The Pittsburgh Steelers approached the 2025 NFL Draft with clear goals that they wanted to boost their ageing defensive line, add explosive offensive players, and add depth to key positions.
Their seven picks show a smart way that they have chosen to build the team. They focus on players who can help right away and also invest in future talent.
This breakdown looks at each pick. It shows how Pittsburgh’s draft strategy helps them win a championship and build their roster.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 Draft Picks – Full List
Pittsburgh’s 2025 draft picks show a careful plan to meet roster needs. They keep their identity as a tough, defence-focused team.
The Steelers made seven picks across six rounds, with no selections in Round 2 due to previous trades.
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 21 | Derrick Harmon | DT | Oregon (via MSU) |
| 3 | 83 | Kaleb Johnson | RB | Iowa |
| 4 | 123 | Jack Sawyer | EDGE | Ohio State |
| 5 | 164 | Yahya Black | DT | Iowa |
| 6 | 185 | Will Howard | QB | Ohio State |
| 7 | 226 | Carson Bruener | LB | Washington |
| 7 | 229 | Donte Kent | CB | Central Michigan |
The Steelers’ 2025 draft class focuses on boosting their defensive line. They aim to add two promising tackles and a dynamic edge rusher.
Offensively, they added a top Big Ten running back. They also brought in a dual-threat quarterback and special teams players at linebacker and cornerback.
Each pick fits Pittsburgh’s blueprint for power, depth, and long-term flexibility.
Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Picks – Player Profiles & Analysis
Pittsburgh’s 2025 picks mix ready-to-play talent with growth potential. They look for players who are tough and flexible. These are key values for the organisation.
1. Round 1 (Pick 21) – Derrick Harmon
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| College | Oregon (via Michigan State) |
| Position | Defensive Tackle |
| Height/Weight | 6’5″, 320 lbs |
| Strengths | Powerful hands, run-stuffing, interior pressure |
| NFL Role Projection | Starting DT in 3–4 front, early down disruptor |
Harmon moved from Michigan State to Oregon. He quickly made a mark, posting 10.5 tackles for loss and 5 sacks in his last season.
His size, strength, and pass-rush skills make him a great fit for Pittsburgh’s 3-4 defence.
He uses his strong hands and great leverage to collapse pockets. He can also stuff running lanes just as well.
Why This Pick Matters:
Cam Heyward is getting older, and the interior defensive line needs help. Harmon can start right away and offers long-term stability.
His flexibility helps Pittsburgh keep its strong defence while planning for the future.
2. Round 3 (Pick 83) – Kaleb Johnson
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| College | Iowa |
| Position | Running Back |
| Height/Weight | 6’0″, 222 lbs |
| Strengths | Contact balance, acceleration, red-zone runs |
| NFL Role Projection | RB2 with goal-line and short-yardage potential |
Johnson stood out as a top college football running back. He gained 1,537 rushing yards and scored 23 touchdowns. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry.
His vision, burst, and balance work well with Najee Harris’s powerful running style. Johnson excels in both inside and outside zone schemes, plus offers return-game experience.
Why This Pick Matters:
The Steelers’ ground game lacked explosive plays in 2024. Johnson’s quick speed and scoring in the red zone make a strong backfield duo.
This helps Pittsburgh use different formations and keep Harris fresh all season.
3. Round 4 (Pick 123) – Jack Sawyer
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| College | Ohio State |
| Position | Edge Rusher |
| Height/Weight | 6’4″, 265 lbs |
| Strengths | Versatility, edge containment, quick burst |
| NFL Role Projection | Rotational EDGE, 3rd-down pass rusher |
Sawyer ended his Ohio State career with 9 sacks and earned Cotton Bowl Defensive MVP. This showed he could shine in key moments.
He can rush from different spots, drop back into coverage, and defend against running plays.
He has great football IQ and a strong work ethic. Also, he brings championship experience and has shown he can perform in big moments.
Why This Pick Matters:
Edge rusher depth is crucial in Pittsburgh’s defensive scheme. Sawyer backs up T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.
He has a chance to grow into a starter thanks to his elite skills and experience in big games.
4. Round 5 (Pick 164) – Yahya Black
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| College | Iowa |
| Position | Defensive Lineman |
| Height/Weight | 6’5″, 290 lbs |
| Strengths | Length, block shedding, gap integrity |
| NFL Role Projection | Backup 3–4 DE, run-game specialist |
Black controlled Iowa’s defensive line with his great length and gap discipline. He often took on many blockers, which let his teammates shine.
His 6’5″ frame and 290-pound build create natural leverage advantages in the trenches.
People know Black for his smart play recognition and solid technique. He understands offensive schemes and maintains his gap integrity against tricky running plays.
Why This Pick Matters :
Adding a second defensive tackle shows Pittsburgh’s focus on stopping the run. It also helps build depth in the interior.
Black offers great value in the fifth round thanks to his development potential and special teams skills.
5. Round 6 (Pick 185) – Will Howard
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| College | Ohio State (transferred from Kansas State) |
| Position | Quarterback |
| Height/Weight | 6’5″, 242 lbs |
| Strengths | Arm strength, mobility, RPO familiarity |
| NFL Role Projection | Developmental QB3 with upside |
Howard moved from Kansas State to Ohio State. He led the Buckeyes to a national championship.
He threw for 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns. His dual-threat capability includes 528 rushing yards and 10 rushing scores.
Howard has a strong arm and good mobility in the pocket. He also has a lot of RPO experience. This gives him a championship pedigree. He can perform well under pressure.
Why This Pick Matters:
Pittsburgh addresses quarterback depth with a focus on adding legitimate competition.
Howard’s winning experience and dual-threat skills make him a promising long-term project. He could challenge for playing time sooner than.
6. Round 7 (Pick 226) – Carson Bruener
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| College | Washington |
| Position | Linebacker |
| Height/Weight | 6’2″, 225 lbs |
| Strengths | Coverage instincts, tackling, special teams |
| NFL Role Projection | Core special teamer, backup WILL linebacker |
Bruener led Washington with 98 tackles. He earned defensive MVP honours for his great instincts and tackling technique.
He is the son of Mark Bruener, a former Steelers tight end. This gives him strong football roots and a good grasp of Pittsburgh’s culture.
His three years of special teams success, along with his coverage skills and leadership, make him a great fit for the organisation.
Why This Pick Matters:
Bruener isn’t just family; he shows the Steelers’ values. He represents hard work and a team-first mindset.
His skills on special teams and depth at linebacker add instant value to the roster. This also honours the franchise’s tradition of building a strong
7. Round 7 (Pick 229) – Donte Kent
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| College | Central Michigan |
| Position | Cornerback |
| Height/Weight | 5’11”, 188 lbs |
| Strengths | Ball skills, anticipation, press coverage |
| NFL Role Projection | Nickel corner with slot duties |
Kent stood out in the MAC. He grabbed many interceptions and broke up passes. His skill at anticipating plays was impressive.
His press coverage skills and quickness in tight spaces make him good in man and zone schemes.
Even though he played at a smaller school, his instincts, competitiveness, and tackling skills fit the NFL needs well.
Why This Pick Matters:
Pittsburgh needed cornerback depth behind their starters. Kent has great potential and special teams skills.
His seventh-round value fits the Steelers’ drafting style. They focus on finding hidden talent with high football IQ and solid fundamentals.
Steelers 2025 Draft Strategy & Takeaways
This draft shows Pittsburgh’s effort to strengthen its defence and boost its offence. The team aims for value and balance to stay competitive over time.
- Reinforced Defensive Line: Two DTs drafted to rebuild the ageing front.
- Offensive Depth with Potential: RB and QB added to push starters.
- Smart Value in Late Rounds: Special teams impact from LB/CB picks.
- No WR or TE Picks: Confidence in current pass-catching group.
- Balanced Approach: Four defenders, three offensive players.
Pittsburgh needed cornerback depth behind its starters. Kent has great potential and special teams skills.
His seventh-round value fits the Steelers’ drafting style. They focus on finding hidden talent with high football IQ and solid fundamentals.
How The Steelers Draft Fits The 2025 Roster?
Harmon and Black instantly bolster the D-line rotation. Kaleb Johnson gives the backfield speed.
Sawyer adds youth behind Watt. Will Howard is a wild card at QB. Bruener and Kent fill out the special teams and depth chart.
This draft is simpler and more solid. It focuses on building Pittsburgh’s core with tough, team-oriented players.
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Conclusion: Pittsburgh Picked Seven Players To Boost Defence, Backfield, And Depth
Pittsburgh’s 2025 draft prioritised strength, not showiness. Derrick Harmon led the first round. Kaleb Johnson added big-play energy in the backfield.
The Steelers aimed to strengthen both lines and add quality depth players for the future. Will Howard brings steady quarterback pressure.
Pittsburgh’s tradition lives on with late picks like Bruener and Kent. They are tough, low-key players.
This class may not have star power yet, but it fits the Steelers’ culture. It’s all about tough, smart, and physical football.
If even three of these picks stick, this could be a turning point draft for Tomlin’s next playoff run.
FAQ
Derrick Harmon, a dominant defensive tackle out of Oregon, was selected in Round 1 to strengthen Pittsburgh’s interior defense.
The Steelers picked a total of seven players over six rounds, focusing on both defense and key offensive depth.
Yes, they selected Will Howard from Ohio State in the sixth round, adding a developmental QB with dual-threat potential.
Pittsburgh targeted defensive reinforcements, athleticism in the backfield, and reliable depth across the front seven and secondary.
Yes, linebacker Carson Bruener—whose father Mark Bruener was a former Steelers tight end—continues the family’s black-and-gold legacy.
