The Pittsburgh Steelers have come a long way since the 2022 NFL Draft, when the franchise took a chance on Kenny Pickett in the first round. At the time, it felt like a move made from urgency more than vision. It was understandable, considering the void left by Ben Roethlisberger.
But that moment marked a turning point. It also brought scrutiny while revealing the cost of drafting a quarterback before establishing a foundation.
Fast forward to the 2025 NFL Draft, where clearly the Steelers have learned from their mistakes. Omar Khan—who became the general manager after the 2022 draft—and his staff operated with poise, focus, and a deep understanding of what makes this franchise tick: strength in the trenches, a commitment to physical football, and patience when it matters most.
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Instead of desperately reaching, the Steelers stuck to their identity. They fortified the defensive front with first-rounder Derrick Harmon and fourth-round pick Jack Sawyer—two relentless, physical defenders built for Pittsburgh’s hard-nosed culture.
In the third round, they landed a potential star in Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson, a dynamic blend of power and patience that fits beautifully into the Steelers’ ground-and-pound philosophy.
The Pittsburgh Steelers take a shot on the player they hoped Kenny Pickett would be
By the time the sixth round rolled around, Pittsburgh had already checked off its foundational boxes. That’s when they made what I believe to be one of their savviest moves of the draft—selecting Will Howard, the experienced and steady quarterback from Ohio State.
It was not a panic move. It was the product of careful evaluation and calculated timing. Howard brings composure under pressure, a quick release, and the leadership intangibles that make him a seamless fit in a winning environment like Pittsburgh. He isn’t being thrown into the fire like Pickett once was.
Instead, he enters a system that’s better prepared to groom a quarterback the right way.
To me, that’s the most refreshing part of this draft. The Steelers didn’t chase headlines—they played the long game. They showed remarkable restraint and confidence, trusting their process rather than rushing to fix the past.
It’s a sign of growth, the kind of growth that wins championships.
Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin deserve real credit here. In a pivotal draft moment, they responded not with fear but with maturity. It’s a pleasant sight to see—and it may be the draft that defines the Steelers’ next era.