Over the last couple of years, the Pittsburgh Steelers have fallen down from being a serious Super Bowl contender in the AFC. They lost Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown and Ben Roethlisberger isn't getting any younger. That makes the 2021 NFL Draft even more important for the franchise as they try to get back into a position to compete for another title.

Many in town are wondering what the future at the quarterback position is going to be. Others are wondering how the team will address the running back situation or whether the team will improve at linebacker or offensive line.

No matter what the Steelers decide to do in this draft, they need to nail it. Mike Tomlin is still one of the best head coaches in the league and has been getting way more out of his team the last two years than they were expected to produce. Adding more young talent would help both now and long-term as they look to rebuild.

Looking at their current draft situation, the Steelers hold the No. 24 overall pick in the first round and then will be on the clock again at No. 55 overall in the second round. While the first-round pick needs to be an instant starter and a long-term star, the second-round pick is always just as important. The best teams are able to bring in starters and stars throughout the first three or four rounds.

All of that being said, let's take a look at three potentially perfect options for the Steelers with the No. 55 overall pick in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

3. Trey Sermon, Running Back, Ohio State

This pick might be a bit of a reach should the Steelers choose to go this direction. They may also already have their new starting running back, as they have been rumored to have interest in both Alabama's Najee Harris and Clemson's Travis Etienne with their first-round pick. However, if they do not take a running back in the first round, taking Trey Sermon could be an option.

Sermon had some consistency issues at Ohio State and his numbers as a senior were not amazing. He carried the football 116 times for 870 yards and four touchdowns. Those numbers do average out to an impressive 7.5 yards per carry.

Many believe that Sermon could end up being a steal in the third round, where most mock drafts project him to be taken. If the Steelers decide to take a chance on him, they may just end up being very happy with their decision in the next couple of years.

2. Stone Forsythe, Offensive Tackle, Florida

Article Continues Below
More Pittsburgh Steelers News
Dec 15, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) warms up before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
DK Metcalf a ‘big reason’ Aaron Rodgers signed with the SteelersMike Gianakos ·
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks over his helmet during minicamp at their South Side facility.
Aaron Rodgers promises to disappear when he retires from NFLBen Strauss ·
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs the ball against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
Steelers’ Patrick Queen gets real on what’s motivating him this offseasonGuillermo Guajardo ·
Steelers re-sign DB who recorded 108 tackles in 2025 to 3-year contract
Steelers re-sign DB who recorded 108 tackles in 2025 to 3-year contractChris Spiering ·
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) puts on his helmet during minicamp at their South Side facility. Tom Arth
Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers sounds off on personal life privacy concernsBenedetto Vitale ·
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) drops back to pass during minicamp at their South Side facility.
Stephen A. Smith’s brutal Aaron Rodgers-Kevin Durant takeColin Loughran ·

Next up, the Steelers could use this pick to focus on their offensive line. Stone Forsythe may not be hyped up as a top offensive tackle prospect, but he has instant starter ability.

Forsythe stands in at 6-foot-8 and nearly 310 pounds. He is a massive presence on the line and would be a big addition for the Steelers. Keeping Ben Roethlisberger and whoever their long-term quarterback ends up being safe should be a major priority.

Obviously, this is not a “sexy” pick and no one would be running around the streets of Pittsburgh excited about this selection. But, he could be a major pillar for the offense for years to come. This is an option to keep a close eye on.

1. Nick Bolton, Linebacker, Missouri

Finally, the Steelers have always hung their hat on having star linebackers and they could look to add another talent at the position with this pick in Missouri standout Nick Bolton. He does have some concerns surrounding his quickness and being able to make plays across the field. While those concerns need to be taken into consideration, he is a hard-working player and is very coachable.

During his three-year career at Missouri, Bolton racked up 217 total tackles to go along with four sacks, two interceptions, a defensive touchdown, and 13 defended passes. Those numbers are solid and show why he would be a quality late second-round pick.

NFL.com has compared Bolton to current Carolina Panthers linebacker Denzel Perryman. He isn't a star, but he is a very good starting linebacker. If that is what Bolton ends up becoming, the Steelers would be very happy with this selection at No. 55 overall.