The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the final month before the NFL Draft with a major question unresolved: Who will be under center in 2025?

While the team has been linked to veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers since his departure from the Jets became official, no deal has materialized. The Steelers remain without a proven starter—a critical gap given their recent acquisition of star wide receiver D.K. Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks. Pittsburgh sent second- and sixth-round picks to Seattle in exchange for Metcalf and a seventh-rounder, then signed the receiver to a four-year, $132 million extension. Including this year’s $18 million base salary, the deal represents a five-year, $150 million investment—one that demands a functional passing game.

The offseason departures of Justin Fields and Russell Wilson left the quarterback room all-but empty. Though Rodgers has been the presumed target, negotiations appear stalled, further complicating the team’s draft calculus. With the 21st overall pick—and no second-round selection due to the Metcalf trade—the Steelers may need to address the quarterback position in the first round or through future assets (such as a 2026 second-rounder) if they still intend to pursue Rodgers.

Pittsburgh hasn’t won a playoff game since January 2017. While the roster isn’t devoid of talent, quarterback remains the most glaring need, with several other areas requiring reinforcement.

Veteran oddsmaker Adam Thompson of Bookies.com has compiled projected NFL odds for sports betting on the Steelers' selection at Pick 21, factoring in positional need, player availability, and organizational trends.

This hypothetical NFL betting market is for entertainment purposes only and does not reflect any market that may be available on betting sites and betting apps.

Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 NFL Draft Prospect Analysis

Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri (+500)

Luther Burden is widely regarded as a top-three receiver in the 2025 class. With elite separation ability, after-the-catch explosiveness, and a strong Combine showing, he projects as a WR1 in most systems. However, availability at Pick 21 is far from guaranteed, and the Steelers’ recent investment in Metcalf could de-prioritize the position.

Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State (+550)

A polished route-runner with excellent field awareness, Emeka Egbuka excels in space and has the production to back it up—205 career receptions, most in Ohio State history. While he lacks prototypical size (6'1", 202 lbs), his quick-twitch ability and high football IQ make him a plug-and-play option.

Matthew Golden, WR, Texas (+550)

Matthew Golden offers high-level versatility, capable of lining up across the formation. He led Texas in receiving in his only season after transferring from Houston and posted top-five Combine metrics among wide receivers (per NFL Next Gen Stats). His compact build (5'11", 191 lbs) limits his catch radius but enhances his YAC potential.

Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina (+650)

Omarion Hampton is a physical, north-south runner whose bruising style suits early-down roles. Ranked fourth among running backs at the Combine, he’s an efficient chain-mover but lacks long-speed and open-field elusiveness—traits that could cap his ceiling at the next level.

Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon (+700)

Derrick Harmon is a steady presence on the defensive front, offering scheme versatility and interior pressure upside. He’s not a flashy pick but would address depth and durability issues along Pittsburgh’s D-line—a potential value selection at 21 if skill-position targets are off the board.

Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss (+1000)

If the Rodgers pursuit collapses, Jaxson Dart becomes a possible contingency plan. A strong arm and off-script playmaking define his game, but inconsistency and decision-making concerns keep him outside the top tier of quarterbacks. Drafting him at 21 would be a reach, but not inconceivable given the team’s desperation under center.

Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan (+1200)

A 6'4", 331-pound force, Kenneth Grant was integral to Michigan’s national championship defense in 2023. He combines rare size with surprising athleticism and can anchor against the run while generating interior pressure. If still available, Grant could be a high-upside, low-risk pick to reinforce the trenches.

Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado (+1500)

Shedeur Sanders is widely viewed as QB2 in this class, trailing only the presumptive No. 1 pick. A sharp processor with high-end accuracy and leadership traits, he’s unlikely to fall to 21. His inclusion in this market reflects the Steelers’ potential to trade up should the Rodgers plan fully unravel.

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Bottom Line

The Steelers’ draft hinges on whether they land Rodgers before April 24. If not, the quarterback becomes the focal point, whether through a bold trade-up or a value play at 21. If Rodgers arrives, Pittsburgh can shift its attention to building around him—potentially targeting defensive depth or a complementary skill player. Either way, the franchise is at a critical juncture.