{"id":40597,"date":"2025-04-13T02:41:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-13T02:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=40597"},"modified":"2025-04-13T02:41:00","modified_gmt":"2025-04-13T02:41:00","slug":"breaking-steelers-pick-two-veteran-replacements-in-three-round-mock-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=40597","title":{"rendered":"BREAKING: Steelers Pick Two Veteran Replacements in Three-Round Mock Draft.."},"content":{"rendered":"
The Pittsburgh Steelers might look a lot different in two years, but the 2025 NFL Draft can help replenish a playoff-ready roster.<\/div>\n
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The\u00a0Pittsburgh Steelers\u00a0are esteemed for their consistency, and that doesn\u2019t come without familiar faces like head coach Mike Tomlin and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. Their collective standard has helped set the tone for one of the more respected organizations in the sport.<\/p>\n

However, despite an incredible 2024 season, the Steelers are still expected to find Heyward\u2019s eventual successor in April. He isn\u2019t alone in getting backfilled, either.<\/p>\n

After trading a second-round pick for\u00a0Seattle Seahawks\u00a0receiver DK Metcalf, Pittsburgh has found a second star who wins downfield on the boundary. That could very well end with Pickens hitting free agency in 2026, where he stands to find more targets and a raise.<\/p>\n

Subsequently, the Steelers picked replacements for both in the following three-round mock draft, made using\u00a0Pro Football and Sports Network\u2019s mock draft simulator.<\/p>\n

Round 1, Pick 21: Missouri Receiver Luther Burden III<\/strong><\/p>\n

There has been plenty of speculation about Pittsburgh taking a\u00a0quarterback\u00a0in Round 1, especially as\u00a0Aaron Rodgers\u00a0pushes off his decision. Instead, the supporting cast for a hypothetical quarterback grows warmer.<\/p>\n

For a season, Burden would play between Pickens and Metcalf in the slot, creating what might be the league\u2019s best receiving trio. From there, the Steelers can either re-sign Pickens or have Burden fill his shoes with a year in the scheme to assist him. Burden has flexibility to the boundary, giving him a runway to playing time in 12-personnel, too.<\/p>\n

The Missouri product can also make an impact behind the line of scrimmage as an extension of the run game, a piece of his game that may be utilized if Pittsburgh can\u2019t conjure up an explosive complement to Jaylen Warren. With strong body control and incredible athleticism, Burden adds even more potency to Pittsburgh\u2019s improving offense.<\/p>\n

Round 3, Pick 83:\u00a0Texas A&M\u00a0Defensive Tackle Shemar Turner<\/strong><\/p>\n

The\u00a0Steelers\u00a0may look to replace Heyward in the\u00a0NFL Draft, but that doesn\u2019t mean the successor wouldn\u2019t make a Year 1 impact alongside him.<\/p>\n

This defensive line is among the thinnest in the sport. Behind Heyward and Keeanu Benton, there is little upside and pedigree. Pittsburgh could benefit from a deep defensive line class pushing a top-75 prospect like Turner down the board a bit. His medical recheck gave him good news late in the process, but it\u2019s possible those questions keep him available late in Round 3.<\/p>\n

Turner is a tad undersized but makes up for with high-end explosiveness and ability to convert speed to power. If he can hold up against the run \u2013 a tough task given his size \u2013 there may be an every-down role available for him in 2026. If not, finding a pass-rush specialist late on Day 2 is a quality consolation prize.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Pittsburgh Steelers might look a lot different in two years, but the 2025 NFL Draft can help replenish a playoff-ready roster. 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