The Pittsburgh Steelers made one of the most surprising moves of the 2025 NFL Draft when they selected Ohio State outside linebacker Jack Sawyer with the No. 123 pick. Many fans held their breath, hoping the Steelers would finally invest in their franchise quarterback by taking Shedeur Sanders, a player once projected as a first-rounder.
Instead, Pittsburgh stayed true to their vision: rebuilding a team rooted in physical, punishing football.
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Shedeur Sanders’ dramatic fall to the fourth round felt like a sign from above for Steelers Nation. For weeks leading up to the draft, Sanders was viewed as a future star, and his availability at pick No. 123 seemed almost too good to pass up. Yet, for General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin, it wasn’t enough to deviate from the mission.
Like their earlier selections of defensive standouts, Derrick Harmon and Kaleb Johnson, the Steelers sent a clear message: identity comes first.
The Pittsburgh Steelers nailed their fourth round draft pick with Jack Sawyer
Enter Jack Sawyer, a dynamic edge rusher who mirrors the style, motor, and intangibles of All-Pro T.J. Watt. Described by defensive coordinator Teryl Austin as having “unbelievable intangibles,” Sawyer is exactly the kind of tone-setting defender Pittsburgh has built its legacy around.
His relentless pursuit, versatility in coverage and on the edge, and high football IQ make him a natural fit in the Steelers’ defense — and a prime candidate to eventually take the torch from Watt.
Passing on Shedeur Sanders will naturally sting for some fans, but in truth, the Steelers showed discipline. They refused to overreach for a quarterback simply because of need. In return, they strengthened one of their greatest traditions: getting after the quarterback.
Sawyer may not be the flashy headline grabber Sanders would have been, but he brings foundational value. With Watt, Alex Highsmith, and now Sawyer, the pass rush is primed to dominate.
In a league that still rewards defenses that can disrupt the pocket, the Steelers are doubling down on what they do best.
Fans should be excited. Sawyer isn’t just a safe pick — he’s a Steelers pick. And in Pittsburgh, that still means something.