After another one-and-done postseason appearance, the Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to take the next step at the 2025 NFL Draft. Whether or not the will-they-or-won’t-they story with Aaron Rodgers ends with the Steelers and Rodgers together, Pittsburgh needs a big draft to replenish an aging roster. We delve into how the Steelers graded out on each of their picks.
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Overall Steelers Draft Grade: B+
Time will tell if passing on Shedeur Sanders will come back to bite the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the front office put together an impressive draft class nonetheless. Selecting Derrick Harmon at No. 21 overall came as a surprise to many, but we’re not going to act like it was a reach.
Harmon was one of the best players on the board, and he filled a massive need for Pittsburgh. He’s a violent pass rusher who has displayed flashes of being a disruptive run defender. With limited depth and talent on the interior of their defensive line, the former Oregon standout should be an immediate impact contributor.
After moving on from Najee Harris this offseason, Pittsburgh drafted a potential replacement in Kaleb Johnson. Jaylen Warren is in line for increased responsibility, but he hasn’t shown that he can handle a workhorse workload. Johnson lacks breakaway speed, and he doesn’t offer much as a receiving threat, but he has excellent vision and was highly productive at Iowa.
Jack Sawyer is a quintessential Steelers pick, given his high motor and the physicality he brings to the game. He comes with high-level playing experience and will get to work behind the dynamic pass-rushing duo of T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.
Pittsburgh also drafted Sawyer’s Ohio State teammate, quarterback Will Howard. The front office appears content with waiting for Aaron Rodgers, and this is not a bad pick if Rodgers ends up being the starter. Howard has physical upside, but he’s better suited as a backup early in his career.
Grades for Every Steelers Draft Pick
- Round 1, Pick 21
Derrick Harmon, DT | Oregon
Grade: A
This was one of the bigger surprises of the first round, as many mock drafts had the Steelers addressing their quarterback situation with the 21st overall pick. Instead, they played the true value of the board and added one of the best players available at another position of need.
The Harmon pick is especially intriguing, considering that Harmon has earned comparisons to the Steelers’ own veteran Cameron Heyward. Like Heyward, Harmon has the ideal size and power profile, but is a ruthlessly violent pass-rusher with high-end flashes as a run defender from 3-tech and even further inside.
Harmon is a bit high-hipped and stiff in the midsection, which can impact his counter work. And his medicals at least bear noting, as he was flagged with a shoulder issue ahead of the draft. But the Steelers did well not to reach at QB and solidified their defensive line with a solid all-around pro alongside Keeanu Benton. QB remains an issue, but the Steelers have fallen into the trap of forcing it before. They didn’t this time.
- Round 3, Pick 83
Kaleb Johnson, RB | Iowa
Grade: A
A clean projection for zone-rushing systems, Kaleb Johnson should fit beautifully in Arthur Smith’s wide-zone offense. Even after Jaylen Warren signed his restricted free agent tender, the Steelers badly needed another running back with Najee Harris departing.
Johnson won’t be the bellcow right away, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see him usurp Warren atop the depth chart by the end of his rookie season. The Iowa back compensates for a lack of breakaway speed with excellent vision and creative instincts.
The only downside is that he doesn’t bring much receiving value, which should enable Warren to continue seeing steady passing-down snaps.
- Round 4, Pick 123
Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State
Grade: B
This just feels like a Pittsburgh Steelers pick. Jack Sawyer is a well-built defender with a strong frame. He’s not going to wow you with his athleticism, and he lacks the length and bend that you typically prefer from an edge rusher, but he’s built Ford-tough. He brings plenty of experience against high-level competition, so it’s not hard to envision him thriving under Mike Tomlin.
This is somewhat of a luxury pick for the Steelers, as they have a strong duo of T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith on the edge. That’s what makes this an ideal situation for Sawyer, who can learn behind two of the best in the game. Sawyer’s physicality, instincts, and high motor skills will be valuable assets for a team that wants to beat up its opponents.
- Round 5, Pick 164
Yahya Black, DT | Iowa
Grade: B- - Round 6, Pick 185
Will Howard, QB | Ohio State
Grade: A - Round 7, Pick 226
Carson Bruener, LB | Washington
Grade: B - Round 7, Pick 229
Donte Kent, CB | Central Michigan
Grade: B+