Where ESPN Listed Steelers On Post-NFL Draft Power Ranking

The Steelers could be in the hunt for a playoff spot, but likely won’t contend with the best of the best.

That was the evaluation from ESPN when the Worldwide Leader released its post-NFL draft power ranking Monday.

The Steelers ranked 17th. Seven AFC teams were listed ahead of Pittsburgh, including a pair of AFC North rivals in the Baltimore Ravens (No. 5) and Cincinnati Bengals (No. 10).

“Mike Tomlin said the team had ‘extreme urgency’ in adding to the defensive line, and it showed in the draft,” ESPN’s Steelers reporter Brooke Pryor wrote. “The Steelers used their first-round pick on Derrick Harmon, a versatile defensive tackle who models his game after Cameron Heyward’s. Then, the Steelers double-dipped at the position with big-bodied tackle Yahya Black, who coaches said can play nose tackle but will likely be a 4-technique. That leaves the Steelers with a crowded defensive line room, but it’s a good problem to have, as they struggled to stop the run last season.”

Pittsburgh still faces questions behind center with Aaron Rodgers yet to decide on his future. While some inside the Steelers organization feel optimistic about Rodgers, the uncertainty continues to impact Pittsburgh’s outlook in 2025.