Ranking Steelers' current regime's draft picks from best to worst

The Pittsburgh Steelers are about to start the 2025 NFL draft, but their recent history should calm fans. Since becoming the general manager, Omar Khan has proven that he can create quality draft classes. His two classes have been bright spots across the roster, and it appears they have brighter days ahead. Plenty of holes litter the depth chart, but help should arrive soon.

While you research Pittsburgh's draft plans under Khan, it's hard to witness any red flags. Not every prospect has been terrific, but they haven't had any swings and misses yet. Each player from 2023 and 2024 remains with the team. That is unusual when you research the final draft classes under his predecessor, Kevin Colbert.

Khan is doing great during the draft, and his success at the event should calm nerves.

Pittsburgh Steelers have experienced better quality draft picks under Omar Khan

Joey Porter Jr., CB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Trading Chase Claypool made Khan look like a genius. They gained the top pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft, which they used on Joey Porter Jr. Many thought the young cornerback could've landed in the first round, but he slipped to Pittsburgh's selection. Porter has shown inconsistencies during his first two years in the NFL, but has become a top cornerback.

Zach Frazier, OC, Pittsburgh Steelers

When the Steelers prepared for the 2024 NFL draft, everyone knew they were desperate for a center. They struggled to replace Maurkice Pouncey for a handful of years. They were lucky to have Zach Frazier slip to their second pick last year. They selected the West Virginia product, which has paid off in many ways. Frazier looked like a seasoned veteran during his rookie campaign.

READ MORE: Steelers forced into agonizing dilemma in 4-round mock draft

Payton Wilson, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers

It was a surprise when Khan turned in the card to take Payton Wilson in the 2024 draft. The Steelers signed Patrick Queen to a monster contract in free agency, and Elandon Roberts and Cole Holcomb were on the roster. Wilson was a terrific selection for someone who waited so long to hear his name called.

The future is bright for this speedy linebacker who makes plays.

Keeanu Benton, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers

This upcoming season is shaping up to be the largest opportunity yet for Keeanu Benton. He was a nice value selection in the second round back in 2023. Pittsburgh could use some help along the defensive line again, and many believe they will target that in 2025. Benton has been a fantastic nose tackle, but he could slide next to Cam Heyward, which would open many doors of possibilities.

Nick Herbig, EDGE, Pittsburgh Steelers

Many wrote it off as a Mike Tomlin "bloodline" love interest when Nick Herbig got picked. He is the younger brother of Nate Herbig, who signed with the Steelers earlier that offseason. The young edge rusher has become a fabulous role player for Pittsburgh's defense. Herbig hasn't been in the NFL as long as his older brother, but he appears to be on track to have a long career in the NFL.

Mason McCormick, OG, Pittsburgh Steelers

Khan wants to emulate the Philadelphia Eagles' obsession with investing in the trenches. It was shocking when the Steelers dipped back into the offensive line pool after taking two earlier in the draft. Taking Mason McCormick here turned out to be a mindful plan.

No one anticipated McCormick starting games as a rookie, but he played in 17 games and did an incredible job.

Troy Fautanu, OT, Pittsburgh Steelers

The jury is still out on how Troy Fautanu. This selection was a nice get. The Steelers kept investing in the offensive line, which remains a good plan. Fautanu got injured early in the regular season. He was out for the rest of the campaign. The young tackle showed promise before his injury, and this next season will be massive for his progress.

Darnell Washington, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith loves tight ends and surely appreciates Darnell Washington in his offense. The hulking player is the best blocker the team has at the position. Pittsburgh started implementing him more as a receiver last year, but not in a vital role.

Expect Smith to try to evolve Washington into a star player with more passes going in his direction this season.

Broderick Jones, OT, Pittsburgh Steelers

If a stain on Khan's draft reputation persists, it is with Broderick Jones. He traded up to select the young offensive tackle, and things have gone from bad to worse. It was nice seeing someone be aggressive to fix the issue, but Jones has only played on the right side during his career. It's a make-or-break season for Jones, and his failure would make Khan look foolish.

Roman Wilson, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

Not having Roman Wilson for his entire rookie campaign created a dent in the Steelers' locker room. The young receiver produced a fantastic pre-draft process, but injuries hampered his season. Pittsburgh needs him to return healthier than ever and win a starting job. If Wilson cannot find ways to find positive plays on the field this year, he could sink into irrelevancy.

Spencer Anderson, OL, Pittsburgh Steelers

Not every pick in the NFL draft will be a home run selection. Roster building happens during the draft, and sometimes that means finding depth. Spencer Anderson might not become a starting-caliber offensive lineman, but he plays a massive role for the team. He is a versatile piece who can play games across the interior of the offensive line. His quality of play isn't there, but he can line up wherever.

Cory Trice, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Similar to his college career, injuries have disrupted his early career in the NFL.

Taking a flyer in the seventh round two years ago made sense for the Steelers. Trice has the physical tools Pittsburgh covets at the cornerback position. They took Porter Jr. earlier that year, and it appeared Trice could be a diamond in the rough. Sadly, injuries have produced a different path for this young player. He has suffered two lengthy setbacks during his first two campaigns.

Logan Lee, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers keep trying to invest in the trenches on both sides of the ball with mixed results. Logan Lee was a solid pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Injuries cannot be predicted. Lee struggled with them last season, and he should have a shot at redemption this preseason. He must beat out some veteran players, but could win a depth spot on the roster.

Ryan Watts, DB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Many forget, but Ryan Watts was getting close to making the roster last year before suffering a devastating injury at the end of the preseason. The defensive back is commonly a safety, but the Steelers tried him at different spots in the secondary. Watts is an interesting wildcard for the club heading into training camp. If he stays healthy, the young player could make the team.