As we all know being an active team at the Senior Bowl isn’t where we want our Pittsburgh Steelers being during the dwindling days of January, however it can create the opportunities for us fans to see the position groups that the team could be looking to upgrade during the draft. Lucky for us the Steelers don’t tend to hide all that much so if we are able to pick up the trends where the heavy-hitters are spending their time we can understand what they are thinking. With all that being said it is just the beginning so take this with a grain of salt because plenty of things could change.

Tradition continues, as most of the big names from the coaching staff were present in Mobile, headlined by Head Coach Mike Tomlin, General Manager Omar Khan, and both Coordinators, Arthur Smith and Teryl Austin. Seeing how they divide up their attention provides key insights for us fans as we begin mapping out potential draft targets for late April.

Defensive Line:

After The Steelers were gashed for 299 yards by Derrick Henry, Lamar Jackson, and the Ravens it seems like the Steelers Mike Tomlin and Teryl Austin spent most of their time in Mobile watching the players whom operate in the defensive side of the trenches.

Not a one off. Mike Tomlin and Teryl Austin watching defensive linemen once again to start the second day of practice at the Senior Bowl. pic.twitter.com/5NR0m4TQKO

— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) January 29, 2025

It’s for good reason that these two spent a lot of their time watching this position group as they are regarded by many as one of the deepest collectives in this draft. A potential option who may have made a decision clearer at pick 21 was the former 5-Star out of Ole Miss Walter Nolan who put on a show with his elite athletic traits alongside showing some technical prowess during the drills during his time in Mobile.

Deone Walker could be an option on Day 2 for the Steelers due to his freakish physical traits—standing at 6’7″ and 340 pounds with surprisingly nimble feet. His combination of size and mobility allows him to not only absorb double teams but also offer some pass-rushing upside. Though he is still a raw prospect with technical flaws, he could be a player to watch come day 2 of the draft.

Another name worth mentioning is Darius Alexander, who has generated significant draft buzz following the Senior Bowl. Originally projected as a Day 3 pick, his dominant performance in Mobile has likely pushed him up draft boards. Given how closely Steelers brass monitored the defensive line, it’s hard to imagine they didn’t take note of his rise.

Wide Receiver:

By all accounts the Steelers are finally taking notice to addressing the biggest need (outside of Quarterback) which they have refused to address for the past 18 months. Arthur Smith was seen watching the Wide Outs as intently as Tomlin and Austin were studying the Defensive Line, which could mean they are looking into the position in the early rounds of the draft. This will be music to the ears of all Steelers Nation after the fan base was crying out for more weapons outside of George Pickens.

While this receiver class isn’t the most exciting beyond the top five prospects—none of whom were in Mobile—Arthur Smith may have been scouting potential double-dip opportunities to bolster the receiving corps more effectively than in 2024. Jack Bech out of TCU was one of the standouts in the group during the week, showing off his swiss army skill set as a inside guy who runs smooth routes, is great during the contested catch point and a more than willing and able blocker with his strong 6’2″ build. He is a player that Arthur Smith would love to have at his disposable with the talent he possess but mostly the blue collar nature that he embeds into his game.

Jayden Higgins out of Iowa state was the other name that could have really stuck out to Smith as he offers a skill set that only George Pickens does for the Steelers with his long 6’4″ frame he provides immense vertical ability as he put on a show with his smooth route running and body control that the Steelers really lacked in the Receiving core outside of #14.

What this means?

Realistically, these observations may not mean much in the grand scheme of things. The NFL offseason is fluid, and free agency could allow the Steelers to address these needs before the draft even arrives. However beginning to understand where the Steelers are spending their resources early on in the team building process and some of the potential names we can get excited for looking into the 2025 season.