The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a spot that NFL teams dread being in this offseason.

The team wasn’t bad enough to secure a top pick, but also wasn’t good enough to contend in 2024. After another early playoff exit, the team has the No. 21 pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

In free agency, the team did make an uncharacteristically-bold move by trading for star wide receiver D.K. Metcalf. Solid players like Darius Slay, Juan Thornhill, and Malik Harrison were also brought in.

With the team’s first pick in 2025, there appears to be several directions the team could go. However, today we’re going to identiy which players the Steelers should NOT select in the first round.

Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

As mentioned above, the Steelers brought in D.K. Metcalf this offseason.

However, the team could still use another receiver or two to help whoever is playing quarterback. Luther Burden from Missouri would be an intriguing option after an impressive career for the Tigers, but the Steelers should steer clear.

Burden, while impressive, was less productive in 2024 than in 2023. Additionally, there have been some off-field concerns about Burden, and that could scare some teams away.

The Steelers already have one volatile receiver in George Pickens, so adding Burden could be too much drama for the team to handle.

Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss

Jaxson Dart is a player who keeps getting more popular the closer we get to the draft.

The Ole Miss passer has even surpassed Shedeur Sanders in some mock drafts. Dart became the all-time passing leader at Ole Miss and receives praise for his toughness and leadership.

However, Dart played in a very passer-friendly offense in Oxford and some evaluators worry about his transition to an NFL offense. It would be much safer for the Steelers to sign Aaron Rodgers and draft a developmental passer later in the draft.

Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

Like Jaxson Dart, Jalen Milroe is another passer in that second tier of quarterbacks.

Also like Dart, Milroe excelled while playing in the SEC, but appears to be far away from being a productive NFL quarterback. However, Milroe’s athleticism and strong arm could be appealing to the Steelers.

Mock drafts have been inconsistent with Milroe. Some expect the Alabama product to go in the first round, while others have him landing in the third. If Ward, Sanders, and Dart are all off the board when the Steelers come up, the team could get desperate.

Like mentioned above, though, the team would be better off going with Rodgers and drafting a passer later.

Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

Arthur Smith is an offensive coordinator that likes to have a reliable running back.

Unfortunately for Smith, the Steelers let Najee Harris leave in free agency. Now, Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell are the top options at the position, meaning a rookie could be enticing.

Ashton Jeanty is assuredly going to be the first running back off the board, but Omarion Hampton will also likely be a first-round pick. Hampton dominated at North Carolina and could end up being a bell cow in the NFL.

The Steelers have more pressing needs than running back though, and this is a deep class at the position. The team should take another position at No. 21 and address running back later.