As the 2025 NFL Draft rolled into Day 2, Bob Labriola — the long-time voice of reason in Steelers Nation — provided fans with insight and context behind the team’s bold second-day decisions.

With a clear focus on fortifying both sides of the ball, the Steelers used their second- and third-round picks to add not just talent, but versatility. Labriola highlighted the team’s selection of a hybrid linebacker-safety out of the SEC as “the kind of chess piece defensive coordinator Teryl Austin loves to unleash on third down.” The pick drew comparisons to the mold of Troy Polamalu — aggressive, instinctual, and dangerous in space.

Offensively, Labriola praised Pittsburgh’s third-round offensive line pick as a “gritty, no-nonsense mauler” who could push for starting reps as early as Week 1. “He fits the Steelers’ DNA,” Labriola noted. “Tough, physical, and no fear of the AFC North trenches.”

As always, Labriola reminds fans to be patient: “Drafts aren’t judged in headlines — they’re judged in November.” But after Day 2, Steelers fans have reason to feel optimistic about what’s being built in Pittsburgh.