Steelers Receive High Praise for 2025 Class

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered and left the 2025 NFL Draft without a franchise quarterback, which to some will constitute a failure. Head coach Mike Tomlin, though, stressed that physicality was the driving force behind the Steelers’ draft strategy.

If the goal was to get bigger and stronger, it’s hard to argue against Pittsburgh coming away from the draft as winners.

It came at a cost. The Steelers passed on a quarterback with each of their Day 1 and 2 picks, waiting until Round 6 to take Ohio State quarterback Will Howard. Pittsburgh passed on Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, and Jalen Milroe in the process, contradicting the pre-draft projections of many analysts.

Even so, the Steelers received high praise for their 2025 draft class, including earning the top ranking in the AFC from Sports Illustrated.

“Pittsburgh didn’t have its second-round pick because of the DK Metcalf trade and still nailed the draft,” ​​Matt Verderame wrote. “Harmon is a stud inside who should pair nicely with Cam Heyward, while Johnson will make a nasty tandem with Jaylen Warren in the backfield. Sawyer is also a good value who should thrive in Pittsburgh’s system, with no team doing a better job of coaching front-seven talents over the years.”

The Steelers stacked several good-process decisions over the three-day festivities. Defensive tackle Derrick Harmon offers a blend of mass and athleticism that lends itself to massive upside with a path to contributing right away. Kaleb Johnson is an excellent scheme fit who offers more big-play potential than Najee Harris at a fraction of the cost.

Sawyer may not play a massive role on Pittsburgh’s defensive line, but as a run-stopping rotational player, his power and motor are incredibly important. The Steelers were exposed by the Baltimore Ravens without that kind of reinforcement in 2024, making him an important fixture in potential January football. Nose tackle Yahya Black will join him, adding even more mass up front.

It is ambitious to call Howard much more than a fringe starter, but if he is anything close to a viable starting quarterback, the surplus value of a Round 6 selection is impressive. He may get that shot if Mason Rudolph starts in Week 1, too.

Regardless of whether the Steelers get credit for spending their second-round pick on Metcalf, their process and ability to find real contributors is worthy of the immediate praise the class has received. Making good on that first impression could decide how potent Pittsburgh is in 2025.