PITTSBURGH — The 2025 NFL Draft is finally here. The Pittsburgh Steelers have their big board set, their trade scenarios in place and are heading into the opening round with expectations for how they hope things will fall, and plans for all of the other ways it might.
No one knows how this draft shakes out compared to those in the past. It feels as if this year’s class is more of a mystery than most, and who goes where is still all over the board. And so, in making “The Final Product,” it took plenty of “what ifs” and conversations from those around the league.
Eventually it came to this. And with that, here is the final Steelers Mock Draft of the 2025 year.
Some things don’t change. The Steelers could have a number of names on the board at 21, but none would tower over Kenneth Grant. The Michigan defensive tackle has been the name to watch since Day 1 of the draft cycle and if he’s there with the 21st pick, which is sounds as if he will be, he’s the Steelers selection.
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As a rookie, Grant is viewed as the nose tackle who can help fill the gap for time Cam Heyward needs off. In the future, he’s the replacement for Heyward, who hopefully begins his journey to Canton, Ohio. No matter what, though, the Steelers want a defensive tackle, and they get one early.
The Steelers need a quarterback, and Howard’s name is one that’s been floated around for months. Well, he’s not Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart, but he’s a name the team has shown plenty of interest in, who has some upside that remains untapped.
Plus, he’s a National Champion. And we all know how Mike Tomlin loves National Champions.
Howard joins the Steelers, who still believe Aaron Rodgers will be their quarterback in 2025. The hope is he develops enough in a year to compete for the starting job in 2026 against a likely first-round quarterback that they draft then. But for now, he’s a backup and the next rookie quarterback in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers won’t leave the NFL Draft without a running back, and have shown the most interest in those ranging from rounds 2-4. Jaydon Blue is exactly what they’re looking for in a speedy runner with big-play potential. Pittsburgh has made it clear that that is how they want to shape their running back room this season, and they’re shown the same intentions with their draft scouting.
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Blue needs a little more work with his ability to find and hit holes quickly, and isn’t that great in-between the tackles. But the Steelers like his speed, and there’s a lot to like in it. They’ll hope they can utilize his skillsets to their advantage now while developing the rest over time.
So, Walley was sent my direction by not one but two Steelers draft analysts. After watching some tape, his physicality pops and he just feels like a player Pittsburgh would be all over. In the fifth round, cornerback is likely an option for them. So, the prediction is the 5-foot-11 cornerback who can play inside and out, running with 4.40 speed. He’s got a ton of upside and the ability to make some noise now. With Darius Slay on the roster for just one season, the Steelers need to start thinking of options long-term next to Joey Porter Jr.
Nothing changed from my last draft with McMillon. The Steelers want a defensive back in this draft class and looking next door makes sense. The Pitt star is viewed as one of the biggest sleepers in the NFL Draft and the Steelers have gotten a first-hand look at him for years.
They won’t shy away from Pitt players if they’re worth it. On defense, they tend to be, and McMillon is viewed as the next name that could make it in the NFL.
Jalen Travis was on my list the last time as well. Pittsburgh signed Calvin Anderson to a two-year deal, but that’s not enough effort to put toward finding a true swing tackle. They might as well go out late in the draft and try to find a player they think can develop into a depth piece. That’s Travis.
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P3R, the organization behind the Pittsburgh Marathon, has opened registration for one of this fall’s largest local races.
Runners can now sign up for the 10 Miler and 10K, scheduled for Nov. 8. P3R expects a record-breaking 6,000 participants at this year’s events, according to spokeswoman Kelsey Emch. The events drew more than 5,500 participants last year.
The 10 Miler course begins at Station Square and travels through the North Shore, the Strip District and Downtown, while the 10K begins on the North Shore near PNC Park and follows the 10 Miler route the rest of the way.
Both races finish on Liberty Avenue Downtown – a common ending point for P3R events.
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P3R CEO Troy Schooley said in a release that the 10 Miler and 10K have become a “signature fall tradition” for Pittsburghers of all abilities.
“Whether participants are chasing a personal best, enjoying the event with friends or taking part in the walking division, this race delivers an unforgettable experience while showcasing our city at its very best,” he said.
The 10 Miler costs around $66 per person with processing fees, and the 10K costs around $49. Discounts are available through June 9.
Those interested in participating can register on P3R’s website. Registrants receive complimentary racing bibs, branded long-sleeve shirts, and medals.
Mike Darnay is a digital producer and photojournalist at CBS Pittsburgh. Mike has also written and produced content for Vox Media and the Mon Valley Independent.
He often covers overnight breaking news, the Pittsburgh Steelers and high school sports.
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Pittsburgh Regional Transit has started to install its ReadyFare vending machines as the agency prepares to roll out its new fare payment system.
PRT said it’s working to roll out its new ReadyFare system and has started to install the new machine at some of its light-rail stations.
The new machines recently were installed at PRT’s Gateway station in Downtown Pittsburgh.
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Pittsburgh Regional Transit has begun installing new ReadyFare machines at stations throughout the agency’s system.
Pittsburgh Regional Transit
PRT said that as it prepares to roll out the new system, current ConnectCard holders will receive a card in the mail with instructions on how to request a ReadyFare card.
The new ReadyFare cards will be able to be purchased at the new machines for $1.
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PRT said that riders will be able to transfer any balances they have on a ConnectCard to the new ReadyFare cards using an online balance transfer form.
Acrisure Stadium is buzzing with excitement ahead of the back-to-back Morgan Wallen concerts. Except it’s not the fans generating all the excitement — it’s about 5 pounds of honeybees.
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The Fine Family Apiary in Monongahela said it was contacted on Wednesday about a swarm of bees clustered on the stage scaffolding. The apiary put the swarm in a “nuc box” and took them home before moving the bees into full-size equipment.
Owner Al Fine estimates the swarm weighed about 4 to 5 pounds and consisted of 12,000 to 15,000 bees. All said, it took less than two hours to get the job done.
The Fine Family Apiary in Monongahela removed about 12,000 to 15,000 bees from Acrisure Stadium.
(Photo: The Fine Family Apiary/Facebook)
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Why do bees swarm?
Swarming is how honeybees propagate, Fine explained. According to Penn State Extension, during swarming, the queen and about half the workers leave their home to establish a new nest. The bees will form a temporary cluster, hanging out while scouts search the surrounding area for a more permanent home in hollow spaces like tree cavities or, occasionally, the walls of a home.
Swarms can stick around for several hours or days until they’re ready to move, Penn State Extension says. Meanwhile, the colony left behind is temporarily without a leader until a new queen is established.
With the swarm at Acrisure Stadium removed, Morgan Wallen’s show is ready to go on. The country music megastar will bring his I’m The Problem Tour to Pittsburgh on June 5 and June 6, along with multiple acts like Brooks & Dunn and Ella Langley.
