MOBILE, Ala. — The Pittsburgh Steelers, like all other 31 NFL teams, had members in attendance for the 2025 Senior Bowl. However, they may have had the heaviest presence of any team. Head coach Mike Tomlin, general manager Omar Khan, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, as well as multiple other key personnel members, were there.

So, what were the key hits from the first day of practice? Here are some of my thoughts on the rapid success of the order.

– If it was not clear before, the Steelers have a lot of options at defensive line, and most of those guys were not even in Mobile. However, Tomlin, Austin, and Khan were zeroed in on the defensive linemen. I have no doubts about where they are looking early in this draft. The position I would bank on is defensive line. This has become a trend with the Steelers. In 2021, they focused on running backs; 2022, quarterbacks; 2023 and 2024, offensive line. Tomlin and the Steelers do not hide their plans. Defensive line is high on the priority list.

– Deone Walker feels like someone who looks like a Steeler, but the deeper you dive, the less it makes sense. I think the Kentucky tape is interesting, but he plays too high with his pads and gets washed out of the run game. He has a motor that is hot and cold, even though his conditioning and athleticism are at a great level for someone who is 6-foot-7, 340 pounds. I don’t love the fit if the Steelers want a Cam Heyward replacement or even the next nose tackle. South Carolina’s T.J. Sanders had a great day, and he could be a pass-rushing five-technique or three-technique for this team. He is more of a natural fit, especially with his run defense taking a leap this year. All in all, cool on the Walker train.

– As for the other defensive linemen, Walter Nolen is a fun three-technique that can rush the passer. I like him, but his scope of impact for the Steelers is limited. They need to look elsewhere if they want a run stopper; he got washed. Tomlin had a long conversation with Nolen, though. He is on the Steelers’ radar. As for others who stood out, Toledo’s Darius Alexander and Virginia Tech’s Aeneas Peebles are fun. Peebles got some Tomlin attention,n too, and could be a target in the third or fourth rounds.

– At one point in practice, Tomlin talked to Michigan defensive line coach Lou Esposito. That seems notable. Esposito coached likely first-round pick Kenneth Grant, who fits the Steelers’ mold as a guy with upside in both areas. He is not here, but he is a candidate at 21.

– Really underwhelming wide receiver group, but I love TCU’s Jack Bech. He is just an excellent blocker, and as a converted tight end, you probably do not expect him to have as much wiggle as he does. He can play as a big slot wide receiver or work outside, but his route running and separation skills for a guy his size are underrated. He could fit in with the Steelers. Outside of that, Maryland’s Tai Felton will run in the 4.4s (at least) and is an excellent ball tracker. For a Steelers team that loves to throw the ball deep, he is a good target.

– This running back class is absurd, but after talking around Mobile for the last two days, I believe the Steelers want some speed there. UCF’s R.J. Harvey makes a lot of sense. He hits the gas pedal the moment he gets to the second level, and has excellent short-area burst to capitalize on it. Virginia Tech’s Bhayshul Tuten is a deadly zone runner with home run speed. Count me in as a fan there, too. Kansas’ Devin Neal is scheme-diverse and adds value on all three downs. He is similar to Jaylen Warren in a lot of ways, and I like his game.

– These cornerbacks were balling on Tuesday. Louisville’s Quincy Riley had multiple excellent man coverage reps. He is not someone who was on my radar like Florida State’s Azareye’h Thomas was, and Thomas is a bright player with a great mind toward things. Thomas struggled to open practice but ended up steadying out. I have some concerns about his eye discipline, though.

– For my money, Kentucky’s Maxwell Hairston was the best defensive back here. He is fluid, has great eyes, and plus ball awareness. The Steelers could find a mid-round gem here, and he fits what they like. Outside of him, Virginia Tech’s Dorian Strong and Kansas State’s Jacob Parrish also impressed.

– Rough day for the quarterbacks. Jaxon Dart was up-and-down but probably the best of the group, while Jalen Milroe was throwing the ball all over the place. If you thought he was accurate, you got another thing coming. Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard struggled to push the ball outside the numbers. The best player in the quarterback group might have been Louisville’s Tyler Shough, who has some mobility and can change arm angles. I like him as a mid-round option more than most.