quarterback who would provide the Steelers with a more dynamic and consistent presence under center.

2. Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio State)
One of the most exciting prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft is Marvin Harrison Jr., the son of NFL Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison. The younger Harrison is regarded as one of the most complete wide receiver prospects in recent memory. With excellent size (6’4″, 205 pounds), superb route-running ability, and the hands to make spectacular catches, Harrison has the potential to become a true No. 1 receiver in the NFL. Pairing him with Pickens could give the Steelers one of the most formidable wide receiver duos in the league and open up the offense significantly.

3. Brock Bowers (TE, Georgia)
While tight ends are not typically drafted at the top of the first round, Georgia’s Brock Bowers is the rare exception. A matchup nightmare with elite athleticism, Bowers has the ability to line up in multiple spots, both as an inline tight end and as a receiver in the slot or out wide. His playmaking ability would be a huge asset to the Steelers’ offense, providing a reliable target for Pickett in both the short and deep passing game. Adding Bowers would be a game-changer for the offense, especially in the red zone.

4. Jatavious “T.J.” Shivers (RB, Alabama)
If the Steelers want to address their backfield, Jatavious Shivers from Alabama is a potential first-round pick in 2025. With a combination of speed, power, and vision, Shivers would add an explosive dimension to Pittsburgh’s running game. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield would also add versatility to the offense, making him a dual-threat weapon that could take pressure off the quarterback and wide receivers.

#### Conclusion

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in an excellent position to add an elite playmaker in the 2025 NFL Draft who can help reshape their offense and position the team for long-term success. Whether it’s a dynamic wide receiver like Marvin Harrison Jr., a game-changing tight end in Brock Bowers, or a dual-threat running back in Jatavious Shivers, the Steelers will be looking to inject some high-level talent into their offense. With an already elite defense and a promising young quarterback in Pickett, adding an elite playmaker could be the missing piece that propels the Steelers back to championship contention in the coming seasons.

CONGRATULATIONS: Gayle Benson to Induct Top Franchise Offensive Lineman to Into Saints Hall of Fame on Sunday

Jahri Evans will be honored at halftime and be inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame on Sunday.

Sunday will feature a Saints Legend of the Game and fan favorite being honored during halftime. Offensive lineman Jahri Evans will be inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor during halftime of the Browns game. Team owner Gayle Benson and several former teammates of Evans will also participate in the festivities.

“It is exciting to have been selected to be part of such an elite group,” said Evans in a team press release on Thursday.

“I am grateful to Mrs. Benson, Mickey Loomis for selecting me for this honor. I would also like to thank my coaches and teammates for the role they played in my development and success, as well as our fans that gave us such great energy on gameday and inspired us to reach the heights of winning the Super Bowl.” “

From Saints Owner Gayle Benson

“During his 11-year playing career as a Saint, Jahri Evans established himself as one of the greatest Saints of all-time and we are thrilled to add him to the Ring of Honor,” said Benson. “Jahri was a true professional, a student of the game and a phenomenal teammate. With his excellence along the offensive line, he became a true leader and was a catalyst for some of the NFL’s most prolific offenses. The battles Jahri won up front played a pivotal role in us celebrating some of the most memorable moments in our franchise’s history. We look forward to celebrating his legendary career in front of our fans in the Caesars Superdome.”

From Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis

“From the moment we drafted Jahri Evans in 2006, he was an immediate contributor and integral part of our football team,” Loomis said. “Jahri quickly became a mainstay on our offensive line and was one of the most dominant guards in the National Football League. His contributions throughout the week and on gameday were crucial to our team’s success on offense and as a whole during that time. I have been fortunate to have a chance to be around some Hall of Fame offensive lineman during my NFL front office career and Jahri ranks right in that group. We are extremely proud to have Jahri join the Saints Ring of Honor.”

Evans was a fourth-round pick of the Saints in that historic 2006 draft class. The Saints offense wouldn’t work without Evans, and he was a key piece of the Super Bowl run. He solidified himself as one of the league’s best guards and was named to Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2010’s All-Decade Team. He was named to six straight Pro Bowls from 2009-2013 to go along with numerous accolades included All-Pro honors.

The Packers need Lukas Van Ness to step up.

Updated Packers depth chart after last-minute Preston Smith trade

Trading Preston Smith on deadline day helps the Green Bay Packers financially, and general manager Brian Gutekunst deserves credit for dumping his salary on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Smith trade itself isn’t the problem and was a smart piece of business. What may come back to haunt the Packers was their inability to add a pass-rusher at the NFL trade deadline. With or without Smith, Green Bay needed to improve its consistency at getting after opposing quarterbacks, and it’s not like opportunities weren’t there.

The New York Giants’ rumored asking price for edge-rusher Azeez Ojulari—a late fourth or early fifth—presented the perfect opportunity for the Packers to add talent to the front seven.

Their failure to make a move may hurt them down the stretch, regardless of whether they retained Smith. Moving on from the veteran makes sense. The lack of acquisitions is harder to justify.

Updated depth chart leaves Packers thin after Preston Smith trade

Before you make any jokes about Joe Barry using Smith as a cornerback (the good ol’ days), here is the Packers’ updated defensive end depth chart:

Starters

Second Team

Third Team

Rashan Gary

Kingsley Enagbare

Aaron Mosby

Lukas Van Ness

Brenton Cox Jr.

The Packers need Lukas Van Ness more than ever. The 13th overall pick in 2023 has made a concerning start to his second campaign, with only six pressures and one sack through the opening nine games, per PFF. Defensive tackle T.J. Slaton has two more pressures on 42 fewer snaps.

If there’s room for optimism, it’s that Van Ness has never started an NFL game. The second-year pro will presumably land the starting nod ahead of Kingsley Enagbare, but even if not, Smith’s departure opens up a full-time role on defense, something the Iowa product has yet to see.

Whether that translates into more pressures and sacks remains to be seen, but it’s not like Smith was getting consistent production. The Packers moved on from a veteran they were likely going to release in the offseason, created future cap space, and netted a draft pick.

The question is whether they were right to stick with the current group rather than aggressively pursuing a pass-rusher before the trade deadline. Ojulari has twice as many sacks as any Packers player despite only starting four games. He could’ve filled the starting position opposite Rashan Gary.

Instead, Van Ness must begin to show signs of becoming the player the Packers thought they were getting after selecting him 13th overall. His development could determine how far this team can go in January.