The Pittsburgh Steelers have been aggressive in the 2025 offseason as they aim to recover from another disappointing playoff loss.
For nearly two decades, Pittsburgh has been a model of consistency, achieving 21 consecutive seasons with a .500 record or better. However, the team has not enjoyed the postseason success that such a winning record would suggest.
The Steelers‘ front office has been active this offseason, working to revamp the roster for the upcoming season. Their first significant move came in early March when they acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf for a second-round pick, No. 52 overall and a seventh-rounder (No. 223).
The team boasts a strong defensive lineup, featuring several elite players including perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate T.J. Watt. Together with Cam Heyward, Alex Highsmith, linebacker Patrick Queen, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Joey Porter Jr. they form the core of the Steelers’ defense.
Despite this strong foundation, there are still a few positions that the Steelers aim to strengthen during the 2025 NFL Draft. Quarterback possibly being one of those spots.
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Russell Wilson signed with the Giants and Justin Fields joined the Jets in free agency. Former third-round pick Mason Rudolph was signed in free agency and provides a solid backup on the depth chart. However, fans and analysts alike expect Pittsburgh to significantly invest at the position. The franchise has dealt with uncertainty at the position ever since Ben Roethlisberger retired following the 2021 season. Even if Aaron Rodgers signs, he will be the oldest active player in the NFL, leaving the team with no long-term solution.
The revamping process will continue in the 2025 NFL Draft, where the Steelers have six selections, including the 21st overall pick in the first round.
Here’s a look at the Steelers 2025 draft picks and USA TODAY Sports and the USA TODAY Network’s grades for each of Pittsburgh’s selections.
Steelers NFL draft grades
Round 1, Pick 21: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
It’s hard to find a better succession plan for franchise icon Cameron Heyward than the long-armed, productive interior defender Harmon. The Oregon product was the lynchpin of one of the best defenses in college football and racked up five sacks in 2024. This is a fantastic fit. Still, the Steelers are slated to start Mason Rudolph at quarterback and that’s not a good option for a team with playoff aspirations.
Mike Tomlin’s selection will be widely viewed through the lens of the choice he didn’t make, namely taking Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Pittsburgh, however, apparently wasn’t bluffing with its long-running relaxed attitude toward its uncertainty behind center. Harmon’s forcefulness should make him a fast favorite of Tomlin, and he can help a wobbly defense not rely so heavily on Cam Heyward, who will turn 36 next month.
Round 3, Pick 83: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
Not the backfield selection everyone was waiting for with Shedeur Sanders on the board, but there’s plenty to like about this pick. Johnson has drawn some comparisons to Le’Veon Bell for his distinct and patient running style, and he could enjoy a more fruitful career than several of the ball carriers taken ahead of him.
This may be one of the best fits of the day. Johnson is powerful, bruising one-cut runner in the mold of Derrick Henry and DeMarco Murray. He’s not an open-field speedster but uses great patience, power and vision to churn out yards.
Round 4, Pick 123: Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State
Sawyer was one of the key contributors to Ohio State’s national-championship winning defense. He did not measure in a as well as expected so that’s why he dropped from a likely second-round pick to Round 4. Despite his short arms, his activity and strength make him at least a rotational piece.
Round 5, Pick 164: Yahya Black, DT, Iowa
The Steelers continue to build out the trenches on defense with their second defensive tackle pick of the draft. Black offers a great skillset against the run with a 6-foot-5, 330-pound frame with an 84-inch wingspan. His mix of length and strength makes block shedding easy and gives him tools to develop as a pass rusher.
Round 6, Pick 185: Will Howard, QB, Ohio State
Pittsburgh has a glaring need at quarterback and opts to address it in Round 6. Howard is a big, strong passer with very repeatable mechanics and thrived at Ohio State when distributing the ball to four future NFL first-round picks. He has a strong arm which will come in handy for downfield concepts and experience as a scrambler which will work in Arthur Smith’s system. His ceiling is relatively low but his floor is pretty high.
Round 7, Pick 226 (from Chiefs): Carson Bruener, LB, Washington
Bruener is slightly undersized at 6-foot-1 and 226 pounds but is one of the twitchiest athletes in the class at the position. He doesn’t play with the aggression teams would like at the position but that can evolve over time. For now, he has the makings of a special teams ace.
Round 7: Pick 229 (From Falcons via Eagles): Donte Kent, CB, Central Michigan
Kent has NFL speed in his 5-foot-10, 187-pound frame and a proven track record in zone coverage systems. He can play aggressive at times which may work against him at the NFL level more so than in college. He’s a reliable tackler, though, which the Steelers will appreciate.
Steelers NFL draft picks
- Round 1, No. 21 overall: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
- Round 3, No. 83: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
- Round 4, No. 123: Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State
- Round 5, No. 156: Yahya Black, DT, Iowa
- Round 6, No. 185: Will Howard, QB, Ohio State
- Round 7, Pick 226 (from Chiefs): Carson Bruener, LB, Washington
- Round 7, Pick 229 (From Falcons via Eagles): Donte Kent, CB, Central Michigan
