NFL Draft Expert Can’t Envision Steelers Trading Up For This Reason

Daniel Jeremiah can’t envision the Pittsburgh Steelers trading up in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Pittsburgh doesn’t have the draft capital other teams would require, after all.

“You’re going to have to part with some heavy artillery in next year’s draft because you don’t have a (second-round pick) this year,” the NFL Network draft analyst told reporters during a pre-draft conference call Friday, per a provided transcript. “I think it limits their ability to move up. It would be very costly for them to move up with next year’s draft.”

The Steelers hold the 21st overall pick, but traded their second-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks for DK Metcalf. Their only pick on Day 2 is 83rd overall.

“To me, if they aren’t in love with a quarterback, I could see them being a team that’s more than available and ready and willing to move back to try and get more in that range,” Jeremiah said. “Some of these needs that they have could be filled in that top of the second-round range and then get some extra picks as well. I think it restricts them a little bit in terms of going up. It makes it more likely for them to move back.”

Pittsburgh has been viewed as a potential trade-up suitor given its need at quarterback. If Shedeur Sanders were to slide past the New York Giants (No. 3) and New Orleans Saints (No. 9), the Steelers have been viewed as a viable landing spot for the QB prospect. However, other reports have shared the meeting between Sanders and the Steelers did not go well. Jaxson Dart is another potential option for the Steelers at No. 21 overall.

The 2025 NFL Draft begins Thursday.