- Building a devastating pass rush: Instead of snagging a quarterback in Round 1, the Steelers opted to build perhaps the scariest defensive front in the NFL by adding one of the class’ best interior pass rushers in Derrick Harmon.
- Can Kaleb Johnson take over the Steelers‘ backfield? The Iowa standout has the size to stand up to the wear and put up huge numbers in 2025, charting as one of just nine backs in the nation to rack up more than 1,000 yards after contact this past season.
- Subscribe to PFF+: Get access to player grades, PFF Premium Stats, fantasy football rankings, all of the PFF fantasy draft research tools and more!
Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes
Despite the anticipation that Pittsburgh would be a landing spot for one of the class’ top quarterback prospects, that possibility quickly diminished after Days 1 and 2 came and went without the selection of the team’s next franchise passer.
Instead, the Steelers’ measured approach to the draft allowed them to continue providing the roster with depth to build upon their defensive strength before snagging a quarterback in Round 6 — perhaps signalling the team’s next franchise signal-caller is still to come.
Finding value in some selections, while admittedly reaching for others, left Pittsburgh with a solid mark in PFF’s draft grades.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 NFL Draft Class:
1 (21): DI Derrick Harmon, Oregon
3 (83): RB Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
4 (123): ED Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
5 (164): DI Yahya Black, Iowa
6 (185): QB Will Howard, Ohio State
7 (226): LB Carson Bruener, Washington
7 (229): CB Donte Kent, Central Michigan
A fierce interior pass rusher in Round 1: Instead of snagging a quarterback in the first round, the Steelers opted to build perhaps the scariest defensive front in the NFL. Derrick Harmon profiles as an excellent successor to Cam Heyward, who is entering his age-36 season. He can contribute right out of the gate after earning a 91.2 PFF pass-rush grade against true pass sets in 2024, tied for the highest among interior defenders in this year’s class.
A force in the backfield in Round 3: Kaleb Johnson goes from black and yellow to black and yellow, providing the Steelers with an early-down force. He logged 21 touchdowns with an 86.5 PFF rushing grade in 2024 while averaging a monstrous 4.42 yards after contact per attempt. While he lacks receiving production, Johnson gives the Steelers a bruiser with the ball in his hands to complement their backfield.
Rookie to watch: ED Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
Adding Sawyer to the Steelers’ front feels like a cheat code in a room chock-full of talented pass rushers. Sawyer’s 63 total pressures last season ranked fourth in the FBS, and his playmaking ability against the run makes him a good fit in Pittsburgh.
He earned high PFF grades against the run and rushing the passer over the past two seasons, and his 6-foot-5 and 265-pound frame gives him a high floor at the NFL level. Allowing Sawyer to learn behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, while contributing to a rotation, should bring out his best.
Position/role battle to watch: RB Kaleb Johnson vs. RB Jaylen Warren
Following Najee Harris‘ departure in free agency, it appeared Jaylen Warren would be the lead dog in the Steelers’ backfield for 2025. While that could very well still be the case, Pittsburgh’s selection of Kaleb Johnson points to another committee approach to the running game.
Now, we’re left to wonder who will get the bulk of the workload. While Warren has been efficient, his size leaves concerns, opening the door for Johnson to carve out a significant role. The Iowa standout has the size to stand up to the wear and put up huge numbers in 2024, having charted as one of just nine backs in college football to rack up more than 1,000 yards after contact in 2024.
Draft grade: B+
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Stephen Curry’s heartbreaking gesture after latest loss leaves Warriors fans devastated
The Golden State Warriors suffered a crushing 2-1 series deficit in the Western Conference semifinals on Saturday night, but all eyes were on a heartbroken Stephen Curry. After their 106-101 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Chase Center, the pain wasn't just physical for Curry, who missed the contest due to a hamstring injury. It was emotional. Curry's potential retirement, make fans resurface a video complaining complains about a Lamar songReports surfaced after Game 1 suggesting Curry had cried after injuring his hamstring, leaving fans puzzled.As the Warriors fell apart in the second half - unable to generate offense and with their trademark three-point attack evaporating - the cameras cut to Curry in the front row. He wasn't clapping, coaching, or even reacting. Instead, he sat motionless, his head bowed low, staring at the hardwood. For Dub Nation, it was […]
Dukla otočila duel v Boleslavi a živí naději na záchranu
Online magazín deníku Právo & Seznam.czCopyright © 1996–2025, Seznam.cz, a.s., Borgis, a.s., ČTK, DPA, Reuters, fotobanka Profimedia.Publikování nebo další šíření obsahu serveru Sport.cz je bez písemného souhlasu společnosti Borgis, a.s. zakázáno. RSS kanály serveru Sport.cz jsou určeny pouze pro osobní užití. Jakékoli kopírování, šíření nebo využívání obsahu RSS kanálů serveru Sport.cz bez předchozího písemného souhlasu společnosti Borgis a.s. není dovoleno. Dodavatelem obsahu serveru Sport.cz a osobou vykonávající redakční odpovědnost je společnost BORGIS a.s. Šiřitelem reklamy na serveru Sport.cz je společnost Seznam.cz, a.s., IČO 26168685.
Pětibojař Lukeš byl na SP v Bulharsku dvanáctý
Lukeš byl v osmnáctičlenném finále čtvrtým nejlepším plavcem, ale v šermu a na překážkové dráze nabral bodovou ztrátu. Do závěrečné kombinace běhu a střelby z laserové pistole proto vyrazil až ze 16. pozice a díky druhému nejlepšímu času si o čtyři místa polepšil. Od první desítky ho dělilo sedm sekund.„Škoda, měl jsem špatný základ,“ litoval Lukeš v tiskové zprávě českého svazu. „S fyzičkami jsem spokojený, ale celkově mám smíšené pocity. Byl jsem druhý na kombi a skončil dvanáctý… Je to moje nejlepší umístění ve svěťáku, ale třinácté místo ještě se závody na koních z minulé sezony řadím výš,“ konstatoval.Zvítězil Ital Giorgio Malan, ženská soutěž skončila triumfem Egypťanky Faridy Chalílové.SP v moderním pětiboji v Pazardžiku (Bulharsko) - finále:Muži: 1. Malan 15682. Cicinelli (oba It.) 15623. Belaud (Fr.) 1560...12. LUKEŠ (ČR) 1531Ženy: 1. Chalílová (Eg.) 14852. Song Sung-min (Korea) 14663. Ismaílová (Eg.) 1453
„Ich würde wetten …“ – Bleibt Funkel nach dem Aufstieg Köln-Trainer?
Wir haben personalisierte Videos für dich! Um mit Inhalten von Drittanbietern zu interagieren oder diese darzustellen, brauchen wir deine Zustimmung. externen Inhalt aktivieren Um eingebettete Inhalte anzuzeigen, ist Ihre jederzeit widerrufliche Einwilligung (über den Schalter oder über " Widerruf Tracking und Cookies " am Seitenende) zur Verarbeitung personenbezogener Daten nötig. Dabei können Daten in Drittländer wie die USA übermittelt werden (Art. 49 Abs. 1 lit. a DSGVO). Mit dem Aktivieren des Inhalts stimmen Sie zu. Weitere Infos finden Sie hier.
Como Women’s captain retires, spotlighting uncertain future for female footballers
At 37, most soccer players know the end is near. For FC Como Women captain Alia Guagni, the decision to retire wasn’t just about age — it was about life beyond the game and her long-delayed dream of becoming a mother.One of the most respected names in Italian women’s soccer, Guagni is hanging up her boots. But on Sunday, she did more than just say goodbye — she used the moment to spotlight a dilemma many female athletes face: What happens after the game?Advertisement“My future is still uncertain. I hope to stay in football, but nothing is guaranteed,” Guagni told The Athletic. Como’s 3-1 win felt almost symbolic, a quiet nod to her No. 3 jersey.“After a career on the pitch, we (female) footballers are forced to stop and face a void. We don’t have clear pathways into professional life, […]
Como Women’s captain retires, spotlighting uncertain future for female footballers
At 37, most soccer players know the end is near. For FC Como Women captain Alia Guagni, the decision to retire wasn’t just about age — it was about life beyond the game and her long-delayed dream of becoming a mother.One of the most respected names in Italian women’s soccer, Guagni is hanging up her boots. But on Sunday, she did more than just say goodbye — she used the moment to spotlight a dilemma many female athletes face: What happens after the game?Advertisement“My future is still uncertain. I hope to stay in football, but nothing is guaranteed,” Guagni told The Athletic. Como’s 3-1 win felt almost symbolic, a quiet nod to her No. 3 jersey.“After a career on the pitch, we (female) footballers are forced to stop and face a void. We don’t have clear pathways into professional life, […]
Related
Stephen Curry’s heartbreaking gesture after latest loss leaves Warriors fans devastated
The Golden State Warriors suffered a crushing 2-1 series deficit in the Western Conference semifinals on Saturday night, but all eyes were on a heartbroken Stephen Curry. After their 106-101 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Chase Center, the pain wasn't just physical for Curry, who missed the contest due to a hamstring injury. It was emotional. Curry's potential retirement, make fans resurface a video complaining complains about a Lamar songReports surfaced after Game 1 suggesting Curry had cried after injuring his hamstring, leaving fans puzzled.As the Warriors fell apart in the second half - unable to generate offense and with their trademark three-point attack evaporating - the cameras cut to Curry in the front row. He wasn't clapping, coaching, or even reacting. Instead, he sat motionless, his head bowed low, staring at the hardwood. For Dub Nation, it was […]
Dukla otočila duel v Boleslavi a živí naději na záchranu
Online magazín deníku Právo & Seznam.czCopyright © 1996–2025, Seznam.cz, a.s., Borgis, a.s., ČTK, DPA, Reuters, fotobanka Profimedia.Publikování nebo další šíření obsahu serveru Sport.cz je bez písemného souhlasu společnosti Borgis, a.s. zakázáno. RSS kanály serveru Sport.cz jsou určeny pouze pro osobní užití. Jakékoli kopírování, šíření nebo využívání obsahu RSS kanálů serveru Sport.cz bez předchozího písemného souhlasu společnosti Borgis a.s. není dovoleno. Dodavatelem obsahu serveru Sport.cz a osobou vykonávající redakční odpovědnost je společnost BORGIS a.s. Šiřitelem reklamy na serveru Sport.cz je společnost Seznam.cz, a.s., IČO 26168685.
Pětibojař Lukeš byl na SP v Bulharsku dvanáctý
Lukeš byl v osmnáctičlenném finále čtvrtým nejlepším plavcem, ale v šermu a na překážkové dráze nabral bodovou ztrátu. Do závěrečné kombinace běhu a střelby z laserové pistole proto vyrazil až ze 16. pozice a díky druhému nejlepšímu času si o čtyři místa polepšil. Od první desítky ho dělilo sedm sekund.„Škoda, měl jsem špatný základ,“ litoval Lukeš v tiskové zprávě českého svazu. „S fyzičkami jsem spokojený, ale celkově mám smíšené pocity. Byl jsem druhý na kombi a skončil dvanáctý… Je to moje nejlepší umístění ve svěťáku, ale třinácté místo ještě se závody na koních z minulé sezony řadím výš,“ konstatoval.Zvítězil Ital Giorgio Malan, ženská soutěž skončila triumfem Egypťanky Faridy Chalílové.SP v moderním pětiboji v Pazardžiku (Bulharsko) - finále:Muži: 1. Malan 15682. Cicinelli (oba It.) 15623. Belaud (Fr.) 1560...12. LUKEŠ (ČR) 1531Ženy: 1. Chalílová (Eg.) 14852. Song Sung-min (Korea) 14663. Ismaílová (Eg.) 1453
„Ich würde wetten …“ – Bleibt Funkel nach dem Aufstieg Köln-Trainer?
Wir haben personalisierte Videos für dich! Um mit Inhalten von Drittanbietern zu interagieren oder diese darzustellen, brauchen wir deine Zustimmung. externen Inhalt aktivieren Um eingebettete Inhalte anzuzeigen, ist Ihre jederzeit widerrufliche Einwilligung (über den Schalter oder über " Widerruf Tracking und Cookies " am Seitenende) zur Verarbeitung personenbezogener Daten nötig. Dabei können Daten in Drittländer wie die USA übermittelt werden (Art. 49 Abs. 1 lit. a DSGVO). Mit dem Aktivieren des Inhalts stimmen Sie zu. Weitere Infos finden Sie hier.
Como Women’s captain retires, spotlighting uncertain future for female footballers
At 37, most soccer players know the end is near. For FC Como Women captain Alia Guagni, the decision to retire wasn’t just about age — it was about life beyond the game and her long-delayed dream of becoming a mother.One of the most respected names in Italian women’s soccer, Guagni is hanging up her boots. But on Sunday, she did more than just say goodbye — she used the moment to spotlight a dilemma many female athletes face: What happens after the game?Advertisement“My future is still uncertain. I hope to stay in football, but nothing is guaranteed,” Guagni told The Athletic. Como’s 3-1 win felt almost symbolic, a quiet nod to her No. 3 jersey.“After a career on the pitch, we (female) footballers are forced to stop and face a void. We don’t have clear pathways into professional life, […]
Como Women’s captain retires, spotlighting uncertain future for female footballers
At 37, most soccer players know the end is near. For FC Como Women captain Alia Guagni, the decision to retire wasn’t just about age — it was about life beyond the game and her long-delayed dream of becoming a mother.One of the most respected names in Italian women’s soccer, Guagni is hanging up her boots. But on Sunday, she did more than just say goodbye — she used the moment to spotlight a dilemma many female athletes face: What happens after the game?Advertisement“My future is still uncertain. I hope to stay in football, but nothing is guaranteed,” Guagni told The Athletic. Como’s 3-1 win felt almost symbolic, a quiet nod to her No. 3 jersey.“After a career on the pitch, we (female) footballers are forced to stop and face a void. We don’t have clear pathways into professional life, […]
Be the first to leave a comment