2025 Steelers Draft Rumors: Mike Tomlin to land 175-TD Heisman Trophy candidate as Russell Wilson replacement
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been surprisingly elite in the 2024 season, riding a monstrous defense to a division-best 10-3 record. However, they also have a pressing need that a Heisman candidate can resolve.
It is no secret that both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields will become free agents by the time the new league year kicks off in March 2025.
To that end, in the latest Fox Sports NFL mock draft released on Wednesday, NFL draft analyst Rob Rang thinks Mike Tomlin will get his quarterback of the future in Cam Ward - the Miami scoring machine who has thrown for 155 touchdowns and rushed for 20 more during his collegiate career - in the first round:
"Agile, instinctive and accurate, Ward could be a fun fit should Pittsburgh decide to draft and develop a young quarterback."
Ward finished as a Heisman finalist this season as he threw for 4,123 yards with 36 touchdowns and seven interceptions for the Miami Hurricanes.
Other roster needs Mike Tomlin, Steelers should address in 2025 Draft besides quarterback
Besides quarterback, the Steelers are also best served to bolster three more offensive positions.
The first is running back. With Pro Bowler Najee Harris also set to become a free agent, Jaylen Warren is expected to become their lead back of the future. But that will also leave Cordarelle Patterson as their only rusher, and he is more of a kickoff returner.
Next is wide receiver. George Pickens will undoubtedly become a superstar in the mold of Hines Ward and Antonio Brown, but he also needs capable support.
The Steelers' other primary starter at WR, Van Jefferson, has had just 231 yards, fewer than even Harris. Calvin Austin III has done better with 387, but he is more of a punt returner. Mike Williams will be a free agent and has underwhelmed save for a lone touchdown.
The last is offensive tackle. The team already has two credible starters in Dan Moore on the left side and Broderick Jones on the right. But with Troy Fautanu needing to recover from injury and Spencer Anderson and Moore set to become free agents, there is a need for another "swing tackle" - a backup who can play either the left or right side when necessary, e.g. in case of injury.
Fortunately, there are quality prospects out there. The likes of Kelvin Banks, Josh Simmons, and Aireontay Ersery, who were also mentioned in the same mock draft, are mid-to-late potential first-rounders who could replenish the trenches and provide insurance in case any of the aforementioned players leave.