As excitement builds ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, attention is drawn back to the remarkable performances of 2020 draft class stars. Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals has solidified his status as a top-tier quarterback, boasting a 94.8 PFF grade and leading the Bengals to sustained success, including a Super Bowl appearance. In the running back department, A.J. Dillon, now with the Philadelphia Eagles, stands out with a 91.1 PFF grade despite injury setbacks. Meanwhile, Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings continues to impress, being the highest-graded receiver with an exceptional 93.5 PFF grade.

Defensively, talents like Derrick Brown of the Carolina Panthers and Alex Highsmith of the Pittsburgh Steelers have made significant impacts, showcasing their skills with impressive PFF rankings. Brown's 84.3 grade and Highsmith's impressive edge rushing abilities underline the strength of the 2020 linebacker and defensive line classes. With elite performances across positions, the 2020 draft class is proof of the NFL's ability to cultivate homegrown talent.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been ranked 12th by The Athletic for their draft performance over the past five years, reflecting a period of inconsistency in talent acquisition. During this span, the Steelers managed to draft only one Pro Bowl player, running back Najee Harris, who has since joined the Los Angeles Chargers. The Athletic highlighted edge rusher Alex Highsmith as their top pick from this timeframe, while others pointed to tight end Pat Freiermuth as the best overall selection, with Highsmith being a strong value pick. Looking ahead, there's optimism around the 2024 draft class, particularly with offensive tackle Troy Fautanu's return from injury, which could bolster their offensive line significantly.

Kenny Pickett, the much-discussed former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, recently made a significant appearance in his old city as the honorary captain at Pitt's Blue-Gold Spring Game at Acrisure Stadium. His brief tenure with the Steelers ended on a sour note, but he is eager to reconnect with teammates and fans alike. Reports indicate that he is particularly looking forward to the upcoming 2025 season, especially his match against the Steelers.

After a rocky start in Pittsburgh, Pickett's journey took him to the Eagles and subsequently the Browns, where he's looking to regain his footing as a starting quarterback. A dinner planned with former Steelers players Alex Highsmith, Christian Kuntz, and Pat Freiermuth signals his intent to maintain those connections. With excitement bubbling about facing his former team, the anticipation adds an extra layer of intrigue for both him and the Black and Gold faithful.

Aidan Hutchinson, the Detroit Lions' edge defender, made a strong impression in a brief five-game stint, achieving a remarkable 94.9 PFF grading, which places him as the highest-rated edge rusher in the league despite suffering a leg injury. Meanwhile, Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns and T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers showcased impressive performances as well, ranking second and third in PFF grades, respectively. As we prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft, the excitement builds with top prospects emerging, fueling discussions around team strategies and player selections.

DeShon Elliott, the Pittsburgh Steelers' veteran safety, expressed regret over publicly airing frustrations about the team's defensive struggles following a 29-10 loss to Kansas City. Despite the disappointment, Elliott emphasized his love for the game and his teammates, recognizing the need to regroup quickly.

The Steelers, currently on a three-game losing streak, are facing mounting pressure as they prepare for their season finale against Cincinnati. Communication breakdowns in the secondary and questions about teammates' commitment have surfaced, raising concerns about the team's readiness for the playoffs.

Star linebacker T.J. Watt, recently named the team's MVP for the fifth time, acknowledged the team's struggles and the need to channel their energy positively. With the defense giving up over 400 yards per game, the Steelers must find solutions quickly to avoid a disappointing playoff exit.