Most draft experts have graded the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 NFL Draft haul with respectable grades. Some are higher on this draft class than others, but the Steelers made some good selections. They prioritized value over just addressing specific needs. It allowed them to get good players later in the process. They did fail to address specific issues on the roster.
Grading the Steelers' draft won't be finalized until each player's career finishes. Pittsburgh has a good opportunity to turn these incoming rookies into a quality group to help their team this season. Steelers general manager Omar Khan appeared to make another terrific class, much like the past two on his resume.
Not all of their picks were great, but it was a solid class that should have plenty of contributors.
1. Steelers 3rd round draft pick: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
According to Daniel Jeremiah's big board heading into the draft, the Steelers robbed the NFL by taking Kaleb Johnson this late. Some experts thought he would go during the second round, but Pittsburgh took him in the second half of the third round. Johnson's poor 40-yard dash time sank his draft stock, but he appears much faster on film. He could be the steal of the entire draft.
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2. Steelers 1st round draft pick: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Steelers Nation wanted Shedeur Sanders over Derrick Harmon in the first round.
Thank goodness the organization didn't listen to them, because Sanders slipped to pick 144. Harmon is a terrific defensive tackle who should help ease the transition from Cam Heyward. Recent medical concerns have come out, but if Harmon stays healthy, he could show better value than Jeremiah perceived.
3. Steelers 4th round draft pick: Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State
It was a luxury pick by Pittsburgh, but you could not pass up the value of Jack Sawyer at this point in the NFL Draft. Jeremiah had him going almost 60 picks earlier than where the Steelers selected him. Sawyer will be the fourth edge rusher behind T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig. The rookie should help slow down the run and give Watt and Highsmith time to breathe on the sideline.
4. Steelers 6th round draft pick: Will Howard, QB, Ohio State
Many around the NFL might be scratching their heads about who will be the Steelers' quarterback this season. That will be Aaron Rodgers when he decides to officially sign. Will Howard in the sixth round is insane value. NFL Network's draft expert had him ranked 100 picks before his eventual selection.
Howard won't be a franchise quarterback, but he could become a reliable backup.
5. Steelers 5th round draft pick: Yahya Black, DT, Iowa
The selection of Yahya Black is where things started to get a little shaky for the Steelers draft.
Some dislike this pick, but Black has proven he can help slow down the opposition's running game. Jeremiah valued Black and had him as a good value for Pittsburgh. The massive defensive tackle cracked his Top 150 prospects, and the Steelers took him with the 164th overall selection. It looks like a good value on paper.
6. Steelers 7th round draft pick: Donte Kent, CB, Central Michigan
There are no slam-dunk picks when you get to this point in the NFL Draft. The Steelers went off the wall by taking Donte Kent with their final pick in this draft. He is a feisty cornerback who can play in the slot, which the team needs. The issue is that he is too inconsistent. He might've made a lot of plays at Central Michigan, but he also got burned a lot in coverage.
7. Steelers 7th round draft pick: Carson Bruener, LB, Washington
Welcome to the football family pick that Mike Tomlin probably spearheaded. Carson Bruener wasn't on most draft boards, but the Steelers wanted to guarantee he ended up where his dad played football. Bruener wasn't much of a reach, and he should help make a splash on special teams. It's a good story, but this linebacker must work hard to make the roster.