Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 NFL Draft grades

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2025 NFL Draft with several pressing needs and not a lot of draft capital to fill those needs. Despite the limitations, Pittsburgh was able to address some of its biggest concerns early on. As the draft went on, though, the Steelers made some questionable choices and failed to fill top needs until late in the draft.

Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 NFL Draft Grades

Round 1, Pick 21: DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon

While it wasn’t a flashy pick, the Steelers started their draft with a “boring” but predictable and quality selection. Continuing their overhaul of the trenches on both sides of the ball, Pittsburgh selected Derrick Harmon out of Oregon. The pick marked a change in Steelers draft philosophy from the past two years – he doesn’t have the highest ceiling in the draft, but Harmon is pro-ready.

As a rookie, Harmon will start in the Steelers’ base 3-4 defense and rotate with Cameron Heyward and Keeanu Benton in other packages. Long-term, Harmon will be groomed to replace Heyward, who likely only has two years left in his career.

Harmon was ranked 27th on the NFL Mock Draft Database consensus big board. Snagging him at 21 was a solid pick for Pittsburgh. He’s a mature player who can contribute now and potentially be a cornerstone for years to come.

Grade: B+

Derrick Harmon Draft Profile

Round 3, Pick 83: RB Kaleb Johnson, Iowa

The Steelers wasted no time addressing their two biggest draft needs. Their pre-draft activity proved to be very predictive, as Pittsburgh showed loads of interest in the defensive tackles and running backs prior to the draft. Kaleb Johnson both fills a massive need and was a great value selection; his consensus rank was 56.

Similar to Harmon, Johnson will be ready for a solid rotational role as a rookie. Underdeveloped in the passing game, Johnson will be behind Jaylen Warren in passing situations. But as a runner, Johnson will get plenty of work on early downs. And he is a perfect fit in Arthur Smith’s offense.

Grade: A

Kaleb Johnson Draft Profile

Round 4, Pick 123: EDGE Jack Sawyer, Ohio State

Pittsburgh’s first surprise pick came in the fourth round with their selection of Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer. From a value standpoint, Sawyer was a fine choice; he was ranked 67th on the consensus big board. However, edge was a position the Steelers entered the draft with very little need for. Yes, T.J. Watt is getting older. But he’s still a perennial DPOY candidate, and Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig round out arguably the best trio of edge rushers in the league.

While a team can never have too many pass rushers, the Steelers had much larger needs at wide receiver and cornerback that could have been addressed with this pick. Sawyer is a solid depth piece who will help against the run and will be ready to step up if a starter gets injured.

Grade: C+

Jack Sawyer Draft Profile

Round 5, Pick 164: DT Yahya Black, Iowa

After drafting Harmon early, Pittsburgh double-dipped at defensive tackle and drafted Iowa’s Yahya Black in the fifth round. More of a nose tackle, Black should be able to get snaps as an early-down, run-stuffing defender as a rookie. That said, Pittsburgh once again could have addressed bigger needs like cornerback or wide receiver.

Further, Black was selected well before his consensus rank of 209. The Steelers want to stop the run, which is understandable for an AFC North team. However, they were not bad enough at stopping the run to justify spending three of their first four picks on their defensive front.

Grade: D+

Round 6, Pick 185: QB Will Howard, Ohio State

Much later than expected, Pittsburgh found its quarterback to take a flyer on. Ironically, Howard was a common selection for the Steelers in mock drafts in the third or fourth round. They were able to wait until late on Day 3 to draft him. This pick was a great combination of need, positional importance, and value. Howard was expected to be long gone by the sixth round.

Late-round quarterbacks don’t often turn into starters, but Howard has the right traits for Pittsburgh to develop. If they don’t sign Aaron Rodgers, Howard will be the Steelers’ backup to start the year and could even get a chance to start, depending on how Pittsburgh’s season progresses. All things considered, this was a great, low-risk but potentially high-reward selection.

Grade: A

Will Howard Draft Profile

Round 7, Pick 226: LB Carson Bruener, Washington

While it wasn’t talked about as a major need, the Steelers did have a hole to address at linebacker in the draft. They drafted team scout Mark Bruener’s son to help fill the hole left by Elandon Roberts’s offseason departure. Bruener isn’t a high-end athlete, and his lack of speed probably won’t lead to him seeing much playing time in coverage packages. But Roberts wasn’t a key coverage piece either; he was elite against the run. Stopping the run is what Bruener does best; he gets downhill and is a reliable tackler. He will have a chance to make the team as a depth piece.

Grade: B-

Round 7, Pick 229: CB Donte Kent, Central Michigan

Unfortunately, it has become common in recent years for the Steelers to wait too long to draft secondary help. That happened once again this year, as they didn’t draft a safety at all, and didn’t draft a cornerback until the seventh round. Kent was ranked 437th on the consensus big board, while Cobee Bryant (ranked 149th) was still available. Kent has real athletic upside. He could compete to be the Steelers’ slot cornerback, and might be able to secure a roster spot as a punt returner.

Grade: D

Overall Steelers Draft Grade: B