Pittsburgh, PA – April 20, 2025
The Steel Curtain might be adding another bar.
According to multiple insider whispers and a red-hot prediction from Pittsburgh-based draft analysts, the Steelers are eyeing a bold trade-up from pick No. 20 to secure one of the draft’s top pass rushers:
Donovan Ezeiruaku – EDGE, Boston College
Yes — the same Ezeiruaku who racked up 28 sacks in his college career, including a jaw-dropping 16.5 sacks in 2024 alone.
With T.J. Watt still elite and Alex Highsmith anchoring the opposite side, this move would give Pittsburgh a three-headed pressure machine — and strike fear into every offensive line in the AFC North.
🔥 Why Ezeiruaku Fits the Black & Gold Blueprint
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Steelers have built their brand on violent, relentless pass rush
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Watt is still dominant, but the team lacked depth when he missed time in 2023 and 2024
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Highsmith is steady, but double teams on Watt have limited his one-on-one impact
Ezeiruaku brings youth, motor, and versatility to rotate in early and develop into a future cornerstone.
📈 Who is Donovan Ezeiruaku?
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6’3″, 250 lbs of controlled fury
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60 QB pressures, 37 solo tackles, 3 forced fumbles in 2024
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Scheme versatile: can rush standing up or with hand in the dirt
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Met with multiple AFC teams, including strong buzz around Pittsburgh
Dane Brugler projected him in his recent 7-round mock — and Pittsburgh’s need for trench depth makes this a real possibility.
🧠 Steelers’ Draft Board Mentality
Pittsburgh has shown they’ll trade up if the value is right (see: Devin Bush, 2019).
With three picks inside the top 100, they have the ammo to jump 3–5 spots and still hold flexibility.
And in a draft class without a surefire offensive line solution at 20?
Defense might be the smartest — and most Steelers — choice.
🛡️ Picture This Defense:
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EDGE: T.J. Watt / Donovan Ezeiruaku
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EDGE/ROTATION: Alex Highsmith
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IDL: Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton
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LB: Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts
That’s a nasty front seven built to dominate for the next 2–3 years.
🏁 Final Thought
If Pittsburgh wants to go back to its roots — hard-nosed, quarterback-hunting, AFC North-owning defense — this is the move.
Trade up. Get the dog. Build another legacy.
