The following is the second of seven Pittsburgh Steelers position analyses for the 2025 NFL Draft, which begins Thursday, April 24:

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS

Current roster: T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, Jeremiah Moon, Eku Leota, Thomas Rush, Julius Welschof

Last five drafts: Highsmith (third round, 2020) and Herbig (fourth round, 2023) were both successful non-first day selections. Quincy Roche (sixth round, 2021) did not make an impact.

Top outside linebackers (edge rushers) available: Abdul Carter, Penn State; Jalon Walker, Georgia; James Pearce, Tennessee; Mike Green, Marshall; Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M; Mykel Williams, Georgia

Penn State/Pitt players: Carter will most likely go in the top five overall selections, either as a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme or outside linebacker in a 3-4.

Possible Steelers picks: Antwaan Powell-Ryland, Virginia Tech; Fadil Diggs, Syracuse; Ahmed Hassanein, Boise State

Analysis: Edge rusher is a current team strength for the Steelers (although Watt is entering the final year of his contract), so it wouldn’t be logical for them to use one of their top picks on one this year. Considering they don’t have an abundance of higher picks, the Steelers will be in play for some of the lower-tier edge rushers — possibly in round six or seven — in a loaded field.

INSIDE LINEBACKERS

Current roster: Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Malik Harrison, Mark Robinson, Devin Harper

Last five drafts: Wilson (third round, 2024) looks like a keeper, Robinson (seventh round, 2022) might be on his way out with the team, and Buddy Johnson (fourth round, 2021) was a wasted pick.

Top inside linebackers available: Jihaad Campbell, Alabama; Carson Schwesinger, UCLA; Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma

Penn State/Pitt players: Penn State’s Kobe King is expected to be a middle-round pick. Pitt’s Brandon George should be an undrafted free agent signee.

Possible Steelers picks: Cody Simon, Ohio State; Carson Bruener, Washington; Chris Paul, Mississippi; Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon

Analysis: With Holcomb missing the entire 2024 season with a knee injury and Elandon Roberts departing in free agency, the Steelers could use a pick on an inside linebacker. It would have to be a later-round pick on someone like Bruener, the son of former Steelers tight end Mark.

Coming Friday: Defensive linemen