What Steelers fans should know about Thursday's NFL Draft
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
With the NFL Draft approaching, die-hard Steelers fans are hoping for picks that can lift the team out of its playoff slump.
Why it matters: Pittsburgh hasn't won a postseason game since the 2016 season, and after six straight playoff losses, Steelers Nation is hungry for a return to glory.
- The team isn't drafting high this year, but it's looking to add key pieces for the future.
State of play: The Steelers hold the No. 21 pick and are reportedly eyeing offensive linemen, cornerbacks and running backs—positions that could make an immediate impact.
The intrigue: The Steelers don't have a clear franchise quarterback, though rumors are still swirling that four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers is interested in joining the team.
Between the lines: CBS Sports draft insider Ryan Wilson told 93.7 FM on Tuesday that the Steelers are leaning toward picking standout Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders.
- Choosing Sanders is receiving mixed reactions from Steelers fans, with some believing he has the potential to be a franchise quarterback, while others argue that Sanders is not worth a first-round pick.
- The Steelers could also trade their No. 21 pick to acquire more late-round picks.
The big picture: This is the first time Green Bay, Wisconsin — the NFL's smallest market — is hosting the major event.
- This week, Gov. Josh Shapiro told Axios he was sending staff to Green Bay to study operations and logistics ahead of Pittsburgh hosting the 2026 NFL Draft.
How it works: The seven draft rounds will begin Thursday and conclude Saturday with 257 picks. All times are in ET:
- Round 1: 8pm Thursday
- Round 2 and 3: 7pm Friday
- Rounds 4 through 7: Noon Saturday
How to watch: ABC, ESPN and NFL Network will carry the 2025 NFL Draft.
- Livestream on NFL+, NFL.com, the ESPN App, ABC App, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV and Sling TV
View the draft order for all seven rounds here.