The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear mandate: to solidify their roster and address key needs to build upon their recent playoff appearance. General Manager Omar Khan and Coach Mike Tomlin navigated the draft board with a blend of strategic selection and an eye toward the team’s long-term vision. This article delves into each of the Steelers’ seven draft picks, analyzing their potential impact, addressing fan reactions, and considering expert opinions on how these new additions fit into the Steel City landscape.
Round 1, Pick 21: Derrick Harmon, Defensive Tackle, Oregon
The Steelers kicked off their draft by selecting Derrick Harmon, a dominant defensive tackle from the University of Oregon. At 6’5″ and 310 pounds, Harmon possesses the prototypical size and strength that the Steelers have historically valued on their defensive line.
Analysis: Harmon is a powerful interior lineman known for his ability to disrupt both the running game and pressure the quarterback. His impressive 91.2 Pro Football Focus (PFF) pass-rush grade against true pass sets in 2024 highlights his potential as an immediate contributor. With Cameron Heyward entering his later years, Harmon offers a promising successor and a formidable partner in the interim. His ability to take on double teams is a significant asset in run defense, an area the Steelers aim to strengthen.
Fan Reaction: The selection of Harmon was generally well-received by Steelers fans. Many acknowledged the need to bolster the defensive line and were impressed by Harmon’s size and potential. Some fans on social media drew comparisons to a young Cameron Heyward, expressing optimism about his future in Pittsburgh.
Expert Opinion: PFF lauded the Harmon pick, suggesting it could contribute to making the Steelers’ defensive front “perhaps the scariest in the NFL.” Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated gave the Steelers an “A” grade for their draft, highlighting Harmon as an immediate contributor.
Round 3, Pick 83: Kaleb Johnson, Running Back, Iowa
With their first pick on Day 2, the Steelers addressed their running back room by selecting Kaleb Johnson from the University of Iowa. The departure of Najee Harris in free agency created a need for a physical presence in the backfield to complement the versatile Jaylen Warren.
Analysis: Johnson is a bruising runner who excelled at breaking tackles and gaining yards after contact. His impressive statistics from his junior season at Iowa, including over 1,000 yards after contact and a strong PFF rushing grade of 86.5, indicate his potential to be an early-down workhorse for the Steelers. While not known for his receiving prowess, Johnson brings a powerful element to the ground game that the Steelers were seeking.
Fan Reaction: Fans expressed excitement about the addition of Johnson, recognizing the need for a strong running back. Many highlighted his size and physicality as traits that fit the traditional Steelers’ ground-and-pound identity.
Expert Opinion: PFF described Johnson as an “early-down force” who can provide the Steelers with a powerful runner to complement their backfield.
Round 4, Pick 123: Jack Sawyer, Linebacker, Ohio State
Continuing to focus on the defensive side of the ball, the Steelers selected Jack Sawyer, an edge rusher from Ohio State, in the fourth round.
Analysis: Sawyer brings versatility to the Steelers’ linebacker corps, with the ability to rush the passer and contribute against the run. His impressive 63 total pressures in his final season at Ohio State ranked fourth in the FBS, showcasing his pass-rushing potential. Learning behind established veterans like T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith could allow Sawyer to develop into a significant contributor in the Steelers’ defense.
Fan Reaction: The selection of Sawyer was seen as a valuable addition to the Steelers’ pass-rushing depth. Fans appreciated his college production and the opportunity to learn from some of the league’s best edge rushers.
Expert Opinion: PFF labeled Sawyer a potential “cheat code” in an already talented Steelers’ outside linebacker room, praising his playmaking ability against both the run and the pass.
Round 5, Pick 164: Yahya Black, Defensive End, Iowa
The Steelers continued to bolster their defensive line in the fifth round by selecting Yahya Black, a defensive end from the University of Iowa.
Analysis: Black is a strong run defender who earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors for his play in 2024. His addition provides further depth to the defensive line and offers a player who can contribute in the rotation, particularly on early downs and in run-stopping situations.
Fan Reaction: While perhaps not as high-profile as the earlier picks, fans recognized the importance of adding depth to the defensive line and appreciated Black’s reputation as a solid run defender.
Expert Opinion: While one expert noted a lower grade for this pick, PFF highlighted Black as a “great run stuffer,” indicating his potential to contribute in that specific area.
Round 6, Pick 185: Will Howard, Quarterback, Ohio State
Addressing the quarterback position, the Steelers selected Will Howard from Ohio State in the sixth round.
Analysis: Howard, a national champion with the Buckeyes, brings size (6’4″, 236 pounds) and experience to the Steelers’ quarterback room. He led the Big Ten with 35 passing touchdowns in 2024, showcasing his arm talent. While considered a developmental prospect, Howard provides depth and potential in a quarterback room that saw significant turnover in the offseason.
Fan Reaction: The selection of a quarterback, even in the later rounds, was a welcome sign for many fans who were concerned about the team’s long-term future at the position. Some fans expressed hope that Howard could develop into a potential starter down the line.
Expert Opinion: One CBS Sports analyst expressed a strong belief in Howard’s potential, even drawing a comparison (albeit with immediate backtracking) to Tom Brady as a late-round quarterback with significant upside. PFF noted his size, experience, and deep passing grade as positive attributes.
Round 7, Pick 226: Carson Bruener, Linebacker, Washington
With their first of two seventh-round picks, the Steelers added further depth to their linebacker corps with the selection of Carson Bruener from the University of Washington.
Analysis: Bruener was a productive college player, leading his team with 104 tackles and three interceptions in 2024, earning Third-Team All-Pac-12 honors. He provides depth and potential special teams contributions for the Steelers.
Fan Reaction: Late-round linebacker picks are often viewed as developmental projects and special teams contributors, and fans generally saw Bruener as a solid addition for depth.
Round 7, Pick 229: Donte Kent, Cornerback, Central Michigan
Rounding out their draft class, the Steelers selected Donte Kent, a cornerback and punt returner from Central Michigan.
Analysis: Kent was a Second-Team All-MAC honoree as both a defensive back and a punt returner in 2024. His versatility provides value on both defense and special teams, offering potential as a depth cornerback and a return specialist.
Fan Reaction: Adding a player with special teams experience in the late rounds was seen as a smart move, and fans appreciated Kent’s versatility.
FAQs
Why did the Steelers focus on defense in the draft?
Head Coach Mike Tomlin emphasized a desire to “retool physicality in all areas,” leading to five of the seven picks being defensive players. This strategy aims to reinforce the team’s defensive strength and prepare for future transitions, such as the eventual retirement of veteran Cameron Heyward.
What was the rationale behind selecting Derrick Harmon in the first round?
Derrick Harmon was chosen to address an urgent need on the defensive line. His selection reflects the team’s commitment to maintaining a strong defense and preparing for the future as veteran players age.
Did the Steelers draft a quarterback in 2025?
Yes, the Steelers selected Will Howard from Ohio State in the sixth round (Pick 185). This move indicates a strategy to develop a potential future starter while considering short-term options like veteran Aaron Rodgers.
Why did the Steelers pass on Shedeur Sanders?
Reports suggest that the Steelers’ decision to pass on quarterback Shedeur Sanders may have been influenced by their pursuit of Aaron Rodgers. It’s speculated that Rodgers preferred not to have a high-profile rookie quarterback as a potential successor, leading the team to focus on other positions.
What were the key trades involving the Steelers during the draft?
The Steelers traded their second-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks as part of the acquisition of wide receiver DK Metcalf. Additionally, they traded wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys for future draft picks, aiming to address team dynamics and roster needs.
How did the Steelers address their offensive needs in the draft?
While the draft focus was primarily on defense, the Steelers added running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round and quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round. These selections aim to bolster the offensive backfield and provide depth at the quarterback position.
What is the outlook for the Steelers’ 2025 draft class?
The 2025 draft class is viewed as a strategic effort to reinforce the team’s physicality and prepare for future transitions. While immediate impacts are expected from players like Derrick Harmon and Kaleb Johnson, others are seen as developmental prospects to contribute in the coming seasons.
To conclude
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 NFL Draft strategy centered on reinforcing their defense and preparing for future transitions, particularly on the defensive line and at the quarterback position. By selecting players like Derrick Harmon and Kaleb Johnson, the team aims to maintain its defensive strength and offensive versatility. The decision to draft quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round reflects a long-term approach to developing talent behind potential short-term solutions like Aaron Rodgers.
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