The Pittsburgh Steelers found themselves linked to polarizing quarterback Shedeur Sanders over and over in recent mock drafts. While the Steelers do need a quarterback, many felt Sanders would be a reach at No. 21. After the team took a swing on Kenny Pickett in 2022, fans weren’t eager to roll the dice again.
Heading into the draft, the fan base — and even members of the media — were split on Sanders’ talent level. Some analysts believed he could be the next Tom Brady. Others had him ranked below Jaxson Dart.
While plenty of fans hoped the Steelers would take Sanders, Pittsburgh instead chose to address one of their most significant needs — defensive tackle — by selecting Derrick Harmon from Oregon. But was that the right call? One former Steelers coach weighed in.
Did Steelers Make a Massive Mistake Passing on Shedeur Sanders?
After selecting Harmon, Steelers general manager Omar Khan told the media that when you find someone of his caliber, who checks all your boxes, you don’t leave him on the board.
Head coach Mike Tomlin said Harmon has “Steelers DNA.” Harmon told reporters he grew up idolizing Pro Bowler Cameron Heyward and now looks forward to learning from him.
But what about those with Steelers ties who are no longer in the building? Former offensive coordinator Todd Haley shared his take on X about passing on Sanders.
“The Steelers got themselves a player! Good teams stick to their process and don’t reach for players. Doesn’t mean your evaluations are always right, but you have to stick to your board. #NFL Draft,” Haley posted on X after news broke that Pittsburgh passed on Sanders.
The @steelers got themselves a player! Good teams stick to their process and don’t reach for players . Doesn’t mean your evaluations are always right, but you have to stick to your board. #NFLDraft
— Todd Haley (@thetoddhaley) April 25, 2025
Who Is Todd Haley?
Haley served as the Steelers’ offensive coordinator from 2012 to 2017. During his six-year run, Pittsburgh made the playoffs four times and went 3-4 in those postseason games. Despite the success, fans had a love-hate relationship with Haley. He was often blamed for overthinking the playcalling, especially in big playoff moments.
The losses were tough to swallow, especially with the “Killer B’s” in their prime — Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, and Le’Veon Bell.
Haley was also rumored to be tough to work with, reportedly clashing with both Tomlin and Roethlisberger. Still, many fans wish he’d return, especially after the Matt Canada years.
In 2014, Haley helped crank up the offense. The Steelers ranked near the top of the league in multiple categories that season, and again in 2015. He led a top-10 offense for four straight years before being fired after the 2017 season, when they finished eighth in scoring and third in yards. His replacement, Randy Fichtner, marked the beginning of the end for Pittsburgh’s offensive firepower.
Who Is Derrick Harmon?
According to PFSN’s Scouting Report, Harmon is a steady force in both phases of the game.
At 6’4 1/2″ and roughly 320 pounds with a wingspan over 34 inches, Harmon outmuscles most blockers. Scouts love his strength and what they call “violent hands.”
He’s described as a “two-gapping Goliath with a ruthless power element and motor in the passing game.” His upside? An impact starter.
The Steelers have long been known for stout defense and smashmouth football, a tradition dating back to the Steel Curtain days of the 1970s. In recent years, that identity slipped a bit. Harmon could help restore that edge up front.