Pittsburgh Steelers land star Ohio State wide receiver in latest mock draft

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to focus on improving their wide receiver corps, which has shown some inconsistencies in recent seasons.

According to Dane Brugler’s first January mock draft, the Steelers are projected to select Emeka Egbuka, a standout wide receiver from Ohio State. This comes after the Steelers did not prioritize the position in the previous offseason, and the issues within the receiving room became more evident.

Egbuka, while not considered a high-risk pick, is seen as a reliable, professional-level player who could provide solid returns for the Steelers in the years to come.

Brugler noted that the Steelers have experienced mixed results when selecting receivers who show high potential but lack discipline. He believes it’s time for the team to invest in a more polished pass catcher like Egbuka, who already possesses an NFL-caliber skill set.

Brugler emphasizes that Egbuka, while not necessarily boasting an immense upside, is viewed as a dependable target who could contribute steadily over the long term, providing stability for the Steelers’ offense.

Egbuka had a standout season with Ohio State, emerging as the team’s go-to wide receiver alongside freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith. His performances, particularly in the College Football Playoffs, helped elevate his draft stock, making him a likely first-round pick. This rise in prominence has positioned him as one of the top receiver prospects, and the Steelers are hopeful that he will be available when their pick arrives.

In addition to Egbuka, Brugler’s mock draft also has the Steelers selecting cornerback Maxwell Hairston from Kentucky in the second round. This dual selection strategy aims to address both sides of the ball, solidifying Pittsburgh’s offense with a reliable receiving option and bolstering their defense with a promising cornerback.

With the draft approaching, Steelers fans are eagerly awaiting how these potential picks could shape the team’s future. Adding a talent like Egbuka to the roster could help establish a more balanced offense, while Hairston would provide much-needed depth in the defensive backfield. If the Steelers manage to secure these prospects, they could be looking at a brighter future in the upcoming seasons.