Steelers 2025 NFL Combine meetings are leaning heavily toward defense

NFL franchises are active this week at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana. It’s an annual tradition like no other, providing teams (and fans) the opportunity to get to know NFL draft prospects up close and personal, clocking official measurements and athletic testing numbers — at least, for those who choose to participate in those events. It’s becoming less common these days for top combine participants, though there’s plenty of participants every year.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, of course, are conducting their own interviews at the NFL Scouting Combine, both formal and informal. NFL teams are permitted to conduct 45 total formal interviews, and the reported interviews so far have screamed DEFENSE.

Though there’s no shortage of offensive needs (quarterback, running back), the overwhelming theme reviewing the team’s reported official and unofficial visits is that the team is prioritizing defensive line and defensive backs. There have been a couple of reported formal meetings with running back prospects, including top-billed RB Ashton Jeanty out of Boise State, but all signs seem to indicate this could be a defense-heavy draft.

There have been no formal planned visits yet reported at the wide receiver position, though one can assume they’ll meet with several by the time all is said and done. George Pickens, heading into the fourth year of his rookie deal, led the team with 900 receiving yards in 2024, while TE Pat Freiermuth led the team in receptions (65) and receiving touchdowns (7). Any time a tight end is leading the charge in either category (and his name isn’t Rob Gronkowski or Travis Kelce), it’s probably a sign that something’s not quite right. The Steelers have been frequently tied to Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka in mock drafts.

Here’s a look at the Steelers’ formal meetings reported from the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. We’ll keep it updated with additional reports as they come through.

Steelers reported formal Combine meetings

Steelers reported informal meetings