The Pittsburgh Steelers had a chance to take their next franchise quarterback with the No. 21 pick. With only Cam Ward off the board, Pittsburgh had a chance to take the second quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft and they opted to pass on that opportunity.
It was a stunning move after so many expert mock drafts predicted that Shedeur Sanders would be the pick should he fall to No. 21. Instead, Pittsburgh selected Derrick Harmon, a defensive tackle from Oregon.
Steelers bypass Shedeur Sanders, select Oregon DT Derrick Harmon
Pittsburgh allowed nearly 300 rushing yards in the playoff matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, and Art Rooney made it clear that they needed to improve the defensive line this offseason. Pittsburgh released Larry Ogunjobi this offseason and their interior defensive line has been an issue over the last several seasons.
Harmon is one of the top defensive tackles in the class and should be a Day 1 starter for the Steelers. This also gives them a succession plan for Cameron Heyward, who might be entering the final season of his career. Harmon had a career year in 2024, recording 11 tackles for a loss after transferring from Michigan State. However, his overall sack production was a little low with just 8.5 sacks in four collegiate seasons.
But the fact that Pittsburgh passed on Shedeur Sanders and the rest of the quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft. And with their next pick in the later portion of Round 3, it’s unlikely Pittsburgh will take a quarterback early in this class. Instead, look for Pittsburgh to make a heavy push for Aaron Rodgers in free agency with only Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson on the roster.
With the defensive line now addressed in Round 1, look for the Steelers to pick a running back in Round 3 to pair with Jaylen Warren. D.J. Giddens and Bhayshul Tuten are two names to keep an eye on as we enter Day 2 of the draft.