2025 Steelers NFL Draft Grades: LIVE Assessments of Every Pittsburgh Pick

The Pittsburgh Steelers They have taken a assertive approach during the 2025 off-season with the intention of bouncing back from yet another frustrating postseason defeat.

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 The front office has been busy during this off-season, striving to overhaul the team lineup for the next season. Their primary move happened in early March when they brought in a new wide receiver. DK Metcalf For a second-round selection at number 52 overall, along with a seventh-rounder at number 223.

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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 make up the heart of the Steelers' defense.

Even with this solid base, the Steelers still intend to bolster several positions during the 2025 NFL Draft Quarterback could be one of those positions.

Russell Wilson signed with the Giants and Justin Fields joined the Jets In free agency, a former player who was selected in the third round. Mason Rudolph was brought in during free agency and offers a reliable option as a backup on the depth chart. Nonetheless, both supporters and experts anticipate Pittsburgh to make considerable moves at this position. The team has faced instability at the quarterback spot ever since Ben Roethlisberger retired after the 2021 season. Even so, if Aaron Rodgers indicators, he will become the eldest active player in the NFL, thus providing the team with no long-term plan. .

The renovation process will keep going in the 2025 NFL Draft , where the Steelers have six selections, including the 21st overall pick in the first round.

Take a glance at the Steelers' 2025 draft picks along with the grades provided by USA TODAY Sports and the USA TODAY Network for each of Pittsburgh's selections.

Steelers NFL draft grades

Round 1, Pick 21: Derrick Harmon, Defensive Tackle, Oregon

• Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY Sports: B+

Finding an ideal successor for franchise legend Cameron Heyward might be challenging, but Harmon seems like a great choice. As a standout from Oregon, he anchored one of the top defenses in collegiate football and managed to secure five sacks in 2024. It’s quite a suitable match. However, the Steelers are set to begin their season with Mason Rudolph as the starting quarterback, which isn’t optimal for a squad eyeing postseason play.

• Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY Sports: B+

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

• Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz with USA TODAY Sports : Grade: B+

While not the choice at the tailback position many were anticipating with Shedeur Sanders available, this selection still holds considerable appeal. Johnson has been likened to Le’Veon Bell due to his distinctive and composed running technique, and he might have a more successful career compared to several rushers selected before him.

• Ayrton Ostly, courtesy of USA TODAY Sports : A

This could very well be one of the top matches today. Johnson is a robust, punishing one-cut runner akin to Derrick Henry and DeMarco Murray. While he doesn’t excel in open fields with his pace, he utilizes remarkable composure, strength, and foresight to accumulate significant yardage.

Round 4, Selection 123: Jack Sawyer, Defensive End, Ohio State

• Ayrton Ostly, courtesy of USA TODAY Sports : B+

Sawyer was among the principal players behind Ohio State’s championship-winning defensive unit. Due to measuring shorter than anticipated, he fell from what would have been a probable second-round selection to being picked in the fourth round instead. Even though his arm length is below average, his agility and power ensure he can still serve as a valuable rotation player.

Round 5, Selection 164: Yahya Black, Defensive Tackle from Iowa

• Ayrton Ostly, courtesy of USA TODAY Sports : A-

The Steelers are further reinforcing their defensive line by selecting another defensive tackle in the draft. Black presents impressive abilities when stopping the run, boasting a height of 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 330 pounds, coupled with an 84-inch wingspan. This combination of size and power allows him to easily shed blocks and provides him with the potential to become a formidable pass rusher.

Round 6, Selection 185: Will Howard, Quarterback from Ohio State

• Ayrton Ostly, courtesy of USA TODAY Sports : B+

Pittsburgh urgently needs a quarterback and decides to tackle this issue during the sixth round. Howard, who stands out due to his size and strength, demonstrates consistent throwing techniques and excelled at Ohio State by passing to four players who later became NFL first-round selections. With a powerful arm suitable for deep pass plays and previous experience evading tackles, he fits well into Arthur Smith’s strategy. Although his potential top performance might not be exceptionally high, his minimum expected contribution is quite solid.

Round 7, Pick 226 (via Chiefs): Carson Bruener, LB, University of Washington

• Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY Sports : B

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

• Ayrton Ostly, courtesy of USA TODAY Sports : B

Kent possesses NFL-caliber speed within his 5-foot-10, 187-pound build and has demonstrated success in defensive zones. While he can be overly assertive at times—potentially a drawback at the professional level—he excels as a dependable tackler. This quality is something the Steelers will surely value.

Steelers NFL draft picks

• Round 1 , No. 21 overall: Derrick Harmon, Defensive Tackle, Oregon
• Round 3 , No. 83: Kaleb Johnson, Running Back, Iowa
• Round 4 , No. 123: Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State
• Round 5 , No. 156: Yahya Black, Defensive Tackle, Iowa
• Round 6 , No. 185: Will Howard, Quarterback from Ohio State
• Round 7 , Select 226 (from Chiefs): Carson Bruener, LB, Washington
• Round 7 , Choose 229 (via the Eagles from the Falcons): Donte Kent, CB, Central Michigan

The article initially appeared on USA TODAY: 2025 Steelers NFL Draft scores: Real-time ratings for each Pittsburgh pick