MOBILE, ALAll 31 NFL teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, sent representatives to the 2025 Senior Bowl. But of all the teams, they might have been the most noticeable. Along with several other important staff members, those there included head coach Mike Tomlin, general manager Omar Khan, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
What were the highlights of the first practice day, then? Here are my opinions regarding the order’s quick success.
The Steelers have a wide range of defensive line choices, and the most of those players weren’t even in Mobile, in case it wasn’t obvious before. But the defensive linemen were the focus of Tomlin, Austin, and Khan. Early on in this draft, I am certain of their direction. Defensive line is the position I would bet on. With the Steelers, this has been the norm. They prioritized running backs in 2021, quarterbacks in 2022, and offensive linemen in 2023 and 2024. The Steelers and Tomlin are open about their intentions. The defensive line is a top priority.
Deone Walker has the appearance of a Steeler, but the more you look at it, the less sense it makes. Although he gets washed out of the run game and plays too high with his pads, I still find the Kentucky footage to be intriguing. Although his athleticism and conditioning are excellent for a 6-foot-7, 340-pound man, he has a hot and cold motor. If the Steelers are looking for a successor for Cam Heyward or even the next nose tackle, I don’t think it fits. T.J. Sanders of South Carolina had a fantastic day and might be a three- or five-technique pass rusher for this squad. Given how much better his run defense has been this season, he is more of a natural match. Overall, the Walker train is cool.
Regarding the other defensive linemen, Walter Nolen can rush the passer and is a fun three-technique. Although I admire him, he won’t have much of an impact on the Steelers. He got washed, so if they want a run blocker, they should go elsewhere. But Tomlin talked to Nolen for a long time. The Steelers are considering him. Other notable players include Darius Alexander of Toledo and Aeneas Peebles of Virginia Tech. Peebles may be targeted in the third or fourth rounds after receiving some Tomlin attention as well.
During practice, Tomlin spoke with Lou Esposito, the defensive line coach for Michigan. That seems noteworthy. Kenneth Grant, a player who fits the Steelers’ profile as a player with potential in all areas, was coached by Esposito and is probably a first-round choice. He is a 21-year-old candidate, however he is not present.
The wide receiver group is really lacking, although I adore Jack Bech of TCU. As a converted tight end, you probably don’t expect him to have as much wiggle room as he does, but he is simply a great blocker. Although he can work outside or play as a big slot wide receiver, his route running and separation abilities are underappreciated for a man of his size. With the Steelers, he might blend in. Aside from that, Tai Felton of Maryland is a great ball tracker and will run in the 4.4s (at least). He is a solid target for a Steelers squad that enjoys throwing the ball far.
After chatting with people in Mobile for the past two days, I think the Steelers want some speed there, even if this running back class is ridiculous. R.J. Harvey of UCF makes perfect logic. As soon as he reaches the second level, he presses the gas pedal and uses his superb short-area burst to take advantage of it. Bhayshul Tuten of Virginia Tech is a fast home run runner and a lethal zone runner. I would also consider myself a fan there. Devin Neal of Kansas is valuable on all three downs and has a variety of schemes. I enjoy his game, and he reminds me a lot of Jaylen Warren.
On Tuesday, these cornerbacks were having a great time. Quincy Riley of Louisville had many outstanding man coverage repetitions. Unlike Florida State’s Azareye Thomas, who is a talented athlete with a wonderful attitude toward things, he was not on my radar. Thomas had trouble starting practice, but he eventually calmed down. However, his eye discipline worries me a little.
Maxwell Hairston of Kentucky was the greatest defensive back here, in my opinion. He possesses excellent vision, fluidity, and exceptional ball awareness. He fits the Steelers’ preferences and might be a mid-round gem. Outside of him, Jacob Parrish of Kansas State and Dorian Strong of Virginia Tech both made an impression.
It was a difficult day for the quarterbacks. While Jalen Milroe was flinging the ball everywhere, Jaxon Dart was erratic but arguably the best of the group. You’re in for another surprise if you believed him to be correct. Riley Leonard of Notre Dame found it difficult to get the ball past the figures. Tyler Shough of Louisville, who can shift arm angles and has some movement, may have been the best quarterback in the group. More than most, I like him as a mid-round option.
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